Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato? Cooked and Plain

Sweet potato provides fiber and vitamins and has a sweet taste dogs like. It is also starchy, so it adds calories. It works best as a small treat and not as a major part of the diet.

Wash and peel (or scrub well), then boil, steam or bake until soft. Let it cool, and cut into small pieces or mash a spoonful. Do not add seasoning.

• Cook until soft.
• Cool completely.
• Serve plain.
• Offer a small piece first.

Raw sweet potato is hard and may cause a blockage or digestive upset. Holiday dishes are a problem: they often contain butter, sugar, marshmallows, nutmeg, raisins or pecans. The ASPCA notes that fatty nuts can cause stomach upset and possibly pancreatitis.

A few small cubes for a large dog and one or two for a small dog. Extras like this should stay a small part of the day's food. A common vet guideline is that treats and extras make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Dogs differ by size, age and health, so ask your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition, is a puppy, or is on a special diet.

Plain cooked white potato is also generally fine in small amounts, but raw potatoes and green or sprouted potatoes contain compounds that can make dogs sick. Pet Poison Helpline lists green potato among foods to be careful with. Sweet potato is a different plant, but cooking and plain preparation apply to both.

Dried sweet potato chews are common dog treats. They are chewy and tough, so supervise your dog, break off a piece if it is large, and choose products from a reliable source. Check the ingredient list: it should be just sweet potato.

Sweet potato casserole, candied yams, and pie often contain butter, brown sugar, marshmallows, nutmeg, pecans and raisins. The ASPCA warns that fatty nuts can cause stomach upset, raisins are dangerous for dogs, and sugar adds nothing. Keep these dishes away.

A few small cubes is a sensible serving for a large dog, and one or two for a small dog. Sweet potato is dense in calories and starch, and a lot at once can cause loose stools or weight gain.

Introduce it slowly.

Common mistakes are giving raw sweet potato, giving it with butter and sugar, and offering fries or chips. Another is giving a lot because it is considered healthy.

If your dog eats a lot of raw sweet potato, watch for vomiting and a swollen belly, and call your vet.

Puppies can have a small spoonful of plain cooked sweet potato. Seniors may find mashed easier. Dogs with diabetes should only have it with vet approval, since it contains sugar and starch.

If your dog has a condition, ask your vet.

Sweet potato, potato, and pumpkin are common starchy vegetables. Cooked sweet potato and plain pumpkin are generally fine in small amounts. Plain cooked white potato is also generally fine, but raw and green potato should be avoided, according to Pet Poison Helpline's list of foods to be careful with.

Whichever you choose, keep it plain, with no butter, salt, sugar or spices, and keep portions small, since starchy vegetables are calorie dense. If your dog has diabetes or a weight problem, ask your vet before adding them.