When choosing the right food for pupper, there is much more to consider than animal proteins. Like the foods we eat! Fresh vegetables, seeds, and herbs add a lot of micronutrients that you won’t find in animal foods. One of these all-important ingredients is purple sweet potato for dogs.
Do you ever see purple sweet potatoes when you go grocery shopping once a week? If they’re in season, you might get lucky. But normally, we see those familiar orange or golden-coloured potatoes that are also orange on the inside. A purple yam, purple sweet potato, or both is completely purple. These are not the same as regular yams, which have purple skin and white flesh. ) Now that you have a specific potato in mind, let’s get down to the tasty nutritious facts.
With their vibrant purple color and sweet flavor, purple potatoes make for an eye-catching addition to any meal Can dogs join in on enjoying this colorful tuber as well? The good news is that dogs can absolutely eat purple potatoes safely and benefit from their nutritional content However, there are some guidelines to follow when feeding purple potatoes to dogs. Read on for a complete veterinarian-approved guide to understanding if and how to feed your dog purple potatoes.
Are Purple Potatoes Safe for Dogs to Eat?
The short answer is yes dogs can safely eat purple potatoes both cooked and raw. Purple potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, along with regular white potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. Nightshades contain glycoalkaloids, which can potentially be toxic to dogs when eaten in excess. However, purple potatoes contain very low levels of glycoalkaloids compared to some other nightshades. The small amounts found in potatoes are not harmful to dogs when consuming potato occasionally and in moderation. Both the purple-colored flesh and skin of purple potatoes are safe for dogs.
Nutritional Benefits of Purple Potatoes for Dogs
Along with being a safe food purple potatoes offer excellent nutritional value when given to dogs in limited amounts as a treat or additive to their regular diet. Here are some of the top nutrients and benefits purple potatoes can provide
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Antioxidants – Purple potatoes get their vibrant color from antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants are beneficial for immune system health in dogs.
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Vitamin C – Potatoes contain good levels of immune-boosting vitamin C.
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Vitamin B6 – Supports nerve health, metabolism and red blood cell production in dogs.
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Fiber – The skin and flesh provide dietary fiber to aid dog digestion.
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Carbohydrates – Provides carbs for energy. Potatoes have a lower glycemic index than many other carb sources.
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Minerals – Includes iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.
Overall, the natural vitamins, antioxidants and fiber found in purple potatoes make them a nutrient-dense, healthy treat for dogs when used in moderation.
Are Cooked or Raw Potatoes Better for Dogs?
Always serve potatoes to dogs cooked, rather than raw. Raw purple potatoes are harder for dogs to digest and can irritate the stomach. Thorough cooking softens the vegetable, making it gentler on your dog’s digestive system. Cooking also enhances flavor and makes potatoes more palatable and enjoyable for dogs.
You can prepare purple potatoes for your dog by:
- Baking
- Boiling
- Microwaving
- Mashing
- Sautéing without oil or seasonings
Avoid adding any extra fat, salt or spices when cooking, as these can cause stomach upset in dogs. Plain cooked purple potato with no additions is healthiest.
How Much Potato Should Dogs Eat?
While potatoes provide valuable nutrition for dogs, they should only be fed in moderation. The following guidelines are recommended for the maximum amount of potato to feed dogs based on weight:
- Small dogs under 10 lbs: No more than 2 tablespoons per day
- Medium dogs 10 – 50 lbs: Up to 1/4 cup daily
- Large dogs over 50 lbs: No more than 1/2 cup per day
Potatoes should not make up more than 10% of a dog’s total daily calories. They are best used as an occasional treat a few times per week or as a modest addition to a complete and balanced meal. Avoid feeding dogs potatoes daily for extended periods of time. Overconsumption of potatoes can lead to side effects such as digestive upset or weight gain. Monitor your dog’s reaction when first introducing potatoes and adjust amounts as needed.
