Should You Give Your Dog Sweet Potatoes? Let Me Convince You

I still remember one evening in the kitchen, meal-prepping for dinner. I was chopping sweet potatoes when Kira plopped herself by my feet, nose twitching, eyes locked on the cutting board.

She was practically willing me to drop a piece of that sweet orange goodness.

But I hesitated.

Can dogs even eat sweet potatoes?

I’d never given her any before, and I didn’t want to risk upsetting her tummy. So, like any careful dog parent, I did my homework before letting her have even a nibble. Yes, I checked with our vet at Jeeva Hospital, too.

Turns out, sweet potatoes are a common ingredient in many dog foods and treats. And that was a relief. Now, they’ve become one of Kira’s favorite snacks… in moderation, of course.

So, sweet potatoes for your pup? Yes, please!

Happy pups, happy paw-rents!

Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs

After I figured out that sweet potatoes were okay for Kira, I had to dig into the “why.”

Sweet potatoes are a little powerhouse of goodness. Here’s the scoop on what I found.

High in fiber for happy tummies

Sweet potatoes are packed with dietary fiber, which helps keep a dog’s digestion regular and healthy.

A medium sweet potato (about 100 g, cooked, boiled, without skin) contains roughly 2.5 grams of dietary fiber and 1.37 grams of protein.

Fun fact: The fiber is soluble primarily (good for gut health), but sweet potatoes also have a decent amount of insoluble fiber, which helps keep digestion moving along. This is something we should keep in mind for both humans and dogs.

That being said, if your pup ever has ahem poop problems, a little fiber boost from a sweet potato might help.

Vitamin-Rich and Great for Eyesight

You know what’s cool about sweet potatoes? That gorgeous orange color is packed with beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A once your dog eats it.

Vitamin A is a superhero for your pup’s health. It keeps their eyes bright and sharp, boosts their immune system, and supports healthy growth. Basically, it’s the same reason we snack on carrots.

And it doesn’t stop there. 

Sweet potatoes also have vitamins C and B6, plus minerals like potassium and manganese. It acts like nature’s little multivitamin… only it comes in the form of a tasty root your dog will want to eat.

Low in Fat, Low in Calories

As treats go, sweet potatoes are pretty waistline-friendly. 

They satisfy Kira’s snack cravings without packing on the pounds, since they’re low in fat and relatively low in calories. This was a big plus for me.

I can treat her without feeling too guilty or worrying about weight gain (especially compared to biscuits or chicken treats).

Antioxidants and Immune Support

Sweet potatoes have antioxidants (as mentioned before, beta-carotene and vitamin C) that help fight free radicals and support overall health.

Antioxidant	What It Does for Dogs
Beta-carotene & Alpha-carotene	Converts to vitamin A; supports vision, skin, and immune health
Vitamin C	Boosts immunity, reduces inflammation
Vitamin E	Protects cells from oxidative stress; supports skin and coat health
Lutein + Zeaxanthin	Protects eyes from sunlight and aging damage
Beta-cryptoxanthin	Supports joint health and may prevent age-related diseases

While Kira obviously can’t tell me, I like to think these nutrients give her an extra health boost. At the very least, I feel good knowing I’m offering a natural, wholesome snack.

Safe Ways To Prepare Sweet Potatoes for Your Dog

When it comes to feeding sweet potatoes, how you prepare them is super important. I quickly learned that I couldn’t just toss Kira a raw chunk of sweet potato and call it a day. Here are the safe prep tips I follow:

1. Always Cook the Sweet Potato

Dogs should only eat sweet potatoes that are fully cooked and not raw. Raw sweet potato is tough to chew and can be very hard on their digestion (and even pose a choking hazard).

I either boil, steam, or bake the sweet potato until it’s nice and soft. Cooking not only makes it easier for Kira to eat, but it also breaks down the fibers, allowing her to digest them more easily.

2. Peel Off the Skin

I admit, sometimes I’m lazy when cooking for myself and leave the skin on veggies. But for Kira, I always peel the sweet potato first. You can also peel the skin off after boiling it. 

