Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Find out if this is a healthy snack for pups

The do's and don'ts of feeding dogs sweet potatoes

Every dog owner has slipped their furry friend a snack or two from off the dinner plate. But just as we have to be careful with what we eat, our pets need us to watch what goes into their mouths, too. There are lots of healthy diets for pups of all different varieties, but every animal needs the correct balance of calories and nutrition.

When it comes to discretionary foods, like sweet potatoes, your goal should be moderation. Keep in mind, your pup might actually eat some of this in her regular food, so you’ll need to carefully consider all aspects of her meal plan before introducing this element. There can be some risks, but with enough research, your doggie will enjoy a sweet potato snack now and then. Keep reading to find out if your dog can eat sweet potatoes and if your dog can eat raw sweet potatoes.

A dog sniffs a plate of sweet potatoes hungrily
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?

The short answer is yes, in small quantities, — that should be alright. As mentioned, lots of pet food contains some sweet potatoes along with other grains and veggies. On top of the kibble, you can feed your dog a yam snack from time to time. Because they are low in fat but high in vitamins, sweet potatoes can serve as a healthy addition to standard food for both people and pets. But you have to make sure you’re preparing them properly. 

Recommended Videos

One note we want to make sure to share, the FDA is investigating a link between dogs and cats eating a large number of potatoes (especially in grain-free dog food) and a heart condition called canine dilated cardiomyopathy. This can be fatal, so it’s important to speak with your vet about whether it might be a concern for your particular pet.

Dog surrounded by pumpkins and other fall foods
Евгений Шемякин / Adobe Stock

How can dogs eat sweet potatoes?

Here’s the most important part: You should always peel and cook this treat before giving it to your pet, as you shouldn’t give your dog raw sweet potatoes. Raw sweet potatoes can give your pooch an unhappy tummy. You also want to make sure they are soft enough for Fido to chew and swallow easily. Remember, you can’t add anything to the root either. While you might enjoy your Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole slathered in butter, that’s too much fat for your beast.

You can bake them or boil them as long as you don’t add seasonings or oil. Try out both and discover what your pooch likes best. Remember, you should also slice up the potatoes into small bite-size pieces for her so she doesn’t accidentally inhale a big chunk and choke. The smaller the better to start.

Dog looks up excitedly for a treat from her bed
Jamie Street / Unsplash

How often can dogs eat sweet potatoes?

Talk to your vet before incorporating sweet potatoes or really any snacks into your dog’s diet. You don’t want to go overboard and have her get full on this veggie, because it’s essential that she gets enough animal protein. So while you might try to stuff yourself with salad, the goal here should be to make most of her meals from meat, like from her kibble or another doggie-doctor-approved fare.

The exact proportions depend on your pup’s age, breed, and size. Don’t start your Yorkie on a potato per day! Assuming your animal doc approves, try giving one sweet potato in a week and seeing how she does with it. Start with just a little, like a small bite, and then increase the amount slowly. If your fur baby gets too full to eat normally or gets diarrhea or other digestive issues, stop immediately and talk to your vet about 6the next steps. She may need bland food for a few days to recover before switching back to basic kibble.

As with all snacks, think about the 10% rule that states your pet’s diet should consist of about 90% staples and the rest treats. Overdoing it on any fruits and veggies may cause digestive issues and eventually can lead to other illnesses. In fact, too much vitamin A can actually harm your pup (and you as well). As we mentioned, moderation will have to be your mantra since you don’t want to overdo it on this plant. If you decide to switch it out on a daily or weekly basis, try carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers as well. That way, she never has too much of one good thing and won’t get bored with her special nibbles.

Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
Can dogs eat potatoes? Read this before feeding your pup this food
How to prepare potatoes for dogs
A French Bulldog lies on the ground between packs of French fries

There are few foods as diverse and delicious as the humble potato. This starchy vegetable can be mashed, baked, or even fried, and it complements just about any flavor combination. Whether you like to eat them as hash browns during breakfast or as a hearty soup for dinner, there's no wrong way to prepare spuds of any size.
But can dogs eat potatoes? It's only normal to want to share a bite of your food with your begging buddy, but it's important to double-check that whatever's on your plate is safe for dogs to eat, too. The last thing you want is to make your dog sick.
Luckily, potatoes aren't likely to cause any kind of digestive upset as long as you follow a few rules. Here's what you need to know about dogs and potatoes.

Can dogs eat potatoes?

Read more
Can dogs safely eat cinnamon? Experts agree you need to be super careful
Here's what to know about giving your pup cinnamon
A golden retriever eating from a stainless steel bowl.

Unlike cats, which are obligate carnivores, man's best friend is actually an omnivore. Capable of eating fruit, meat, grains, and vegetables, dogs can enjoy many of the same foods we do. That being said, there are some foods that should be limited, such as bread, which offers no nutritional value, and spices like nutmeg, which can cause stomach upset if ingested.

While we're on the subject of spices, you might be wondering, "Can dogs have cinnamon?" After all, some of the foods we share with our pups contain small amounts of cinnamon, especially during the fall and winter seasons. We'll tell you what you need to know about whether your pup can enjoy this warm, delicious spice. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry!
Can dogs have cinnamon?

Read more
Can dogs eat green beans? You’ll want to learn more before making this snack
Here's what to know before offering this veggie to your pet
Yellow lab in kitchen with wood floor getting pet

Fad diets are par for the course in the human world. Yet, they exist for dogs, too. The green bean diet had a moment in 2010. The diet involved gradually swapping green beans for a portion of a dog's regular food. The pet parent increases the portion of green beans and decreases the amount of regular food in increments until the dog reaches the desired weight.

Veterinarians disapprove of the diet. What about green beans, though? Can dogs eat green beans?

Read more