Sweet potatoes are a popular human food. It’s cooked in several ways and has a delicious, sweet, and savory flavor. But does that make it safe for dogs? Can dogs eat raw sweet potatoes?
Your precious pup depends on you for everything. It trusts you with its life, day in and day out. Likewise, you trust your pup with your life and love them to bits. As a matter of fact, there isn’t much a dog owner wouldn’t do to ensure their dog lives its best life. And providing your dog with a healthy and nutritional diet is at the top of that list.
Introducing your dog to new foods is always exciting and eye-opening. Your dog may enjoy new foods or may turn away from what you offer. Either way, it’s a great idea to give them new food to provide them with more variety.
Let’s take a closer look at the sweet potato and whether it’s safe to feed your dog.
Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs?
Although sweet potatoes have a lot of health benefits because they are jam-packed with good things like vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, unfortunately, raw sweet potatoes are a no-go for your pup.
Feeding your dog raw sweet potatoes is not a good idea because they are very hard, making them difficult to chew. Most dogs swallow big bites of their food, which can lead to an upset stomach and cause intestinal blockage.
Raw sweet potato for dogs is a choking hazard. Your best bet is to cook the sweet potato before giving it to your pup.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato has several health benefits. When fed cooked in small amounts, it can be a treasure trove of nutrients your dog’s body will thank you for!
However, when cooking it for your dog, it’s best to keep it bland and not add any seasonings or butter.
Here’s a list of the nutrients stored in sweet potato:
Fiber
Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, which helps move along the digestive process and adds bulk to the dog’s stool. It helps prevent diarrhea or constipation.
Vitamins and Minerals
Sweet potato is full of vitamins and minerals essential for your dog’s overall health and body function. These include vitamin A, crucial for healthy skin and coat, muscle development, eye health, and nerves. They also have high levels of vitamin C, B vitamins, manganese, potassium, and calcium.
Antioxidants
Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of antioxidants that help fight diseases and keep the immune system strong.
Low in Fat
Sweet potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, yet they are low in fat. This makes them an excellent choice for dogs that need to lose weight or are diabetic.
Can Dogs Have Raw Sweet Potatoes?
Unfortunately, no. Your dog cannot have raw sweet potatoes. If you want to feed your dog sweet potato, it’s best to grill, bake, or boil it.
Raw sweet potato has a dense and thick interior, making it hard to chew and swallow. Since most dogs eat very quickly or ‘inhale’ their food, the chances of your dog choking on sweet potatoes are very high.
Because sweet potato is rich in carbohydrates, it has a fibrous and hard interior. This makes it hard for your dog’s digestive system to digest it. It may cause a blockage in your dog’s digestive tract, which can become life-threatening. Therefore, it’s best to avoid giving your dog raw sweet potato, even if it’s a tiny bit, to avoid any risks.
What to Do If My Dog Ate Raw Sweet Potatoes?
If your dog has ever gotten around to eating something they shouldn’t, you know how horrifying it can be! However, the good news is that sweet potato is not toxic for dogs, so your dog won’t suffer long-term health problems.
But, as raw sweet potato is tough and dense, it can cause your dog to throw up, abdominal pain, and discomfort. The best thing to do is watch your dog carefully for the next day or two. If they get sick, don’t worry; you can feed them pumpkin puree. Also, ensure that they always have fresh and clean drinking water.
A small amount of raw sweet potato should be fine for your dog, but make sure they don’t get a big amount of it… that could be dangerous!
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skins?
It may be tempting to chuck the skins off raw sweet potatoes to your dog rather than throw them in the trash, but it’s best to avoid it! Feeding your dog raw sweet potato skins is as dangerous as feeding it the interior of the sweet potato. They are also thick and dense and can lead to choking. They can be especially dangerous for smaller dogs. So, throw them out!
Can My Puppy Eat Raw Sweet Potato?
No! Puppies are still growing, and their digestive systems are still developing. They cannot digest raw sweet potato. Avoid giving your puppy raw sweet potato at all costs. If it eats some, consult your vet immediately.
Conclusion
We love our furry friends immensely, and in that unconditional love, we can often make the mistake of offering them food that may be harmful. Raw sweet potatoes should not be offered to your dog. Although it is not toxic or poisonous for dogs, the tough texture can cause choking and make it difficult for them to digest.
To avoid untoward circumstances, only giving them the food your vet recommends is best. All human foods are not acceptable for dogs, and raw sweet potato is one of them.
For more insights on caring for your dog, check out our article Can I Walk My Dog 30 Minutes After Eating?.
FAQs
Can Dogs Eat Uncooked Sweet Potatoes?
No, it’s best to give your dog cooked and soft sweet potato because uncooked sweet potato can lead to blockage in your dog’s digestive system.
How Much Sweet Potato Can I Give My Dog?
Always make sure you give your dog a cooked sweet potato. Sweet potato should be offered as a treat and in moderation. Larger dogs can have 1-2 tablespoons, and smaller dogs should be given 1-2 teaspoons.
