How Much Sweet Potato Can I Give My Dog? Benefits, Serving Sizes & Recipes

Introduction

When it comes to healthy treats for dogs, sweet potato is near the top of the list. Not only are sweet potatoes packed with vitamins and minerals that can benefit your pup, but they’re also naturally low in fat and calories. Plus, they’re a great alternative to traditional treats if your dog has food allergies or sensitivities. But how much sweet potato can you give your dog? Read on to find out.

How Much Sweet Potato Should I Give My Dog?

The amount of sweet potato you should feed your dog depends on several factors, including your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Generally speaking, sweet potatoes should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. This means that if your dog needs 500 calories a day, no more than 50 of those calories should come from sweet potatoes.

In terms of serving sizes, a small breed dog should be given no more than one tablespoon of cooked sweet potato per day, while a large breed should have no more than two tablespoons per day. You can also give your pup one or two thin slices of raw sweet potato as an occasional treat.

Tips for Preparing Sweet Potato for Dogs

When preparing sweet potato for your pup, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, choose organic sweet potatoes whenever possible. Organic sweet potatoes are free of chemicals and pesticides, which can be harmful to your pet. Also, avoid sweet potatoes that have been treated with wax, as this can be difficult for your dog to digest.

When cooking sweet potatoes for your pup, it’s important to do so safely. Boiling, baking, or microwaving are all safe methods. Just be sure to cut the sweet potato into small pieces before cooking, as large pieces can be hard for your pup to chew. Avoid adding any spices or seasonings, as these can be dangerous for your pup.

Finally, be sure to remove any skin, stems, or leaves from the sweet potato before feeding it to your pup. These parts can be difficult for your pup to digest, and could even cause intestinal blockage.

Recipes for Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats

If you’d like to make your own sweet potato treats for your pup, here are a few recipes to get you started:

Basic Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe

• 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 cup all-natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup coconut oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl, mix together sweet potato, peanut butter, oat flour, rolled oats, and coconut oil until well combined. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.

Sweet Potato Carrot Dog Treat Recipe

• 1/2 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup all-natural peanut butter
• 1 cup brown rice flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl, mix together sweet potato, carrots, peanut butter, brown rice flour, and rolled oats until well combined. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries Dog Treat Recipe

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl, toss sweet potato strips with olive oil and parsley until evenly coated. Place sweet potato strips on a greased baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool before serving.

Conclusion

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of nutrition for your pup, providing essential vitamins and minerals while being low in fat and calories. When deciding how much sweet potato to give your dog, consider their size, age, and activity level. As a general rule, sweet potatoes should make up no more than 10% of your pup’s total daily calories. And when it comes to preparation, be sure to cook sweet potatoes safely and without adding any spices or seasonings. Finally, try making your own homemade sweet potato dog treats with one of the recipes above.

With their nutrient-richness and natural sweetness, sweet potatoes make a wonderful addition to your pup’s diet. So go ahead and give your pup the occasional sweet potato treat – they’ll thank you for it!