How to feed sweet potato to dog?

When feeding your dog a sweet potato, make sure it's cooked and that the skin is removed; leaving the skin on makes it harder for your dog to digest. You should never feed your dog a raw sweet potato. Not only are they difficult to chew, but they can upset your dog's stomach and potentially cause intestinal blockage.

You’ve heard of sweet potato fries, mashed sweet potatoes, and even sweet potato pie!

On a quest to lead healthier lives, many people are replacing white potatoes with their vibrant counterpart, sweet potatoes (hold the Thanksgiving brown sugar and marshmallow edition).

But is the switch safe for all our family members?

We need to answer the most important question yet — can dogs eat sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes originated in the Americas in the 15th century, becoming a staple crop with the arrival of Christopher Columbus. In love with the taste, Columbus eventually brought the orange potato back to Spain, and by the 16th century they quickly dominated European gardens.

Are sweet potatoes and yams the same vegetable?

Despite the fact that the terms sweet potatoes and yams are often used interchangeably in the states, they are actually quite different from one another.

Although both are underground tuber vegetables, yams are drier and starchier than sweet potatoes and are typically only found in specialty markets. Your everyday local grocery store likely carries sweet potatoes.

While sweet potatoes have become very popular in recent years, you’re probably still more accustomed to seeing white potatoes. Sweet potatoes, however, have more fiber and Vitamins C and A than a white potato.

The short answer is…yes!

Dr. Gary Richter, veterinarian and member of Rover’s Dog People panel of experts, advocates for including fresh and healthy foods like sweet potatoes into your dog’s diet. He explains, “the closer to fresh, whole food diets you feed, the healthier your dog is likely to be.”

Baked, boiled or mashed potatoes should only be given to dogs on occasion, however. It’s most common to boil, freeze, and/or dehydrate sweet potatoes for dogs. But be sure to start off with small amounts, your dog may not like the taste or they could have a sensitive stomach. If you want to mix sweet potato into their dry kibble for extra nutrition, try steaming or boiling the sweet potatoes, whichever works best for you.

Make sure to keep your dog away from the processed and fried potatoes like French fries, potato chips, potato skins, and baked potatoes piled high with flavorful and fatty toppings.

Sweet potato is a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits (and a sweet flavor they’ll likely love). For example, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system thanks to their high dietary fiber content. They’re also low in fat and contain essential vitamins like  B6, C, and A.

Beta-Carotene

Have you ever wondered what gives sweet potatoes their yellow, gold, or orange (and sometimes even purple) coloring? It’s beta-carotene!

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer while simultaneously providing protection against heart disease.

“Each Beta-carotene converts to two molecules of Vitamin A in your dog’s body, which is essential for your dog’s vision, bone growth, skin and reproduction,” Steve Doerr, Technical Director and Research and Development Scientist at Redbarn Pet Products said.”

Symptoms of serious Beta-carotene or Vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, poor skin quality, abnormal bone/teeth development, and abnormal reproductive development.

Fun Fact: Dogs can convert beta-carotene to Vitamin A. Cats cannot; they must directly consume preformed Vitamin A.

Rich Source of Fiber

Sweet potatoes are second on the list of top vegetables high in fiber.

One of the main reasons for adding fiber to a dog’s diet is to encourage regular, healthy bowel movements.

Sweet potatoes are also used to alleviate constipation and diarrhea, depending on the fiber type. Some diets have higher fiber content to displace calories, increase a feeling of fullness, and help a pet lose weight.

When observing your dog, If you see your pet repeatedly straining then a vet check is strongly advised.

More Health Promoting Vitamins

According to PETMD, sweet potatoes are one of the best dietary sources of vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin, coat, eyes, nerves, and muscles in dogs. Sweet potatoes are also a rich source of vitamins A, C,  B6, potassium, calcium, and iron, just to name a few!

Healthier Alternative

While it is true that white potatoes are cheaper than sweet potatoes, they offer less nutritional value. Because they contain more carbohydrates, white potatoes can potentially be one of many factors to cause blood sugar problems and obesity. That said, sweet potatoes are also primarily carbohydrates so don’t go overboard and only add a limited amount to your dog’s diet.

When adding any new food to your dog’s diet, be sure to check with your vet before making the transition.

Did you know? One cup of cooked sweet potato contains approximately 5.94 grams of fiber.

