Why dogs can have it
Sweet potatoes are not toxic to dogs. They are high in fibre, beta-carotene, vitamins and minerals, so cooked sweet potato works as a treat or a small addition to a meal.
Sweet potatoes are still high in starch and natural sugar, and so in calories. A dog that is overweight or has diabetes should have them only now and then and only a very little. Raw sweet potato is hard and difficult to digest, so always boil or bake it.
How to give it
- Peel it, then boil or bake it without salt, butter or oil.
- Let it cool, then mash it or cut it into small pieces.
- The first time, give very little and watch how your dog feels.
- Give it only as a treat or a small addition to the meal.
What to watch out for
- A piece of raw sweet potato is hard to digest and can block the gut.
- Too much sweet potato can cause diarrhoea or constipation.
- Sweet potato fries, sweetened bakes or dishes with butter are not suitable for dogs.
- High in calories: take care with a dog that is overweight or has diabetes.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Cooked flesh
SafePlain boiled or baked sweet potato flesh is fine.
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Raw sweet potato
Not safeRaw sweet potato is hard, difficult to digest and can block the gut.
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Skin
Not safeThe skin is not toxic, but it is tough and hard to digest, so it is better to peel it.
What to give instead
- Pumpkin Yes, plain cooked pumpkin flesh without sugar or spices is fine for dogs, but not the skin, the stem or pumpkin pie filling. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
- Peas Yes, peas are fine for dogs: fresh or frozen, cooked without salt, they make a good treat or an addition to a meal. Safe
Looking for a treat?
The "Dog treats" category compares prices for 10,376 products across shops. It is a product category, not a recommendation of what to give.