Can Cats Eat Sweet Potatoes? Cooked, Raw and How Much Is Safe
Sweet potatoes are a comforting vegetable, rich in fiber and vitamins. They appear in many pet foods, and a roasted one may tempt your cat. Can cats eat sweet potatoes? A little, prepared plainly, is fine, but there are good reasons to keep it small.
Are sweet potatoes safe for cats?
Cooked sweet potato is not toxic to cats. It contains fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium. Cats, however, are obligate carnivores. They need high levels of animal protein and cannot use plant matter well. They turn beta-carotene into vitamin A poorly, and they make their own vitamin C. See how to read a cat food label.
Possible benefits
- Fiber. A little may help digestion, and some vets suggest small amounts of cooked vegetables for mild constipation. See constipation in cats.
- Vitamins and minerals. Small contributions that a complete cat food already provides.
- Texture. Some cats enjoy mashed sweet potato.
Pumpkin is more often suggested for digestion. See can cats eat pumpkin.
Risks and cautions
Raw sweet potato. Hard to digest and may cause gas, stomach upset or blockage. Always cook it.
Skin. Tough and fibrous. Remove it.
Sugar and carbohydrates. Sweet potato is starchy and relatively high in sugar. Too much adds calories and can contribute to weight gain. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight. Diabetic cats should avoid it. See diabetes in cats.
Potassium and kidney disease. Sweet potato is a source of potassium and may be unsuitable for cats on a restricted diet. See chronic kidney disease in cats.
Seasonings and toppings. Butter, brown sugar, marshmallows, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and onion or garlic are all harmful or unsuitable. See are onions and garlic toxic to cats.
Fries, chips and casseroles. High in fat and salt.
Sweet potato vines and leaves. Not a good food for cats, and houseplants may cause stomach upset.
How to prepare sweet potato
- Wash and peel the potato.
- Boil, steam or bake until very soft, with no oil, salt or seasoning.
- Let it cool completely.
- Mash a small spoonful, and serve plain.
- Refrigerate leftovers, and use within a couple of days.
How much?
A teaspoon or less, now and then, is plenty for most cats. Treats and extras should be under about ten percent of daily calories. See how much should I feed my cat. Introduce new foods slowly, and watch for diarrhea, vomiting or gas.
Sweet potato in commercial food
Sweet potato appears in many grain-free foods as a source of carbohydrate. It is not harmful in these, but it is not necessarily better than other ingredients. See is grain-free cat food better.
Sweet potato for sick or senior cats
Ask your vet before adding fiber for medical reasons. Do not use home remedies for constipation or diarrhea without advice, since symptoms may signal serious disease. See diarrhea in cats and best food for senior cats.
Better treats
Cats do best with meat. See healthy cat treats, can cats eat chicken and can cats eat carrots.
Sweet potato and weight
A teaspoon of sweet potato adds only a few calories, but a spoonful a day adds up over weeks. A cat that is already overweight should not be given extra starch. Count any food outside the main diet within the ten percent allowance for treats, and weigh your cat regularly to check that the weight remains steady.
Sweet potato treats for pets
Commercial dried sweet potato chews are sold for dogs and sometimes marketed to cats. They are hard, can be a choking hazard and are not suited to most cats. If you want to try a sweet potato product, choose one made for cats, and read the ingredients.
Cooking tips
Baking or steaming retains more nutrients than boiling, and cooked, cooled and mashed sweet potato is easy to mix into wet food. Do not add any salt, butter, oil or spices. Never offer sweet potato dishes made for people, which may contain sugar, nutmeg, onion or alcohol, all of which are harmful to cats.
Signs to watch for after trying it
Gas, soft stools, vomiting or itching after a new food are signs that it does not suit your cat. Stop feeding it, and call your vet if signs continue. Keep notes so you can tell your vet exactly what was eaten and when.
When to see a vet
Call your vet if your cat has repeated vomiting or diarrhea or seems unwell after eating something new. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is sweet potato good for cats?
It provides fiber and vitamins but is not necessary, and too much adds carbohydrates.
Can sweet potato help constipation?
A little fiber may help some cats, but ask your vet first.
Can cats eat sweet potato fries?
No. They are fried and salted.
Is sweet potato in cat food okay?
Yes, it is a common ingredient, but check the overall diet.
Sources and further reading
Pet food rules and nutrient standards come from regulators and professional bodies. Start here when you want the primary source.
- ASPCA: people foods to avoid feeding your petsWhich common kitchen foods are unsafe for dogs and cats.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterToxic plants and foods lists, plus a 24-hour helpline.
- Pet Poison Helpline24-hour poison advice staffed by veterinary toxicologists.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.