Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?

Updated 18/04/2024

They're a carby staple around the world and have recently exploded in popularity on the health food scene, so we wouldn't be surprised if sweet potatoes make it onto your home menu on the regular. And we're sure their sweet yet starchy aroma might leave your pup's snout twitching as the golden goodies are lifted out of the oven. But can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Are the carotene-filled carbs actually any good for your furry friends or are they simply too starchy? Well this one will be music to your pup's ears: dogs can eat sweet potatoes. In fact, their high fiber content means that if your dog is a little constipated, they could help get things moving, if you know what we mean (of course, if your dog hasn’t pooped for a few days and is straining or distressed it’s best to get them checked by a vet rather than try to sort it out at home). For more on that and the best ways to serve up sweet potato to your pup, have a scroll below.

Related article: Can dogs eat cucumbers?

Are sweet potatoes poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat sweet potatoes without getting any nasty reactions whatsoever, or can dogs be allergic to sweet potatoes? Well firstly, there's nothing in sweet potatoes that's known to be toxic to dogs or humans - phew. But, like with all foods, there's a small chance that your dog may be allergic to them for some reason (although the chances are very, very slim). That's why we'd always advise being careful when trying your pooch with new foods. Start with small morsels and work up to actual portions that are appropriate for your dog's size, monitor your pup's behavior and toilet situation and be sure to get in touch with your vet if they fall unwell. 

Related article: Can dogs eat oatmeal?

Are sweet potatoes good for dogs?

So, can dogs eat sweet potatoes and get any sorts of health benefits, or are they simply a starchy treat strictly for every now and then? Well your pup will be pleased to hear that sweet potato has a (very) long list of health benefits for dogs. Along with its wide range of vitamins and minerals (see below for a breakdown of these), one of the key selling points to feeding your pup sweet potato is its high fiber content. That's why many vets and pet parents will turn to sweet potato for dog diarrhea as well as constipation. Simply mix some plain-baked sweet potato (without the skin) into their regular dog food, and be sure to contact your vet if your pup is experiencing any other nasty symptoms, or if the diarrhea doesn't ease. For more on the sweet potato benefits for dogs, take a look below.

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Health benefits of eating sweet potatoes for dogs

As a pet parent, you probably already know that dogs are omnivores, and so despite their puppy dog eyes whenever meat is cooking, their bodies need plant-based nutrition to stay healthy, too. So what does that mean in reality? Well dogs thrive from eating a balance of meat, carbohydrates and nutrient-rich vegetables, which will be reflected in their dog food ingredient list. And if you like trying your pup with new foods, sweet potato is certainly a good place to start - just look at all of those micronutrients they've got.

• Fiber.
• Vitamins A, B6 and C.
• Manganese.
• Copper.
•  Potassium.
• Iron.

Related article: Can dogs eat green beans?

Feeding your dog sweet potatoes

So, now that we've settled the question - can dogs eat sweet potatoes - you're probably wondering what the best way to prepare it is - dog's do have rather picky stomachs when it comes to added ingredients, afterall. To find out how to safely cook sweet potato for dogs, take a look below and find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on serving it up to your pup.

Preparing sweet potato for dogs

When cooking sweet potatoes for dogs, the rule of thumb (like with any canine cooking) is to keep it simple. Cook your sweet potato in the oven without any seasonings or oils (these could be harmful to your dog), scoop out the middle, let it cool and serve up - the perfect way to let your furry friend enjoy the vegetable.     

Can dogs eat sweet potato skins?

Sweet potato skin for dogs is pretty unsafe. They're hard to digest and pose the risk of choking and intestinal blockage, so always completely remove the skin before serving.

Can I feed my dog sweet potato everyday?  

As you’ll probably already know, sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates which means they should only be fed to dogs every now and then - this will help to avoid the risk of diabetes or weight gain. If sweet potato is in your dog's food, not to worry as that'll be specially formulated for your dog's age, breed and size.

Can dogs eat raw sweet potatoes?

Certainly not - raw sweet potato for dogs is bad news as it poses the risk of choking and intestinal blockages. 

How much sweet potato can I give my dog?  

If your dog is trying sweet potato for the first time, start with small morsels and monitor their toileting afterwards. If your pooch seems to be fine with sweet potato, think about it as an occasional treat rather than a staple vegetable in their diet.

Can dogs eat yams?

One common (and totally understandable) mistake that people often make about yams is that they're a type of sweet potato. While yams are very much their own thing, prepare them in the same way as you would sweet potatoes for dogs - bake without oil or seasonings and serve cold and without the skin. 

Can dogs eat sweet potato fries? 

Any form of sweet potato cooked in oil or seasonings should never be served up for your pup. They simply don't need the additional fat, and many seasonings are harmful (and in some cases, toxic) to dogs. 

Related article: Can dogs eat cashews?

Other sweet potato products

And can dogs have sweet potatoes if they're cooked into some of their humans' favorite dishes, like sweet potato casserole or veggie chili? Unfortunately not - all the extra fat, seasonings and additional ingredients are seriously unhealthy for dogs. Instead if you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, rustle up some sweet potato dog treats.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

Now we know that dogs and sweet potatoes are (almost) a match made in dog nutrition heaven, what other foods are good for dogs? What 'human' foods can dogs eat? Take a look below to get started.

• Mango 
• Salmon
• Turkey

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators.