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.
Sweet potato Antioxidants in purple sweet potatoes stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, two probiotic strains that also play a role in preventing and treating certain infections.
Most of the so-called yams you see in American grocery stores are actually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes," explains Mary-Frances Heck, author of new cookbook Sweet Potatoes (and former BA staffer).
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 it's nutritious, should be offered in small amounts first to avoid any allergic response or intolerance.
Considered a whole superfood, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals considered essential for both the health of dogs and dog owners. Here are some benefits sweet potatoes provide: Dietary Fiber: Sweet potatoes are one of the highest sources of fiber in vegetables, and most dogs love them.
You should never feed your dog a raw sweet potato. Not only are they difficult to chew, but they can upset your dog's stomach and potentially cause intestinal blockage.
While it's tempting to eat your newly harvested sweet potatoes immediately, it's important to let them cure first. During the curing process, the starches inside the sweet potatoes convert to sugars, and that takes about two to three weeks with proper storage.
The high fiber content can be helpful in controlling diabetes, lowering blood cholesterol and helping to relieve constipation. Dried sweet potatoes are also a lot healthier than sugary snacks, and are a quick energy source for athletes.
Soft, well-cooked root vegetables, such as carrot and sweet potato, are usually suitable for the low residue diet. These types of vegetables tend to be easier to digest and cooking/peeling them makes it even easier. Sweet potato has always been one of my flare-friendly vegetables.
If you decide to cook sweet potatoes for addition to your dog's diet, add just a small amount (a teaspoon for a small dog or a tablespoon for a large dog) as the sudden addition of too much extra fiber could lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Dogs should start out with very small amounts of sweet potato, usually no more than one or two ounces per serving. Toy breed dogs should start with a quarter or half of an ounce (about two to three teaspoons) and large breed dogs can have a little bit extra if they tolerate the first serving well.
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.
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.
When feeding your dog a sweet potato, make sure it's 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 dog's stomach and potentially cause intestinal blockage.