Sweet Potatoes Are Safe for Dogs
First, dogs can safely eat sweet potatoes or yams. If you see yams in the grocery store, these might not be “true” yams, but a soft variety of sweet potato that was conveniently called a yam to differentiate it from firm sweet potatoes. Either way, yams and sweet potatoes are nontoxic to dogs and cats, says Ahna Brutlag, DVM, with Pet Poison Helpline, an organization that answers potential poisoning questions for veterinarians and pet owners.
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they show up on Pet Poison Helplines list of food thats safe to feed pets. Some dog owners and cat owners even feed cooked or canned sweet potato or pumpkin for extra dietary fiber to constipated pets. Keep in mind, though, that extra fiber can sometimes cause diarrhea. Brutlag says that a pet-friendly dietary fiber supplement might be a more effective choice: “Your cat or dog would need to eat a lot of pumpkin or sweet potato [to manage the problem].”
When making changes to a dogs diet, its always best to check with your veterinarian.
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Update: Recent research has suggested that sweet potatoes, while not poisonous, may not be appropriate for a dog’s diet.
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.
Can dogs be allergic to sweet potatoes?
Yes, and no. Sweet potatoes are considered a whole food, meaning your dog is less likely to have an immune response or sensitivity to them. However, whenever you offer your pooch a new food, watch for any itchiness, breathing difficulties, or rashes.
Because sweet potatoes are a starchy carbohydrate, dogs with yeast or candida issues (ear infections or excessive itchiness) should be monitored for symptom flares. Carbohydrates turn to sugar in a body, and sugar feeds yeast or candida.
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes? | Petmoo #DogFoodGuide
Can dogs eat sweet potato? Yes, they can! So long as they’re served up plain — sorry, pups, no sweet potato fries for you! — your dog can enjoy this starchy, yet sweet vegetable cooked, boiled, steamed, baked or even dehydrated. And the best part is that sweet potatoes are available at most grocery stores year-round, inexpensive, and easy to prepare.
We spoke with Dr. Katrin Ventocilla, DVM, owner of PACK Animal Care in Lorton, Virginia, for tips and advice on how to include sweet potatoes in your pup’s diet.