Trying to eat healthier? If yes, veggies are a no-brainer. You can swap some of your old favorite comfort foods for healthier options, like cauliflower pizza or sweet potato fries. But can you do the same for your pup? That’s the question. Can dogs eat sweet potato fries?
We know the benefits of these swaps for humans, but what about for dogs? Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Well. If you’re wondering if Fido can eat sweet potato fries or sweet potatoes, you’re in the right place. Keep reading as we dig deeper into the answer.
Can Dogs Have Sweet Potato Fries? Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Can dogs eat sweet potatoes and can they eat the fries – well, here’s the thing. Sweet potato pie may be a bit much, and fries can be too. The biggest problem with traditional french fries is Rover’s tummy. All of the salt, fat, and grease can be a problem. The good news? Cooked sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative for your pup.
Cooked sweet potato is packed with nutrients, and raw sweet potatoes are too, but vets say they’re not good to feed your dog raw. AND you can get the fries without all of the salt and grease. So, the answer to ‘Can dogs eat sweet potato fries?’ is generally yes! Your dog, sweet potatoes, and the delicious fries they make should all get along just fine, but always consult your vet! Because there certainly are exceptions.
That said, most pups can enjoy sweet potatoes, whether it’s fries, ‘tatoes, or treats. According to Pet MD, in fact, “Whether they’re mashed, baked, or boiled, sweet potatoes are fine for dogs to eat as long as they’re cooked, peeled, and plain.” So in moderation, they appear to be a healthy supplement to a dog’s diet. Here are the potential health benefits of sweet potato fries for dogs:
High In Fiber
Sweet potatoes and thus sweet potato fries are known to be a great source of fiber. Fiber plays a key role in digestion. It can also help ease constipation and diarrhea. What’s more, fiber can even help Rover shed some extra pounds as it can help them feel full for longer. This is especially helpful for dogs who are overweight.
But as always, it’s best to speak to your vet about your dog’s specific dietary needs. And keep in mind that treats should always be given in moderation, including sweet potatoes and sweet potato fries for dogs.
A Rich Source Of Antioxidants
Just as in humans, antioxidants play a key role in ridding damaging free radicals from your pooch’s body and can reduce inflammation. Inflammation in dogs can lead to arthritis and allergies, and antioxidants can help relieve these symptoms.
The beta-carotene found in sweet potatoes not only gives them their signature color, but it’s also high in antioxidants that may help fight cancer and heart disease.
Chock Full of Vitamins
Sweet potatoes are chock full of vitamins, such as Vitamin C, A, and B6. In addition, they’re known for the following benefits:
- Vitamin C is important in keeping the immune system in tip-top shape.
- Vitamin A, which is another vitamin that gives sweet potatoes their vibrant color, may help maintain a dog’s vision.
- Vitamin B6 in sweet potatoes supports blood cell production and can also play an important role in keeping the immune system healthy.
- Vitamin A is said to help keep a pup’s coat and skin beautiful, healthy, and shining. It’s also known to boost eye health, nerve health, and muscle function.
- That’s all without even mentioning Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Folate (Vitamin B9), each of which is known to support canine health in numerous ways.
But as with any food source, moderation is key. So again, speaking to your vet about your dog’s specific dietary needs is important!
Sweet Potatoes Are A Good Source of Minerals
Sweet potatoes are known to be a good source of minerals, including:
- Calcium for strong bones and teeth, muscle contractions, and nerve signaling in dogs.
- Potassium is crucial for proper muscle function, nerve signaling, and fluid balance in a dog’s body.
- Iron is essential for oxygen transport in blood, energy metabolism, and immune system function.
- Magnesium supports bone health, aids in muscle and nerve transmission, and maintains energy levels in dogs.
- Manganese is known to be essential for bone health, nutrient absorption, and metabolism in dogs.
- Zinc supports immune system health, and skin integrity, and is crucial for thyroid function in dogs.
- Phosphorus works with calcium to maintain healthy bones and teeth and is important for energy metabolism.
- And more
These are all said to be important for digestion, tooth health, kidney function, and heart health.
What Nutrients Does 1 Cup of Sweet Potatoes Have?
One cup (approximately 200 grams) of baked sweet potato offers:
- Calories: Roughly 180 to 200 calories, an energy-dense food choice.
- Carbohydrates: 41 to 47 grams and many of these are complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers.
- Fiber: Approximately 6 to 7 grams. This can help digestive health and satiety.
- Protein: Roughly 4 grams. Protein helps support muscle growth and function in canines.
- Vitamin A (mainly as beta-carotene): Over 400% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin A, which is known to support vision, immune function, and skin health.
- Vitamin C: Roughly 39 milligrams. This can support immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant protection.
- Vitamin B6: Roughly 0.6 milligrams. This vitamin is known to support brain health, metabolism, and more.
- Potassium: Approximately 950 milligrams, potassium can support blood pressure regulation and heart health.
- Manganese: Around 1 milligram. This is known to support metabolism, bone development, and antioxidant defenses.
- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and other carotenoids, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Low in Fat: Generally contains less than 1 gram of fat.
Now that we’ve covered sweet potato nutrients, let’s answer the question “How much should my dog eat?”
How Much Can a Dog Eat?
Well… here’s the thing. Just because they have a lot of health benefits does not mean you should give your dog free rein over sweet potato fries. Moderation is still important. The number of sweet potato fries you give your doggo should depend on their size, activity level, and overall health. In the end, sweet potatoes are a carb.
That means sweet potatoes can be a very healthy addition to your dog’s diet, but shouldn’t be their main source of nutrition. In fact, dog treats should take up no more than 10% of a dog’s caloric intake.
Giving your dog pre-prepared sweet potatoes or sweet potato treats like Sweet Potato Bones is a good way to introduce the new food to their diet in a portion-controlled way without overdoing it.
Do your best to keep your pup away from processed and fried sweet potatoes such as fried sweet potato french fries, potato skins, and potato chips. Instead, consider sweet potato fries and treats. Doing this may help your pup stay satisfied without the health-damaging effects of processed and fried potatoes.
Preparing Sweet Potato Fries For Dogs
The most important thing to keep in mind when preparing sweet potato fries for dogs is to not fry them. Bake them in the oven to keep them as healthy as possible without adding fat and grease that can upset their stomachs and counter the possible health benefits. Also, don’t add salt or other seasonings to them.
In closing, sweet potatoes are a nice treat for most pups and one that you can enjoy alongside them.
And if you’re not interested in cooking sweet potatoes or sweet potato fries yourself, don’t worry. Blue Ridge Naturals makes delicious sweet potato fries treats for dogs! These treats are responsibly sourced and made in the United States and are made with natural, wholesome ingredients.
From Beef-Infused Sweet Potato Fries to Peanut Butter-Coated Sweet Potato Fries, Pork & Sweet Potato Jerky, and our classic Sweet Potato Fries, we’ve got something for practically every dog’s palate! (And is it ever a bad idea to add some tasty Chicken Tenders?)
And what about corn – can your dog eat corn? Find out here!
