Is sweet potato or rice better for dogs

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Update: Recent research has suggested that sweet potatoes, while not poisonous, may not be appropriate for a dogs diet.

From the UC Davis School of Medicine: The U.S. Food and Drug Administrationrecently issuedan alert about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients.DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that leads to reduced heart pumping function and increased heart size. The alterations in heart function and structure can result in severe consequences such as congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac death. While the most common cause of DCM is genetic, on rare occasions other factors can also result in the condition, particularly in breeds that are not frequently affected.

It shouldnt come as a surprise that sweet potatoes are often found on lists of foods you should eat. They offer an abundance of health benefits, along with tasting delicious. But can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Yes, they can.

The health benefits are the same for canines as they are for people, says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a licensed veterinarian and certified veterinary acupuncturist at Animal Acupuncture in New York City.

Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good for Dogs

Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively. Eating fiber on a regular basis lowers the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

Because sweet potatoes are a whole food, they are less likely to cause an immune response or damage to the digestive tract, says Kathleen Standafer Lopez, a registered dietitian nutritionist. This is why they are a popular source of carbohydrate in commercial dog foods.

Sweet potatoes are also low in fat and rich in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, potassium, and iron (each play a vital role in overall wellness). For example, vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyes, muscles, nerves, and skin. And vitamin C iscritical for a properly functioning immune system. Studies have found that dogs, just like humans, show greater resistance to disease and have a better chance of recovery from injuries or illness when supplemented with vitamin C.

For dogs that are diabetic, overweight, or less active, owners should proceed carefully and only give their dog a minimal amount of sweet potatoes. They should be incorporated with caution in the diets of diabetic dogs, due to a high glycemic index, says Dr. Barrack.

How Should I Prepare Them for My Dog?

When feeding your dog a sweet potato, make sure its cooked and that the skin is removed; leaving the skin on makes it harder for your dog to digest. You should never feed your dog a raw sweet potato. Not only are they difficult to chew, but they can upset your dogs stomach and potentially cause intestinal blockage. Some dogs are known to inhale their food, so making sure the potato is of a soft consistency lessons the risk of choking.

How Much Can a Dog Eat?

Like with any food, moderation is key. The amount given should be based on a variety of factors, such as your dogs size, activity level, and overall health. Too much of a good thing can cause bone and muscle weakness, due to excessive vitamin A, Dr. Barrack stresses.

Carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, should not be a dogs main source of nutrition; animal protein should be a daily part of their diet, as well. When introducing any new foods, first talk to your veterinarian. If she gives the go-ahead, start with a small amount to see how your dog reacts.

As with human nutrition, canine nutrition should be individualized, says Standafer Lopez. Consult with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-packed staple for us humans. But what about our canine companions? If your dog is giving puppy dog eyes for your favorite Thanksgiving side, you may wonder if dogs can eat sweet potatoes.

Good news: vets give the OK when it comes to dogs and sweet potatoes! In fact, sweet potatoes are considered a healthy treat for dogs and offer lots of nutritional value for your pooch.

Just be careful how you go about introducing this fiber-rich starchy root to your pooch. Even though dogs can eat sweet potatoes, dont just toss them any old yam to gnaw on! Keep the following tips top of mind in order to safely feed your dog sweet potato.

Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs?

Sweet potatoes can be a nutritional treat for our canine companions when fed in small amounts. This vitamin-rich carbohydrate is even becoming a common ingredient in commercial dog food and treats. As long as you watch out for extra ingredients that can sneak into human recipes (like butter, sugar, and molasses) and dont offer too much, these starchy root veggies are considered a safe dog treat.

Here are a few reasons sweet potatoes are considered a healthy snack for dogs:

• High in fiber: Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps dogs with digestion. These special spuds are also considered a complex carbohydrate, meaning they provide a steady source of energy.

• Good source of beta-carotene: Like other orange veggies (such as carrots), sweet potatoes contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps dogs eye health, immune function, and cell growth.

• Vitamins and minerals: Sweet potatoes are also a good source of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and iron.

• Low glycemic index: As a source of carbohydrates, sweet potatoes have a relatively low glycemic index, which means theyre less likely to cause a spike in your dogs blood sugar. This can be beneficial for dogs with diabetes.

