Let’s know about Can My Dog ​​Eat Sweet Potatoes. Who doesn’t love potatoes ? Whether they’re fried, mashed, or scalloped, both humans and their canine companions love them. But while this starchy staple is considered one of the best comfort foods, it’s healthier counterpart — the sweet potato — actually packs more of a nutritional punch.

But can dogs safely eat potatoes? And can they provide our pets with the same health benefits as they do for humans?

health benefits of sweet potatoes

Although your dog’s body will function best which is when eating a diet that mainly consists of animal proteins, carbohydrates are still often used in moderation. Sweet potatoes contain a range of beneficial vitamins and minerals and as a result, they are becoming an increasingly common ingredient in many homemade and commercially available dog treats and meals.

They are particularly rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as many other nutrients, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron.

This sweet orange starch can sometimes be offered as a treat and may even provide your pet with some health benefits.

Vitamin C can promote the function of white blood cells and even boost a dog’s immune system, while potassium can improve a dog’s blood vessel function, strengthen muscle development, and can replace lost electrolytes.

Sweet potatoes have also been associated with improved vision and even cancer-fighting antioxidants, and they have natural anti-inflammatory properties – meaning they can be great for dogs with food allergies.

Sweet potatoes may also be able to help lower blood pressure and, being an excellent source of dietary fiber, improve digestion.

potential health concerns

However, this certainly isn’t to say that Fido should snack on sweet potatoes every day. At the end of the day, they are a carbohydrate that, if fed too much, can lead to health problems ranging from pancreatitis to diabetes .

You will want to avoid offering potatoes of any kind to dogs with pre-existing health conditions such as obesity or diabetes, as potatoes can cause spikes in blood sugar and lead to weight gain.

According to experts, while white and sweet potatoes are not toxic to our dogs, they may not always be the best choice as a regular part of their diet. Research conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that foods that contain peas, legumes, lentils, and potatoes increase the risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

In this condition of the heart muscle, the heart pumping function as well as the size of the heart are reduced, which can result in congestive heart failure or even sudden cardiac death.

Although generally thought to be a genetic disease, a diet high in carb rich foods such as potatoes may play a role, especially in breeds that would not usually be affected.

how to feed sweet potatoes to your dog

Your dog will most likely love sweet potatoes no matter how they’re prepared, but you’ll want to keep a few important considerations in mind. Potatoes should either be baked or boiled without any additional seasonings including butter, oil, or salt, as they can cause health issues in dogs.

Of course, you can also bake them into your own homemade dog treats or slice a little potato into the inside of a Kong or other puzzle toy.

Both dogs and humans have a digestive system that will break down a potato and store it as fat until the calories are burned immediately, so you can take your dog for an extra long walk or a walk in the backyard. Roam one day they sneak up on sweet potatoes.

Always Avoid Raw Sweet Potatoes

Raw sweet potatoes should always be avoided. Along with tomatoes , potatoes are considered part of the nightshade family of vegetables. They contain a compound called solanine, which can prove toxic to some dogs. Cooking a potato will help in reducing the levels of solanine significantly.

Some symptoms of solanine poisoning (which can happen if your dog accidentally consumes a considerable amount of the skins, stems, or leaves of sweet potatoes) are upset stomach, blurred vision, and heart rate—all of which should be immediately addressed to the animal. Medical attention is required.

Potato skins, stems, and leaves are all off-limits, especially when considering that they can cause intestinal blockages or choking because dogs may not be able to properly digest them.

Always feed sweet potatoes in moderation

Of course, every dog ​​will tolerate different food types differently, so you want to be sure to offer small amounts of sweet potatoes beforehand so that you can monitor your dog for any reactions such as stomach distress. Symptoms.

It’s also a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet, especially if they have known gastrointestinal issues or allergies. Encouraging, however, sweet potatoes are actually known to help each of the digestive issues in puppies and reduce loose stools.