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Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato?
Serve small amounts, and not every day.
Is sweet potato safe for dogs?
Sweet potato is a starchy, orange-fleshed root vegetable, common in both human food and pet food. Cooked, plain sweet potato is safe for dogs in small amounts and is a common ingredient in commercial dog food, but raw sweet potato is hard to digest.
How to serve sweet potato to your dog
- Cook it plain, with no butter, sugar or seasoning
- Remove the skin, which can be tough to digest
- Offer a small, cooled piece
What to avoid
- Raw sweet potato, which is hard to digest
- Sweet potato pie or candied sweet potatoes, which add sugar and spices
How much sweet potato can my dog have?
Treats, including sweet potato, should stay under about 10% of your dog's daily calories. As a rough starting point, small dogs can have 1 to 2 bite-size pieces, medium dogs 2 to 4, and large dogs a small handful. Introduce it slowly and do not make it a daily habit.
Signs your dog may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your dog has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Frequently asked questions
Can puppies eat sweet potato?
Young animals have more sensitive digestive systems and a carefully balanced diet, so check with your vet before adding sweet potato. If you get the go-ahead, start with an even smaller amount than an adult would get.
What if my dog ate too much sweet potato?
The most common result is an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. Offer water, skip further treats, and call your vet if symptoms are severe or last more than a day, or if your dog ate any of the parts listed under "What to avoid".
How often can my dog have sweet potato?
Treat it as an occasional extra rather than a daily food. Once or twice a week at most is a sensible starting point for a healthy adult dog, and less for small ones.
More questions dog owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Cats Eat Sweet Potato?