Can My Dog Eat Sweet Potato?

As sweet potatoes become increasingly popular in health-conscious kitchens across Canada, many pet parents find themselves wondering: "Can my dog eat sweet potato too?" Whether you've caught your pup eyeing your dinner plate or you're simply looking for nutritious treat alternatives for your four-legged friend, you've come to the right place!

Quick Quiz: Test Your Sweet Spud Knowledge!

Before we dig in, let's see what you already know about dogs and sweet potatoes:

1. Can dogs eat raw sweet potato?
2. Are sweet potato skins safe for dogs?
3. Can sweet potatoes help with doggy tummy troubles?

(Keep reading to find all the answers!)

Can My Dog Eat Sweet Potato? The Short Answer

Yes, dogs can eat sweet potato! In fact, sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse that can be a healthy addition to your canine companion's diet when prepared properly. These orange-fleshed tubers are packed with:

• Dietary fibre
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Potassium
• Beta-carotene (that's what gives them that gorgeous orange colour!)

Many premium dog foods already include sweet potato as an ingredient. It's particularly popular in novel ingredient formulations where it serves as a nutritious, complex carbohydrate alternative.

How Much Sweet Potato is Safe for Dogs?

While sweet potatoes offer numerous health benefits, moderation is key—as with any treat! Too much of a good thing can lead to digestive upset or potential weight gain.

A good rule of thumb: Sweet potato should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily food intake.

For reference:

• Small dogs (under 10kg): 1-2 tablespoons of cooked sweet potato
• Medium dogs (10-25kg): 2-3 tablespoons of cooked sweet potato
• Large dogs (over 25kg): 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cooked sweet potato

Remember that every dog is different! Some may have more sensitive tummies than others, so it's always best to introduce any new food gradually and monitor for any changes in behaviour or digestion.

Can Dogs Eat Regular Potatoes Too?

This is where things get a bit more complicated. While sweet potatoes are generally safe and nutritious for dogs, regular (white) potatoes come with some important caveats:

• Never feed raw potatoes to your dog, as they contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic to dogs
• Avoid green potatoes or those with sprouts, as they contain higher levels of solanine
• Plain, boiled, or baked potatoes (no butter, salt, or seasonings) are safe in moderation when thoroughly cooked
• Potato skins from regular potatoes should be removed before feeding to dogs

While cooked white potatoes aren't toxic, they offer less nutritional value than sweet potatoes and may have a higher glycemic index depending on cooking methods—making sweet potatoes the slightly superior spud choice for your furry friend.

Can Sweet Potato Help with Dog Diarrhea or Upset Stomach?

Many Canadian pet parents have discovered that sweet potato can indeed be a tummy-tamer for dogs experiencing mild digestive issues. Here's why:

• The high fibre content can help firm up loose stools
• Cooked sweet potatoes are fairly gentle on the digestive system
• They provide easily digestible energy during recovery
• The bland nature makes them suitable for sensitive stomachs

If your dog is experiencing diarrhea or an upset stomach, a small amount of plain, cooked sweet potato mixed with a bland protein like boiled chicken can help settle things down. However, if symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours, it's time to visit your veterinarian as dehydration can become an issue.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Sweet Potato?

No, dogs should not eat raw sweet potato. Raw sweet potatoes are difficult for dogs to digest and may cause intestinal blockage or upset. The firm texture also presents a potential choking hazard.

Additionally, raw sweet potatoes contain compounds that can cause digestive discomfort in dogs. Always cook sweet potatoes thoroughly before sharing them with your four-legged friend!

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Sweet Potato?

Absolutely yes! Cooked sweet potato is the safest and most digestible form for dogs. Cooking breaks down the starches, making the beneficial nutrients more bioavailable and easier on your pup's digestive system.

The best cooking methods include:

• Baking
• Boiling
• Steaming

Just remember to keep it plain—no butter, oil, salt, sugar, or seasonings (especially no nutmeg, which can be toxic to dogs).

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes Unpeeled?

While sweet potato skins aren't toxic to dogs like some other vegetable peels might be, they can be difficult to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs.

For the safest approach, especially when first introducing sweet potato to your dog's diet, it's best to remove the peel. If your dog has proven to have a sturdy stomach and you've washed the sweet potato thoroughly (particularly important for produce that may have pesticide residue), small amounts of skin are generally okay.

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes for Dogs

Ready to prepare some sweet potato goodness for your canine companion? Here's a simple, dog-friendly recipe:

Basic Cooked Sweet Potato for Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato
• Water

Instructions:

1. Wash the sweet potato thoroughly
2. Peel the sweet potato (recommended, especially for dogs with sensitive digestion)
3. Cut into 1-inch cubes for faster, even cooking
4. Place in a pot and cover with water
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender
6. Drain and allow to cool completely before serving
7. Mash or serve in small, bite-sized pieces depending on your dog's preference

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portioning.

Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Want to get a bit fancier? Try these simple homemade sweet potato dog biscuits:

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 2 cups whole wheat or oat flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F)
2. Mix all ingredients until a dough forms
3. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness
4. Cut into desired shapes
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hardened
6. Allow to cool completely before serving

These make perfect training treats or special rewards!

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something They Shouldn't

Despite our best efforts, dogs sometimes get into foods they shouldn't eat. If your dog has consumed something potentially harmful (like chocolate, grapes, or xylitol-containing products), take these steps:

1. Don't panic, but act quickly
2. Contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately
3. If your pet has a Pets Plus Us plan, you can use our Pet Poison Helpline® - a 24/7 animal poison control service that can assist you if you think your pet has ingested a toxic substance.
4. Have important information ready: 
   1. What they ate
   2. How much they consumed
   3. When they ate it
   4. Your dog's weight
   5. Any symptoms they're showing

For sweet potato specifically, if your dog has eaten raw sweet potato or sweet potato with seasonings unsafe for dogs, monitor for signs of digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.

Finding the Right Balance

Like many aspects of pet ownership, finding the right nutritional balance for our dogs can be tricky! Sweet potato can be a nutritious addition to your dog's diet, but it shouldn't replace their regular, balanced dog food.

Consider sweet potato as a wholesome treat or occasional food topper rather than a dietary staple. If you're interested in home-cooking for your dog or making significant changes to their diet, consult with your veterinarian first.

The Bottom Line

Sweet potatoes can be a nutritious, fibre-rich addition to your dog's diet when properly prepared. They're versatile, readily available year-round in our Canadian grocery stores, and most dogs find them deliciously appealing!

Remember these key takeaways:

• Yes, dogs can eat sweet potato when properly cooked
• No raw sweet potatoes
• Moderation is important
• Plain is best—no seasonings or additions
• Monitor for any digestive changes when introducing sweet potato

Insurance Protection for Peace of Mind

While we strive to make informed decisions about our dogs' diets, accidents can happen. Even the most vigilant pet parents may find themselves rushing to the vet after their curious canine has sampled something questionable. Pet insurance can help provide valuable peace of mind and financial protection in these situations.

Many policies, like our accident and illness plans, can help cover the costs associated with eligible emergency veterinary visits, diagnostic tests, and treatments related to accidental ingestion. Having coverage in place can help you focus on getting your dog the care they need quickly, rather than worrying about the cost of emergency treatment.