Boiling sweet potatoes retains more beta-carotene and makes the nutrient more absorbable than other cooking methods such as baking or frying. Up to 92% of the nutrient can be retained by limiting the cook time, such as boiling in a pot with a tightly covered lid for 20 minutes.
Boil them on a medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain out the water, then place the sweet potatoes in a pot and mash them well. Allow to cool, then mix in with your dog's regular food – you should feed between a tablespoon and 1/4 cup at a time, depending on the size of your dog.
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).
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.
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.
Sweet potato is a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits (and a sweet flavor they'll likely love). For example, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system thanks to their high dietary fiber content. They're also low in fat and contain essential vitamins like B6, C, and A.
While you should always boil or bake your potatoes before feeding them to your dog, the American Kennel Club actually recommends sweet potatoes as they have even more vitamins in them, making them a better alternative, but much like rice the starch and carbohydrates can cause a rise in blood sugar that can be harmful
Dried sweet potato dog treats are an excellent source of fiber for dogs. The average sweet potato will have about 4 grams of fiber which is 16% of your daily recommended value. Consuming all of this fiber does wonders for your dog.
Like other antioxidant-rich foods, sweet potatoes help defend your pup's body against free radicals that increase risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
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.