Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

With the holiday season coming up, I’m stocking up on festive foods, including sweet potatoes. As with most of the groceries I bring home, my dog took an immediate interest in the potatoes. 

My furry friend is happy to hear that she, like most canine companions, can enjoy sweet potatoes — well, in moderation. In addition, PetMD, warns that pup parents should only give their dogs unseasoned sweet potatoes that have been peeled and fully cooked without oil or butter. Uncooked sweet potatoes could lead to issues with dogs’ digestion. In addition, our canine companions may also have difficulty swallowing pieces of raw sweet potato or sweet potato peels. 

The amount of sweet potato you should give your furry friend depends on their size. For instance, dogs under 20 pounds should only eat a teaspoon a day as a treat. If you have a larger dog, upwards of 90 pounds, they can indulge in four teaspoons for their daily treat. 

While speaking to the American Kennel Club, Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM, shared that the food is quite beneficial for our furry friends. 

“Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Sweet potato treats can be as simple as a dehydrated sweet potato chew,” said  Dr. Richter to the AKC. 

Just be sure to speak to your vet before you introduce your dog to sweet potatoes! After all, you never know if they could be allergic, have certain health issues, or are on medicines that do not mix with the root vegetable.