Sweet Potatoes for Dogs: Sweet Perks in These Sweet Treats

Is sweet potato good for dogs?

When you think of tasty snacks for your pet, your first thought might not be of sweet potatoes for dogs. Are sweet potatoes good for dogs? Yes! Sweet potatoes are good for dogs.

Adding veggies to your dog’s diet can have loads of health benefits (as long as you skip the marshmallow topping). According to a study at Purdue University, dogs that had vegetables added to their meals reduced their risk of cancer by 70-90%!

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that sweet potatoes would be one of these veggies/root vegetables. They offer many health benefits in humans, and according to veterinarian Dr. Rachel Barrack, “the health benefits are the same for canines as they are for people.”

Not only are sweet potatoes nutritious, but they’re also delicious. Now that’s a snack to get excited about! Let’s take a look at six reasons why sweet potatoes are good for your dog’s health.

6 Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Your Dog’s Diet

‘Taters, yams, spuds … whatever you call them, sweet potatoes can be a great addition to your dog’s food (in moderation, of course). When dogs eat sweet potatoes they’re getting a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin A, and fiber, among others.

1. Disease-fighting antioxidants

This root vegetable is a powerhouse of nutritional goodness. Unlike white potatoes, sweet potatoes contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and disease-fighting components.

2. Is sweet potato good for dogs skin & coat? You, betcha!

Excellent source of vitamin A, which not only promotes healthy skin and coat, but healthy eyes, nerves, and muscle function. Vitamin A has been found to be essential for forming the pigments that help your eyes absorb light and for protecting the retina.

3. Reduces risk of heart disease and cancer

According to Harvard University’s School of Public Health, sweet potatoes are one of the top sources for beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This antioxidant can help aid the immune system and lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Cooking tip: When shopping for sweet potatoes, the more orange the flesh, the richer in beta-carotene. Boiling them actually retains more of the nutritional value and beta-carotene and vitamin C than baking or frying, especially if you leave the skin on. Dog owners should remove the potato skins before feeding it to your dog as it could cause blockage.

4. Excellent source of vitamins

Sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamins C, vitamin B6 and B5, copper, calcium, dietary fiber, potassium, and iron.

5. Good for digestive health

Sweet potatoes are high in dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively in order for your dog to produce healthy stools.

Tip: Feed sweet potatoes to your dog to alleviate constipation!

6. Make great low-fat treats

A low-fat treat for dogs — smaller sweet potato treats are also low-calorie & make great training treats.

Tasty Tubers: How to Serve Sweet Potatoes to Your Dog

Start with small pieces to avoid intestinal blockage. Pieces that are too large for your dog pose a choking hazard as well.

If you are going to give your dog sweet potatoes (or any kind of potato, for that matter), they must be cooked and free of any seasonings. Remove sweet potato skin.

Raw sweet potatoes will cause stomach upset. Raw white potatoes are especially toxic because they come from the nightshade family, which contains a poisonous compound called solanine.

Remember that your dog’s primary source of nutrition should come from dog food. High-quality kibble is made to contain the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, and nutrients they need.

Speaking of carbohydrates your dog eats…

Only give your dog a bite of a sweet potato or sweet potato treat sparingly, especially if it’s a new food for them. While these tubers are filled with good things, they are also filled with starchy carbs. Too many carbohydrates in your dog’s body is bad news and can lead to obesity and elevated blood sugar. As a result, sweet potatoes are not recommended for diabetic dogs who can’t handle food with a high glycemic index.

Sweet Potatoes For Dogs Are Worth Wagging About!

After the melamine pet food & treat recalls in 2007, pet parents are taking a closer look at where their dog treats are sourced and made before hitting the grocery store shelves. Whether you’re purchasing meaty treats or sweet potato snacks, look for dog treats that have been sourced and made in the USA.

This is due to higher safety standards, and locally sourced ingredients are generally higher quality and fresher, and therefore better for your pet’s health and wellness.

One brand of USA-made sweet potato treats is Wholesome Pride Pet Treats. These dehydrated sweet potato dog treats are 100% natural, single-ingredient whole foods, sourced and made in the USA. This makes their sweet potato chews, sweet potato fries, and mini bites a safe and healthy dog treat alternative that you can give your pups without worry.

Ready to get the sweet perks for your pup with sweet potatoes?

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