Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are safe for dogs when cooked, peeled and served plain. Never give raw sweet potato, and keep amounts small for diabetic or overweight dogs.
Are sweet potatoes good for dogs?
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber and contain vitamins A, B6 and C, plus potassium. They’re a common carbohydrate in commercial dog foods and treats.
How to prepare them
- Bake, boil or steam until soft.
- Peel them — the skin is harder to digest.
- No butter, sugar, marshmallows or maple syrup.
- Never raw — raw sweet potato is hard to chew, can upset the stomach and may cause a blockage.
How much?
A spoonful or a few small cubes as a treat. Too much can cause stomach upset, and very large amounts over time could mean too much vitamin A. Be cautious with diabetic dogs because of the high glycemic index.
A note on grain-free foods
Sweet potatoes as a treat are fine. Separately, the FDA has investigated reports of a heart condition (dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM) in some dogs eating diets where peas, lentils, other legumes or potatoes are main ingredients. If your dog eats a grain-free food, talk to your vet.
What about regular potatoes?
Plain cooked white potatoes are fine in small amounts too. Raw potatoes and any with green spots should be avoided — green areas contain solanine.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat sweet potato skin?
It’s better to peel it — the skin is harder to digest.
Can dogs eat sweet potato fries?
Not restaurant fries — they’re fried and salted. Plain oven-baked pieces at home are fine.
Can sweet potatoes help with constipation?
Their fiber may help a little, but talk to your vet if constipation lasts.
Sources
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different — for questions about your own pet’s health, talk to your veterinarian.
