Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes. They must be cooked, plain, and given in small amounts. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says sweet potatoes are a healthy treat when they are soft, and that you should never feed them raw. Raw ones are hard to chew and can upset your dog’s stomach.

Are sweet potatoes good for dogs?

They can be. The AKC says sweet potatoes have fiber, which can help prevent constipation. They also have vitamins A, B6, and C, plus calcium, potassium, and iron.

The AKC also presents them as the healthier choice compared with white potatoes.

Why must sweet potatoes be cooked?

Raw sweet potato is hard to chew. The AKC says it may upset your dog’s stomach or cause a blockage in the gut. A hard piece can also be a choking risk.

Cook it until it is soft enough to mash. Leave off butter, salt, and other seasonings, which the AKC says to skip for mashed potatoes too.

Should you take the skin off?

Yes. The AKC says to remove the skin, because it makes sweet potato harder for your dog to digest. Peel it before you cook it.

How much sweet potato is too much?

The AKC does not give a set amount. It says the right amount depends on your dog’s size, how active they are, and their health. A good starting point is a small taste, then ask your vet how much fits your dog.

Too much can be a problem. The AKC says a lot of vitamin A over time can weaken bones and muscles. Treats of any kind should stay a small part of the daily meal plan. A common guide is no more than 10% of daily calories.

Which dogs should be careful?

Talk to your vet first if your dog has diabetes, is overweight, or does not move much. The AKC says sweet potatoes can raise blood sugar quickly, so these dogs need more caution.

Other kinds of sweet potato

Is raw sweet potato okay?

No. See above. Raw sweet potato is hard to chew and may cause stomach upset or a blockage, so cook it first.

Are sweet potato fries okay?

It is best to skip them. The AKC warns against fries, hash browns, and other potato dishes, because too much of a good thing is still too much. Offer a few plain, soft cooked pieces instead.

Is mashed sweet potato okay?

Yes, if it is plain. The AKC says plain mashed potato is fine without butter, milk, salt, or seasonings. The same idea applies here.

Is the sweet potato vine safe?

The ASPCA lists sweet potato vine as non-toxic to dogs. It is still not a snack, but a nibble is not a poison worry.

What about sweet potatoes in dog food?

The AKC article includes an alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is about a possible link between some pet foods that have potatoes and a heart disease in dogs called dilated cardiomyopathy. The AKC does not say a plain sweet potato treat causes it. If you have questions about your dog’s food, talk to your vet.

Other treats to try

If your dog likes soft, plain produce, bananas are another option in small bites. For foods to keep away from your dog, see our list of foods that are toxic to dogs.

Last, check with your vet before you add any new food, especially if your dog has a health problem.