The skin can be difficult for dogs to digest and may increase the risk of choking, especially for smaller pups. It’s just safer to serve the soft orange flesh without the peel.

3. No Added Seasonings or Extras

This part is crucial. As tempting as it is to share our delicious human recipes, dogs need their sweet potato plain.

So I keep Kira’s portion simple. It’s simply a cooked, mashed, or cubed sweet potato, nothing fancy. She doesn’t mind at all; in fact, she loves the natural sweetness on its own.

4. Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces or Mash It

After cooking, I let the sweet potato cool, then cut it into small cubes or mash it. This makes it easy for Kira to eat and significantly reduces the risk of choking. 

If you have a tiny dog or a puppy, mashing might be best so they can lap it up without any struggle. For my medium-sized girl, small soft chunks work perfectly. Kira pretty much inhales them!

On most days, I’ll boil a batch of sweet potatoes, mash some, and freeze little portions so I can pull out a treat anytime. 

She does a happy dance when she sees me opening the container – it’s that loved!

Now, even though sweet potatoes are healthy, we have to talk about how much is too much. Moderation is key with any treat.

Portion Control: How Much & How Often?

Like any loving dog parent, I’d happily spoil Kira with treats all day. But I know that wouldn’t end well. Even with healthy foods, portion control is super important. Here’s what I follow for sweet potatoes:

The 10% Rule

Vets often say treats (even healthy veggies) should make up no more than about 10% of a dog’s daily calories. The other 90% of their diet should be regular, balanced dog food. This rule helps me remember that sweet potato is a treat, not a substitute for Kira’s regular meals.

Start Small, Especially at First

The first time I gave Kira a sweet potato, I only offered a couple of small bites to see how she’d handle it. 

Whenever you introduce a new food, doing a test run with a tiny amount is a good idea. Thankfully, Kira had no adverse reaction. In fact, she licked her bowl clean and looked at me for more!

Serving Size Matters

Now, sweet potato is a regular occasional snack for us, but I keep the portions modest. For a medium-sized dog like Kira, I typically give about 2 or 3 tablespoons of cooked sweet potato at a time, maybe twice a week. 

Smaller dogs should get much less – think a teaspoon or two as a treat – while larger dogs can handle a bit more. 

For example, a small 10-pound pup might only have a teaspoon or so, whereas a big 70-pound dog might enjoy a tablespoon or two. It’s not an exact science, but erring on the smaller side is always safer.

Not an Everyday Thing

I don’t feed sweet potato every single day, to keep Kira’s overall diet balanced. She might get it a couple of times a week at most. If I’ve given her other treats that day, I might skip the sweet potato to avoid overloading her with extras. 

Moderation, moderation, moderation!

Also, pay attention to your own dog’s reaction. Most dogs handle sweet potatoes well, but a few might get gassy or have softer poop if they eat too much fiber at once. 

If you ever notice an upset tummy (or in rare cases, any itching or allergic reaction) after sweet potatoes, it’s best to stop and consult your vet. 

Every dog is different, after all. 

And speaking of vets, if your dog has health issues like diabetes or obesity, check with your vet before adding starchy foods like sweet potato, just to be sure it fits their diet.

One Bite, One Tail Wag, One Small Way To Say “I Love You”

Sweet potatoes have become a cherished little treat in my household. Kira lights up when she sees me preparing her special orange snack. And I feel good knowing I’m giving her something healthy and safe, not just tasty. It’s a win-win that’s strengthened our bond. There’s something heartwarming about sharing even a simple food you both enjoy.

From my experience to yours, I’d say go ahead and let your pup try a bit of sweet potato if you haven’t already. Repeating, keep it plain, cooked, and moderate. Watching that happy, tail-wagging crunch on a sweet potato piece is worth the bit of extra prep. 

So next time you’re cooking up some sweet potatoes and catch your dog gazing up at you with those hopeful eyes, you can smile and share a small bite. It’s just one more way we show our love – through a wholesome treat and the simple joy of sharing. 

Happy snacking to you and your furry friend!