• Antioxidants: Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Sweet Potatoes?

Cooked sweet potatoes are fine for your dog to enjoy as an occasional treat. Just be sure to avoid other ingredients that us humans like to add to our sweet potatoes, such as butter, cream, or salt, which can be dangerous for dogs to eat (and even cause pancreatitis in dogs).

Sweet potatoes that have been prepared with salt, sugar, garlic, or other seasonings that are not safe for dogs to consume should also be avoided. As with any new food that finds its way into your dogs bowl, moderation is key.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Sweet Potatoes?

While cooked, unseasoned sweet potatoes are fine in moderation, dont feed your pooch raw sweet potatoes. Uncooked sweet potatoes are difficult for them to chew and can be a choking hazard. They can also cause an upset stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skins?

Potato skins are not considered safe for dogs to eat because their chewy exterior can cause dogs to choke and even lead to intestinal blockages. Be sure that any sweet potato offered to Fido is cooked and that the skins (along with any stems or leaves) are removed before they find their way into your pets food bowl.

How to Safely Feed Sweet Potatoes to Your Dog

Whether theyre mashed, baked, or boiled, sweet potatoes are fine for dogs to eat as long as theyre cooked, peeled, and plain. Again, avoid any seasonings or extra ingredients that may be included in human food recipes, such as butter, sugar, or salt.

For a little extra flavor (and fiber), try topping your dogs regular food with a little sweet potato pure at mealtime. Or add a spoonful to their Kong or other food puzzle to keep their brains busy as they snack. Sweet potato is easy to mix in with other dog-friendly ingredients, and most dogs enjoy the taste.

Just be sure not to overdo it! Treats (including veggies like sweet potatoes) should only make up 10% of your dogs overall calories. The other 90% should be from a diet of well-balanced dog food.

How Much Sweet Potato Can a Dog Eat?

When feeding your dog cooked, plain sweet potato, start slowthe high fiber content in sweet potatoes may cause gastrointestinal upset. See how your pup reacts to a small amount before giving them a full serving size.

Here are some general guidelines for how much sweet potato is safe for dogs to eat in a day, based on their weight:

• Extra-small dog (220 pounds): 1 teaspoon

• Small dog (2130 pounds):12 teaspoons

• Medium dogs (3150 pounds): 23 teaspoons

• Large dogs (5190 pounds): 12 tablespoons

• Extra-large dogs (over 90 pounds): 34 tablespoons

Note that these are just general guidelines. Its always best to check with your veterinarian before making major changes to your dogs diet.

What Other Vegetables Can Your Dog Eat?

Some other veggies that are considered safe for dogs include:

Featured Image: iStock/SolStock

Is rice or sweet potato better for dogs?

Chicken and rice: These two ingredients are very easy for dogs to digest, and are the prime ingredients in many commercial dog foods. This mixture will give your dog the protein and carbs needed for recovery. Sweet Potato: Full of healthy fiber and vitamins that dogs need, most pets consider sweet potatoes a treat.

Can I feed my dog sweet potato everyday?

Are sweet potatoes safe for my dog? As with many other fruits or vegetables, sweet potatoes should be fed to your dog in moderation and as occasional treats, NOT as a regular diet. Too much of a good thing, even if its nutritious, should be offered in small amounts first to avoid any allergic response or intolerance.

Are sweet potatoes good for dog food?

Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good for Dogs. Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively. Eating fiber on a regular basis lowers the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

How do you put sweet potato on a dogs diet?

Do not give dogs raw sweet potatoes, though; they should always be cooked. Steam and mash them, then add a little to your dogs normal meal. Steaming or boiling actually maintains more of their nutrients than roasting or baking does. Because they are rich in fiber, introduce sweet potatoes slowly.

How much sweet potato can I give my dog a day?

Dr. Ventocilla says a small dog can eat about 1 teaspoon of cooked sweet potato per day and a larger dog can eat 1 tablespoon daily.

Which is better for dogs pumpkin or sweet potato?

Fresh sweet potatoes have three times the calories of fresh pumpkin and they contain three times as many carbohydrates. Sweet potato has six times the amount of fiber that raw pumpkin does and nearly one and half more sugar as well. A cooked, mashed sweet potato is also a tasty addition to a dogs meals in moderation.