According to the USDA, one medium baked sweet potato with skin contains 103 calories, 2.29 grams of protein, 23.6 grams of carbohydrates, 0.27 grams of fat, 3.8 grams of fiber and 7.39 grams of sugar.

A medium baked white potato with skin, on the other hand, contains 115 calories, 2.49 grams of protein, 0.06 grams of fat, 26.71 grams of carbohydrates, 4.6 grams of fiber, and 0.81 grams of sugar. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins C and B, as well as potassium.

Sweet potatoes are mainly composed of carbs.

“Most of the carbs come from starch, but sweet potatoes also contain a decent amount of fiber,” Steve said. “A medium-sized sweet potato (boiled, without any skin) contains 27 grams of carbs.”

You can find more nutrition information on the official USDA.GOV website.

The best and easiest way to treat your dog to sweet potatoes is to steam or boil them— do not add any seasonings to the pieces you feed your dog. These methods help retain more nutritional value than roasting. And remember, start by giving your dog a small amount.

“Depending on the size of your dog, start with between a teaspoon and a tablespoon,” Steve Doerr said. “Pet owners should consult a veterinarian before feeding sweet potatoes to dogs, as too much vitamin A can cause bone problems and muscle weakness, and a sudden increase in fiber could create gastrointestinal issues, so start slow!”

For a safe and easy way to include sweet potato as part of a complete meal, try Redbarn's Grain-Free Land Recipe or Grain-Free Sky Recipe Dry Dog Foods.

Sweet potatoes are loved by humans and pets alike. They’re yummy and packed with nutrients! These vegetables feature a high amount of fiber, which is great for promoting gut health in your pooch.

Packed with vitamins like B6, A, and C, these vegetables are nutritious and low-fat while remaining delicious. These vegetables can be used to calm diarrhea and promote healthy digestion. Best of all, these are veggies you likely already have in your pantry – and can prepare in a multitude of ways for a dog!

It’s always responsible for a pet owner to make sure that a new treat is safe for your pet before you serve it to them. Dogs’ bodies are quite different from ours; what is safe for us might not be for them!

Thankfully, sweet potatoes are safe to feed your pup. Sweet potatoes are a whole food. They are much less likely to produce an immune reaction or GI symptoms in your dog. Plus, these potatoes have nutrients that can help your dog stay healthy!

However, if your dog is diabetic or overweight, exercise caution when feeding sweet potatoes. These potatoes have a high glycemic index (high sugar) which makes them super sweet, but also, not ideal for a pooch who needs low sugar consumption.

You should feed sweet potatoes in moderation, as a treat or a thin topping on a bowl of food. However, sweet potatoes are a much healthier alternative to some of the pre-made dog treats out there!

Ready to get in the kitchen? There are many ways to prepare sweet potatoes – you can mash them up or bake them into a hard treat. However, there are some important guidelines to follow when preparing a sweet potato for a dog.

When preparing a sweet potato to feed your dog, do the following:

Generally, sweet potatoes should be looked at as a treat. Sweet potatoes are a carbohydrate that dogs need, but they should not be a central part of their diet. Dogs need healthy, animal-based protein most; sweet potato should never be a substitute for a protein-rich meal.

These potatoes offer a delicious taste and tons of vitamins! One is vitamin A. Vitamin A is great for a dog in small quantities. However, too much vitamin A can cause bone fragility and muscle weakness. This is why moderation is so important!

Any time you introduce a new food, talk to your vet first. The vet will likely give you tips on how much should be fed, or if there are any reasons you shouldn’t feed sweet potatoes to your dogs, such as diabetes or obesity. Dog nutrition varies based on the individual dog and its needs.

In general, less is more when it comes to treats like sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are versatile – there are a bunch of ways they can be prepared! When preparing these for a dog, think about how you intend to use them. For example, if you intend to use sweet potatoes as a reward during training time, you likely want to bake them into a crunchy treat.

Below you’ll find some quick and easy recipes for preparing sweet potatoes for your pooch!

These treats are small and easy to offer as a reward during training or walks. They also take only one ingredient: sweet potatoes! You can easily make these treats with the kitchenware you already have around your home.

Ingredients for sweet potato dog treats:

How to make sweet potato dog treats:

Violà! Once you remove your baking sheet and let the sweet potato snacks cool, you have a batch of delicious dog treats for a fraction of what you would have paid at the store.

Your dog will go wild for some mashed sweet potatoes! This recipe can be used on top of kibble in a thin layer to entice a picky eater to eat its kibble. Or give it to your dog as an occasional standalone treat! Either way, dogs will love the sweet and creamy deliciousness this recipe offers.

