Reading time: 2.5 minutes
Sweet potatoes are known to be amazing for their multiple health benefits, including high fiber content and lots of vitamins and minerals. And what makes this starchy vegetable so healthy for humans can help your dog thrive too!
That’s why sweet potatoes are an ingredient found in a lot of pet foods, including healthybud’s Beef Meal Patties and Beef Meal Bites. They also make a great treat – as with our baked Sweet Potato chews. You can also roast or steam your own, and add the cooled and pureed vegetable right into your dog’s food bowl.
Read on to learn more about what makes sweet potato such a nutritious food to add to your dog’s diet.
💩 Fibre
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, which is part of what makes them a good food to feed a dog with an upset stomach or constipation. But this vegetable can be part of your dog’s diet even when they aren’t having tummy trouble. Fiber intake helps dogs have healthy, regular bowel movements.
Make sure you offer this food in moderation, with treats or a spoon of pureed sweet potato with your pup’s regular meal, to avoid adding too much fiber too quickly! And because sweet potatoes contain natural sugars, talk to your vet before you add them to a diabetic dog’s diet.
💜 Antioxidants
Sweet potatoes are a great source of antioxidants. These are compounds found in foods that help the body handle cell-damaging free radicals.
They’re more difficult to find, but purple sweet potatoes are especially high in antioxidant anthocyanins. These flavonoids are found in many purple, blue, or red whole foods.
👁️ Beta carotene
Beta carotene is the nutrient that gives sweet potatoes their orange, golden, or purple coloring. Once it’s in your dog’s body, this antioxidant converts to vitamin A, which is needed for healthy eyes, bones, and skin.
FYI: Carrots are also high in beta carotene, which is how they got their reputation for being good for eyesight!
🦷 Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, in both humans and their furry best friends. Like antioxidants, vitamin C helps counter the free radicals that can lead to inflammation.
This nutrient is also important for collagen production in the body, meaning it could benefit dogs with joint issues. And vitamin C also contributes to healthy teeth and gums.
❓ #DYK?
Sweet potatoes are often referred to as yams, and vice versa. But did you know they are two different vegetables?
Both are starchy tubers that grow underground. However, yams – which are less commonly sold in North America – are both sweeter and drier than sweet potatoes.
Stay healthy, stay happy, stay curious #healthygang!
Lots of love,
- The healthybud team
DISCLAIMER: The information presented here is not meant to replace your vet’s advice or prescribed medications, but only to suggest additional options to explore, based on your dog’s condition.
Support your best bud’s health with high quality, healthy foods and treats you will both feel great about. Visit the healthybud website now to learn more about our products and subscription options.
