If you own a dog or if you care for one, there is no doubt that the benefits of sweet potatoes to dogs are well known. Although you might not know it, sweet potatoes are packed full of many healthy nutrients that can help your pet feel good and stay healthy.
Before you go out and buy sweet potatoes, you should understand the advantages and disadvantages of this treat as well. By knowing the pros and cons, you will be able to make an informed decision regarding which type of sweet potato for dogs you want to use for your animal.
Beneficial for your dog
If you’ve been reading my work before then you know that I’m an advocate of adding new foods to a dog’s diet to make it more healthy. In this case, sweet potatoes would fit into the category of “healthy” because they contain a number of vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for dogs.
These nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, and potassium. These are all things that dogs need in large amounts and in reasonable levels.
It’s also important to note that sweet potatoes aren’t necessarily “bad” for dogs. A recent study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) concluded that both human and dog diets that contain sweet potatoes have the potential for good health.
The best way to eat sweet potato is raw. However, it’s recommended that you cook it to an acceptable internal temperature before giving it to your dog.
Improvements in Health
When considering the advantages of sweet potatoes for dogs, consider their taste and smell. They are very easy to digest and can really make your dog feel better.
In fact, studies have shown that many dogs who ate sweet potatoes regularly experienced improvements in their overall health and well-being. There is nothing like the feeling of fullness after eating a serving of sweet potatoes, so it is easy to see why they are so popular with dogs.
Essential Vitamins
One of the best reasons to use sweet potatoes in your dog’s diet is that they are full of essential vitamins and minerals. Some vitamins that are commonly found in sweet potatoes include folic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, and potassium. These are all important vitamins that dogs need to maintain good health. Vitamins and minerals are also beneficial to your pet’s eyes, skin, bones, and nails.
Anti-oxidants
Another reason to give your dog sweet potatoes is that they contain anti-oxidants. This means that they can fight off disease by preventing damage from the body’s natural defenses. Studies have shown that a diet high in sweet potatoes has been shown to cut down on the development of stomach and intestinal cancer in both dogs and cats. Because these vegetables are rich in phytonutrients, this can also help keep an older dog’s digestive system working properly.
Lots of fiber
Sweet potatoes are also full of a lot of fiber. This means that they can provide all the essential nutrients that your dog needs to maintain a healthy digestive system. Some dogs even find that they have more energy when they eat them. While you can give your dog an apple or two at a meal, it isn’t a good idea to feed him too many potatoes.
Small portions
The first thing you need to understand is that dogs should only eat a small portion of every food. This is because they can actually choke on small pieces of food. Instead, you should give them about half a cup of their food at a time. This is usually less than you would give a cat, and it will be easier on them.
Raw sweet potatoes are toxic
So, how can a dog eat sweet potatoes? You should never give your dog raw potatoes. Raw potatoes contain a lot of toxins and should be avoided by dogs of all ages. Raw potatoes can also cause your dog to choke or even cause an intestinal blockage. When you’re looking for a good source of sweet potatoes, look for ones that are organically grown. It is also important that you boil, bake or mash the sweet potato to soften it up, and peel it, and make sure that it is not hot before giving it to your dog.
Consult your Vet
If your dog has diarrhea, vomiting or a rise in flatulence discontinue giving the dog more sweet potato. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing sweet potato in your dog’s diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sweet potato can I give my dog?
If you want to start to give your dog some sweet potato it’s best to start in smaller quantities. For a small dog I would recommend one tablespoon and for a large dog no more than 2 tablespoons.
Can I feed my dog sweet potato every day?
It is a great idea to incorporate sweet potatoes into your dogs diet every day. You will want to start by introducing it to your dog in small quantities. This is the best way to monitor your dog for any bad reactions such as an upset stomach.
Conclusion
As the above mentioned, one of the best benefits of Sweet Potatoes for dogs is the fact that they can help your dog’s immune system. to be strong enough to fight off infection. By having a balanced diet for your dog that contains these nutrients, your dog can live a longer life and stay healthy.
Another great thing that you can get from using Sweet Potatoes for dogs is the fact that they will make your dog more energetic and less lethargic. If your dog spends most of its time sitting still, then you should think of using sweet potatoes for your dog in their food because these can help in making them more active. Since they will give your dog energy and they are high in fiber content, your dog will be able to have a more active lifestyle which is good for them.
Although these are the benefits of Sweet Potatoes for dogs, it is important for you to remember that these kinds of vegetables cannot be used in the form of table scraps or raw meat that you can only eat for your pet. Therefore, if you want to add these special kinds of vegetables to their diet, you need to prepare a dish that is already cooked using the appropriate type of potato.
