Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs?

Sweet potato shows up in a lot of dog foods and treats, including our own Sweet Potato Pie. But is it actually good for dogs? The short answer is yes, as long as it's cooked, plain and served in moderation.

Why sweet potato works for dogs

According to the American Kennel Club, sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber and are low in fat. They also contain vitamins A, B6 and C, plus calcium, potassium and iron.

How to serve it safely

• Always cooked. Never give your dog raw sweet potato. It's hard to chew and can upset their stomach or even cause a blockage.
• Plain. Skip the butter, sugar, marshmallows and spices that go on sweet potatoes at the human dinner table.
• Skin off. The skin is harder for dogs to digest.
• In moderation. Too much vitamin A isn't good for dogs, so sweet potato should be a treat, not a main course.

When to be careful

Sweet potatoes are high in natural sugars and have a high glycemic index, so the AKC recommends only small amounts for dogs that are diabetic, overweight or less active. And because carbohydrates shouldn't be the main part of a dog's diet, sweet potato works best as an occasional extra alongside a complete and balanced dog food. If your dog has a health condition, check with your vet first.

Sweet potato, the easy way

Our Sweet Potato Pie treats are baked with organic sweet potato puree and just four other ingredients: organic rye flour, organic oat flour, non-GMO cold-pressed canola oil and ground ginger. They're small and heart-shaped, so it's easy to keep portions in check.

As with any treat, keep treats to no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, and introduce anything new gradually.