What to Look for When Selecting Purple Potatoes
When shopping for purple potatoes to feed your dog, choose fresh, firm potatoes without green skin or sprouts, soft spots or mold. Only feed potatoes that are cooked within a day or two of purchase for best flavor and nutrition – do not use potatoes that are overly old. Select organic purple potatoes when possible to avoid pesticide exposure. Thoroughly wash potatoes before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
Precautions for Feeding Dogs Potatoes
While perfectly safe and nutritious in moderation, too many potatoes can cause problems for dogs. Use caution and limit intake to avoid these potential side effects:
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Weight gain – Potatoes have carbohydrate calories that can lead to obesity if overfed. Adjust food amounts accordingly.
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Digestive issues – Excess potatoes could lead to vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Only feed small portions at first.
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Toxicity – Glycoalkaloid poisoning from overconsumption of potatoes is rare but possible. Do not allow dogs to eat raw potatoes.
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Allergies – Some dogs may have potato allergies. Discontinue feeding if signs of allergy appear.
If introducing potatoes for the first time, feed small samples and watch for any digestive upset before increasing amounts. Always combine with your dog’s regular food instead of replacing meals with potatoes alone. Following serving guidelines and buying fresh, organic purple potatoes will allow your dog to enjoy the many nutritional benefits potatoes offer. In moderation, they make a tasty and healthy supplemental food.
Frequency of Entities:
potatoes: 52
dogs: 33
purple: 22
cooked: 5
raw: 5
digestive: 4
benefits: 3
nutritional: 3
moderation: 3
glycoalkaloids: 2
carbohydrates: 2
antioxidants: 2
anthocyanins: 1
immune: 1
metabolism: 1
production: 1
palatable: 1
seasonings: 1
guidelines: 1
overconsumption: 1
pesticide: 1
debris: 1
obesity: 1
adjust: 1
amounts: 1
toxicity: 1
poisoning: 1
allergies: 1
discontinue: 1
signs: 1
allergen: 1
reaction: 1
supplemental: 1
Why antioxidants are so important in your pupper’s diet
Antioxidants have numerous health benefits for humans and puppers alike. They work hard within the body to help protect against damage caused by free radicals. This damage is connected to cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium are most common and can be found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. The right combination of antioxidants in your pupper’s diet can make a huge difference in their health. Just like you, your pupper should have a nutritionally balanced diet derived from high-quality ingredients.
Purple potatoes vs. regular sweet potatoes—what’s the difference?
When it comes to your dog’s health, purple sweet potatoes may be better for them than regular sweet potatoes. The purple sweet potato has a lower glycaemic index, which means it won’t cause blood sugar spikes. Plus, the purple sweet potato isn’t used or grown as often as orange sweet potatoes, so it’s much less likely to have been genetically modified.
FOOD FOR DOGS : Are Sweet Potatoes GOOD For Dogs ? [MUST WATCH BEFORE FEEDING]
FAQ
Are purple potatoes ok for dogs?
What kind of potatoes can dogs eat?
Are purple potatoes safe?
Can my dog have purple yam?
Can dogs eat purple sweet potatoes?
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. If you want to feed your dog purple sweet potatoes, there’s nothing wrong with it.
Can dogs eat too much sweet potatoes?
Too much of anything isn’t good for your dog’s diet, and yes, that includes healthy food. For example, sweet potatoes’ high amount of fiber can cause stomach issues if your dog eats too many. In addition, sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates, and in excess, they can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Can dogs eat potatoes?
If you do feed your dog a potato, you’ll want to bake or boil the potato with no added ingredients (like salt or butter). Potatoes fried in oil, such as French fries or potato chips, or potatoes loaded up with butter or salt, are not healthy for dogs.
How much sweet potato can a dog eat a day?
Generally, sweet potato should not make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. The amount of sweet potato a dog can eat depends on the dog’s size, age, and overall health status. Sweet potatoes are incredibly nutritious and offer a number of health benefits for dogs:
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