Ingredients for sweet potato mash:

Serve the mashed sweet potatoes to your pup and watch their happy tail wag!

Sweet potatoes are versatile, safe for dogs, and contain lots of healthy nutrients, too. Always consult with your vet before feeding new foods, especially if your dog has preexisting health issues or dietary restrictions. There are plenty of ways to safely prepare sweet potatoes. These delicious treats are sure to be appreciated by your pup (and you’ll appreciate how easy they are to make)!

As you’re digging into a comforting holiday side of baked sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows and brown sugar, your thoughts may naturally wander to, “Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?” Much like humans, dogs can eat sweet potatoes — minus the marshmallows and sugar — in moderation to receive a number of health benefits.

Like strawberries, sweet potatoes can be a nice switch up from savory flavors typically found in a dog’s diet. Like cucumbers, sweet potatoes are considered a superfood by nutritionists – packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Compared to white potatoes, sweet potatoes are more versatile, lower in starch, and non-toxic if your dog accidentally ingests them raw. Ultimately, among all the foods you’re wondering whether or not your dog can eat, sweet potatoes can add nutritional value to your dog’s diet.

In fact, you’ll find many pet food and dog treat manufacturers include sweet potatoes in their products. They’re also found in some limited-ingredient or grain-free kibble formulas for dogs with food allergies. There are some concerns with this, which we’ll look at later in this article. For now, let’s look closer at the sweet potato to see why (and how) these tubers can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet.

Sweet potatoes can be safe for dogs to eat if they are:

“Safe amounts” of any food will vary based on your pet’s size, age, and health status. As with many other fruits or vegetables, sweet potatoes should be fed to your dog in moderation and as occasional treats, not as part of a regular diet. Too much of a good thing, even if it’s nutritious, should be offered in small amounts first to avoid any allergic response or intolerance.

With sweet potatoes, the high fiber content can lead to diarrhea in dogs, while too much vitamin A can cause bone and muscle weakness.

Consider the following tips when preparing to feed your dog sweet potatoes:

Considered a whole superfood, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals that benefit the health of dogs and dog owners alike.

While many dogs eat sweet potatoes without incident, you should consider your dog’s diet carefully, as canine health may vary. Risks may outweigh the benefits of sweet potatoes in a dog’s diet if your pet has:

Sweet potatoes are not toxic to dogs. While dogs digest boiled or baked sweet potatoes better, a raw piece is not likely to cause harm.

Freeze-dried or dehydrated sweet potatoes are a great snack for dogs. When prepared this way, the moisture content is removed, without sacrificing nutrients or flavor.

Avoid feeding your dog frozen, commercially prepared human-grade sweet potatoes like sweet potato fries, as these products may contain harmful additives. You may, however, freeze a fresh sweet potato for up to six months to maintain freshness. We recommend cooking before serving, as dogs tend to enjoy the taste more and it’s easier on their stomachs.

If your dog is prone to having loose poop, you may find the added fiber content from sweet potatoes firms the stool up slightly. On the other hand, too much sweet potato can cause the stool to become runnier. It’s best to introduce a small amount at a time.

Allergic reactions are rare, but possible with any new food. When introducing sweet potatoes to your dog’s diet, watch out for itchiness, breathing difficulties, or rashes. If necessary, your vet can perform allergy tests for your dog.

Sweet potatoes can be a nutritious treat for your furry friend – and it’s fun to see your pup perk up once they find a new flavor. As always, check with your vet before you add any new food to your dog’s diet – in this case, especially if your dog has kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, is overweight, or has a chronic ear or skin infection.

As you’re digging into a comforting holiday side of baked sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows and brown sugar, your thoughts may naturally wander to, “Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?” Much like humans, dogs can eat sweet potatoes — minus the marshmallows and sugar — in moderation to receive a number of health benefits.

Like strawberries, sweet potatoes can be a nice switch up from savory flavors typically found in a dog’s diet. Like cucumbers, sweet potatoes are considered a superfood by nutritionists – packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Compared to white potatoes, sweet potatoes are more versatile, lower in starch, and non-toxic if your dog accidentally ingests them raw. Ultimately, among all the foods you’re wondering whether or not your dog can eat, sweet potatoes can add nutritional value to your dog’s diet.

In fact, you’ll find many pet food and dog treat manufacturers include sweet potatoes in their products. They’re also found in some limited-ingredient or grain-free kibble formulas for dogs with food allergies. There are some concerns with this, which we’ll look at later in this article. For now, let’s look closer at the sweet potato to see why (and how) these tubers can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet.

Sweet potatoes can be safe for dogs to eat if they are:

“Safe amounts” of any food will vary based on your pet’s size, age, and health status. As with many other fruits or vegetables, sweet potatoes should be fed to your dog in moderation and as occasional treats, not as part of a regular diet. Too much of a good thing, even if it’s nutritious, should be offered in small amounts first to avoid any allergic response or intolerance.

With sweet potatoes, the high fiber content can lead to diarrhea in dogs, while too much vitamin A can cause bone and muscle weakness.

Consider the following tips when preparing to feed your dog sweet potatoes:

Considered a whole superfood, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals that benefit the health of dogs and dog owners alike.

While many dogs eat sweet potatoes without incident, you should consider your dog’s diet carefully, as canine health may vary. Risks may outweigh the benefits of sweet potatoes in a dog’s diet if your pet has:

Sweet potatoes are not toxic to dogs. While dogs digest boiled or baked sweet potatoes better, a raw piece is not likely to cause harm.

Freeze-dried or dehydrated sweet potatoes are a great snack for dogs. When prepared this way, the moisture content is removed, without sacrificing nutrients or flavor.

Avoid feeding your dog frozen, commercially prepared human-grade sweet potatoes like sweet potato fries, as these products may contain harmful additives. You may, however, freeze a fresh sweet potato for up to six months to maintain freshness. We recommend cooking before serving, as dogs tend to enjoy the taste more and it’s easier on their stomachs.

If your dog is prone to having loose poop, you may find the added fiber content from sweet potatoes firms the stool up slightly. On the other hand, too much sweet potato can cause the stool to become runnier. It’s best to introduce a small amount at a time.

Allergic reactions are rare, but possible with any new food. When introducing sweet potatoes to your dog’s diet, watch out for itchiness, breathing difficulties, or rashes. If necessary, your vet can perform allergy tests for your dog.

Sweet potatoes can be a nutritious treat for your furry friend – and it’s fun to see your pup perk up once they find a new flavor. As always, check with your vet before you add any new food to your dog’s diet – in this case, especially if your dog has kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, is overweight, or has a chronic ear or skin infection.

From the UC Davis School of Medicine: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued an alert about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that leads to reduced heart pumping function and increased heart size. The alterations in heart function and structure can result in severe consequences such as congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac death. While the most common cause of DCM is genetic, on rare occasions other factors can also result in the condition, particularly in breeds that are not frequently affected.”

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that sweet potatoes are often found on lists of foods you should eat. They offer an abundance of health benefits, along with tasting delicious. But can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Yes, they can.

“The health benefits are the same for canines as they are for people,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a licensed veterinarian and certified veterinary acupuncturist at Animal Acupuncture in New York City.

Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively. Eating fiber on a regular basis lowers the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

“Because sweet potatoes are a whole food, they are less likely to cause an immune response or damage to the digestive tract,” says Kathleen Standafer Lopez, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “This is why they are a popular source of carbohydrate in commercial dog foods.”

Sweet potatoes are also low in fat and rich in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, potassium, and iron (each play a vital role in overall wellness). For example, vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyes, muscles, nerves, and skin. And vitamin C is critical for a properly functioning immune system. Studies have found that dogs, just like humans, show greater resistance to disease and have a better chance of recovery from injuries or illness when supplemented with vitamin C.

For dogs that are diabetic, overweight, or less active, owners should proceed carefully and only give their dog a minimal amount of sweet potatoes. “They should be incorporated with caution in the diets of diabetic dogs, due to a high glycemic index,” says Dr. Barrack.

When feeding your dog a sweet potato, make sure it’s cooked and that the skin is removed; leaving the skin on makes it harder for your dog to digest. You should never feed your dog a raw sweet potato. Not only are they difficult to chew, but they can upset your dog’s stomach and potentially cause intestinal blockage. Some dogs are known to “inhale” their food, so making sure the potato is of a soft consistency lessons the risk of choking.

Like with any food, moderation is key. The amount given should be based on a variety of factors, such as your dog’s size, activity level, and overall health. “Too much of a good thing can cause bone and muscle weakness, due to excessive vitamin A,” Dr. Barrack stresses.