Purple sweet potatoes are a delicious treat for us, and when we’re chowing down on them, it’s common for our pups to start begging for some. But if your dog wants some purple sweet potatoes, should you feed them to your dog?
The truth is that purple sweet potatoes have some great nutritional benefits for dogs as long as you prepare them the right way. But what is the right way, and what are some other healthy treat options you can give them? We’ll answer those questions and more for you here!
Health Benefits of Purple Sweet Potatoes for Dogs
Sweet potatoes are an excellent treat for you to give your dog, and it’s because they have numerous nutritional benefits. For starters, purple sweet potatoes have lots of fiber and minimal fat, helping your pup feel full without adding lots of fat or calories. Other beneficial nutrients include vitamins A and B6, calcium, potassium, and iron. That’s quite a few beneficial nutrients in one food, and it’s why sweet potatoes are such a great choice. Just remember not to add any additional seasonings, butter, or oil to the sweet potatoes, as these might not be healthy for your pup.
Should Dogs Eat Raw Sweet Potatoes?
No. While cooked sweet potatoes are an excellent treat for your dog, raw sweet potatoes can present a litany of health problems for them. Raw purple sweet potatoes can be a choking hazard because of how hard they are, and they are more difficult to digest which can cause gastrointestinal issues and blockages. While cooked sweet potatoes are great, raw sweet potatoes are a big no-no!
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The 7 Other Great Treats for Dogs
Not only are cooked sweet potatoes great for dogs but there are several other human foods you can give them that your dog might love. We’ve highlighted a few other super healthy treats you can safely feed your furry friend.
1. Carrots
Carrots are full of vitamins and have numerous health benefits for your pooch. You can feed your dog cooked or raw carrots, but when feeding them raw carrots, cut them up into small bits so they don’t turn into a choking hazard for your dog.
2. Green Beans
Cooked green beans are a super healthy treat for your pup; just don’t add in any additional seasonings, as these might not be good for your pup. Green beans have tons of beneficial nutrients and fiber, which gives your dog the nutrients they need and the fiber they need to help them digest it.
3. Watermelon
Watermelon is a great sweet treat that many dogs can’t get enough of. Just remove the rind and seeds and watch your pup chow down on it. Watermelon also has lots of water, making it both nutritious and hydrating on a hot summer day. Just be sure to give it in moderation as the high amount of sugar can cause digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
4. Bananas
Bananas are another sweet treat you can occasionally feed your pup. They have tons of nutrients, but because of the higher sugar content, you shouldn’t feed them bananas all the time. Still, bananas are low-cost and easy to feed, making them an excellent treat for on the go.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is a super nutritious veggie you can feed your dog. You can feed your pup broccoli raw, steamed, roasted, or cooked in any other way. Cooked broccoli is a little easier for your dog to digest, but either is safe and healthy. Whether it’s cooked or raw, don’t add additional seasonings, as they might not be healthy for your pup.
6. Blueberries
If you want a sweet treat that you can feed your pup a handful at a time, blueberries are a great choice. They are full of sugar, so don’t give them too many, but they do have lots of antioxidants which are super nutritious for your dog.
7. Strawberries
Strawberries are another super sweet treat you can feed your dog. They are high in natural sugar, so don’t give them too much. And always wash the strawberries first and remove the stems because, otherwise, it can create health problems for your dog.
Final Thoughts
If you want to feed your dog purple sweet potatoes, there’s nothing wrong with it. Just cook the potatoes first and don’t add any additional seasonings, butter, or oil that might be unhealthy for your dog. They’re a great snack for your pooch when you cook them right, and you can pair them with some of the other foods on our list to treat with some great variety. But remember, don’t let treats make up more than 10% of their diet!
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Featured Image Credit: Nungning20, Shutterstock