Can sweet potatoes cause diarrhea in dogs?

Although rare, you may find that your dog cannot tolerate sweet potatoes. For some, it will cause an upset stomach- vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.

Does sweet potato help dogs poop?

Sweet potatoes are one way dogs can get several critical nutrients. Fibre Individual dogs can be prone to loose stools or constipation. Sweet potato is a great source of fibre, which can help with both problems. Fibre bulks up the stool, helping it to move through the body at the right speed.

Why are potatoes bad for dogs?

You should never feed your dog a raw potato. White potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which includes tomatoes; like tomatoes, raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to some dogs.

Do sweet potatoes cause heart problems in dogs?

Researchers analyzed more than 800 compounds in foods that the FDA flagged as being associated with the severe heart disease and found that peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes were most frequently tied to canine DCM cases.

What veggies are good for dogs?

Carrots, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, and bananas are packed with important vitamins, along with potassium, which is good for a dogs muscles, nerves, and kidneys. Their fiber can also help dogs stay regular. Oranges are great source of vitamin C.

Which raw vegetables are good for dogs?

• Kale. Benefits: Kales key vitamins like K, A and Iron provide bone health, proper vision and immune function, fetal development and energy metabolism.
• Spinach. Benefits: Spinach contains potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9 and E.
• Carrots.
• Green Beans.
• Broccoli.
• Beets.
• Celery.
• Cucumber.

How do you boil sweet potatoes for dogs?

Cut into cubes or slices. Place in the pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Can dogs eat carrots everyday?

Main Takeaways. Carrots are a tasty, affordable addition to your pups diet. Theyre safe to serve on a daily basis and provide a healthy, low-calorie alternative to other dog treats. Both raw or cooked carrots can be a great addition to regular dog food, a training reward, or a tasty snack.

Are carrots good for dogs?

Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your dogs teeth (and fun) and it is included in many dog foods.

What is the healthiest meat for dogs?

• Always cook meat well.
• Avoid fatty cuts, including bacon.
• Cut meat and any human food into easy-to-chew chunks.

Can I feed my dog homemade dog food?

Except where specified, homemade food for dogs can be fed either raw or cooked. Leftovers from your table can be included as long as theyre foods you would eat yourself, not fatty scraps. Meat and Other Animal Products: Should always make up at least half of the diet.

Is broccoli good for dogs?

Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. It is safe for dogs to eat, raw or cooked, as long as no seasonings are added.

What leafy greens are good for dogs?

Leafy Greens Lettuce, spinach, chard, cabbage and kale are all okay for dogs. Besides being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron and potassium, leafy greens are also a good source of fiber. Much like humans, dogs get the most nutrients when the veggies are uncooked.

Are eggs good for dogs?

Are Eggs Good for Dogs? Eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your canine companion. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out. Remember that eggs are only as good as the chicken they come from.

What can I give my dog to settle his stomach?

• Chicken and Rice. Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs.
• Shredded Chicken. Shredded chicken is easy on upset stomachs and acts as a huge eating incentive for dogs with decreased appetites.
• Pumpkin.
• Bone Broth.
• Baby Food.

Does sweet potato put weight on dogs?

Rich Source of Fiber Sweet potatoes are also used to alleviate constipation and diarrhea, depending on the fiber type. Some diets have higher fiber content to displace calories, increase a feeling of fullness, and help a pet lose weight.

Why is my dogs poop runny and slimy?

Infection with gastrointestinal parasites (commonly called worms) often causes loose stools or diarrhea with mucus. Whipworm and roundworm are common culprits. Giardia and cryptosporidium are two microscopic parasites that commonly cause dog poop to be covered in mucus.

Will sweet potatoes make my dog gain weight?

Sweet potato and pumpkin are fantastic ways to help your dog put on weight in a healthy way. To avoid excessive protein in your dogs diet while helping him gain weight, consider adding sweet potato and pumpkin to his food. Boosting their diet with fat and fiber will help your dogs digestion along with weight gain.

What does pumpkin do to dogs?

Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs. It contains essential micronutrients and fiber that make it a very nutritious treat. Besides being a natural stomach soother, pumpkin also helps to remove excess water in a dogs digestive tract.