Superfoods for Pets: Sweet Potato

With their syrupy taste and immense nutritional value, sweet potatoes are nature’s wholesome, delicious candy. These orange-fleshed root vegetables top the charts for healthy people foods that boost your pet’s diet. They’re chock-full of vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent natural energy source.

Strong muscles, bones, and eyesight

Sweet potatoes are a potent antioxidant brimming with beta-carotene, the strong colored pigment giving these orange beauties their distinct color. Beta-carotene converts to Vitamin A in dogs, promoting good muscle tone, clear eyesight, and healthy bones. This starchy plant also has a high concentration of dietary fiber to boost your pet’s digestive health.

Cats have a harder time digesting

Before you rush to add a healthy dose of sweet potato to your pet’s bowl, you should know this superfood may not be the perfect supplement for all furry-friends. While most dogs will react well to an addition of sweet potato in their kibble, cats may find it difficult to digest. Unfortunately, our feline companions have difficulty stomaching most vegetables containing proteins and carbohydrates. A small slice of dehydrated, boiled or baked sweet potato can be an occasional treat for your kitten, but you don’t want to push it.

Still, they're great for dogs

The good news is sweet potatoes are still a great add-in for your pup’s diet! They’re low in fat, so they’ll fill your dog up quickly without adding on the pooch pounds. Steaming or boiling sweet potatoes helps to retain their nutritional value rather than cooking them on a stove.

If you’re ready to try giving your dog sweet potato, The Petnet Team recommends you begin by adding a teaspoon or tablespoon to your dog’s regular food. You’ll want to monitor how they react afterward. For some dogs, a sudden increase in fiber can create gastrointestinal issues.

As is the case with adding any new food to your dog’s diet, you’ll want to consult with your veterinarian first. Sweet potatoes can give your dog an energy boost, but you’ll want to double-check with your vet before feeding them to Fido, especially if your pet has a pre-existing health condition. Have a chat about your particular pup’s health, and determine if adding sweet potato to their diet is the right move to suit their unique needs.