We all know that sweet potatoes are a valuable superfood. The great news is that if you're looking to get more vitamins into your dog's diet and want to supplement their mealtimes, there are some extraordinary benefits available from this humble spud!
There are, however, a few things to watch out for - and it's vital not to overfeed or to blend too much sweet potato into your canine's dinner times if cooking for them at home.
One of the best ways to allow your pup to enjoy their treats is to opt for sweet potato chews - check out the Green & Wilds Sweet Potato Treats for an excellent option.
What are the Benefits of Sweet Potato in a Dog's Diet?
First up, we need to remember that while pooches adore sweet potatoes, they shouldn't overeat them.
It's also vital never to offer them raw potatoes with the skin attached since their tums aren't good at digesting it.
Choosing chews specially formulated for canines is ideal. The Innocent Hound Salmon Bites with Sweet Potato are made from 50% fresh salmon with a sweet potato hint, delivering a fantastic flavour with some compelling health benefits.
This healthy vegetable is a great treat alternative if:
- You wish to avoid heavily processed dog foods packed with preservatives and colourants.
- Your dog has a special diet, and you need low-fat alternatives with whole food ingredients.
Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins and carry exceptional benefits.
They are a natural source of fibre and rich in vitamins such as Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Potassium and Vitamin B6.
The high fibre content is also used to help alleviate constipation symptoms. Therefore pets that are having tummy trouble can benefit enormously from a small amount of boiled sweet potato mixed in with their dinner.
Why Should I Feed Sweet Potato to My Dog in Small Doses?
It's important not to feed large quantities of sweet potato, no matter how much your canine loves it, since they are a starchy carb, and therefore a significant portion might cause an increase in blood sugar.
Occasionally feeding sweet potatoes is perfectly harmless and can be mixed in with dry kibble or provided as a standalone reward if your pooch adores the taste!
How Should I Cook Sweet Potato Treats for a Dog?
As we've discovered, if you're preparing food at home for your paws, sweet potatoes should always be cooked and peeled before feeding them to your pup. We'd recommend steaming or boiling the potatoes and avoid baking or frying in cooking oils.
Other potato products such as potato skins, chips and French fries might be tasty, but the fatty oils are a big no-no when it comes to our furry friends.
In moderation, a little sweet potato now and again can help provide health benefits for your dog.
Our ranges of sweet potato treats and meat-free training rewards are an excellent way to supplement your dog's diet and a whole lot less messy than preparing their favourite vegetable at home!
