Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes? Cooking and Portions

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Sweet potatoes are a staple in many dog foods and homemade treats. They are cheap, widely available and good for dogs when cooked properly. But preparation matters, and they should not become a major part of the diet.

Nutrition

Sweet potatoes contain fibre, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese. They are starchy, so they supply carbohydrate energy. A medium sweet potato has around one hundred calories. See carbohydrates in dog food.

Benefits

• Fibre supports digestion. See fibre for dogs.
• Vitamins and minerals add to a balanced diet.
• Slow-release energy compared with some other starches.
• Palatability. Most dogs like the sweet flavor.
• A good option for dogs with some food sensitivities as a single-source carbohydrate, in limited ingredient diets. See limited ingredient diets.

Cook it first

Raw sweet potato is hard and difficult to digest. It can cause stomach upset and, in pieces, may lead to intestinal blockage. Always cook it until soft.

How to prepare

1. Wash and peel the potato.
2. Cut into chunks.
3. Boil, steam or bake until soft, without butter, oil, salt, sugar or seasoning.
4. Cool and mash or cut into small pieces.
5. Refrigerate leftovers, and use within a few days.

Dried sweet potato chews are sold as treats. They can be tough and hard for some dogs, so choose appropriate sizes and supervise. Check ingredient lists for additives.

How much?

Treats should be no more than about ten percent of daily calories. A tablespoon or two of mashed sweet potato suits a small dog, and a few tablespoons a large dog. Introduce slowly to avoid gas and loose stools.

Foods to avoid

• Sweet potato casserole, with marshmallows, sugar, butter and spices
• Sweet potato fries with salt and oil
• Candied yams
• Sweet potato pie, which may contain nutmeg and other spices. See nutmeg.

Sweet potatoes in dog food

Many grain-free foods replace grains with sweet potatoes, peas and other starches. There has been investigation into a link between some grain-free diets and heart disease. See grain-free dog food pros and cons. Sweet potato itself is not the problem, but it does not make a diet healthier than one with grains.

Special cases

• Diabetic dogs: Sweet potato raises blood sugar. Ask your vet.
• Overweight dogs: Use sparingly.
• Dogs with kidney disease: Potassium content may matter. Ask your vet.

Raw sweet potato and vines

Do not let dogs eat the vines or leaves from garden plants without checking safety. Avoid raw tubers.

Sweet potato versus regular potato

Plain cooked white potato is also safe in small amounts, but raw potato and green potato skins contain solanine, which is toxic. Sweet potatoes are a different plant and do not carry the same risk when cooked, though they are still not suitable raw. If you are unsure whether a vegetable is safe, check before sharing.

Making homemade sweet potato chews

Slice cooked sweet potato thinly and dry it in a low oven until chewy. Cool completely, store in the fridge and use within a week. Dehydrated chews can be hard for puppies and seniors with sore teeth, so offer softer mashed versions to them. Never leave dogs alone with hard chews, and take away small leftover pieces they could swallow whole.

Introducing sweet potato gradually

Start with a teaspoon of cooked, mashed sweet potato mixed into your dog's usual food, and watch stools over the next day or two. If everything is normal, you can offer slightly more. Because it is rich in fibre, a sudden large serving can cause gas, cramps or loose stools. Dogs that have never had it before are best introduced to it on a quiet day at home.

The takeaway

Cooked, plain sweet potato is a healthy treat in moderation. Peel, cook and serve plain.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.