Sweet potatoes are a common ingredient found in many foods or treats for dogs, especially as they’re healthier and less likely to trigger gastrointestinal issues than white potatoes. That’s why sweet potatoes are popularly used in hypoallergenic or limited ingredient dog foods.
But, can dogs be allergic to sweet potatoes? Although uncommon, dogs can be allergic to sweet potatoes. Alternatively, if your dog is allergic to white potatoes, then you might have also wondered whether that also includes sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes come from a different type of plant to white potatoes, so just because your dog has an allergy to potatoes doesn’t necessarily rule out sweet potatoes, too. That said, let’s take a closer look at sweet potatoes and their recommended feeding guidelines and potential side effects.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are completely safe for dogs to eat. In fact, they provide a number of health benefits that make them an excellent addition to your dog’s diet. They’re low in fat and high in dietary fiber, which helps support a healthy digestive tract.
In addition, sweet potatoes contain vitamins such as B6, C, and A, as well as minerals like potassium, manganese, and magnesium. Potassium, in particular, helps your pup’s body maintain the right levels of fluid, as well as support muscle and blood vessel function.
While sweet potatoes are healthier and gentler on your pooch’s digestive tract than white potatoes, there’s still a possibility they could be allergic to them. Common symptoms of a food allergy include itching, loose stools, paw biting, excessive licking, ear inflammation, and vomiting.
Easy Dog Allergy Test for Home Use
If your dog exhibits these symptoms even after numerous diet changes, then sweet potatoes could be the culprit. Remove sweet potatoes from your dog’s diet to see if their symptoms improve or stop altogether.
How Much Sweet Potato Can My Dog Have?
No matter what food you give your dog, moderation is crucial. Too much of one thing is never good, and this rule applies to sweet potatoes. The amount of sweet potatoes you can give your dog depends on a few factors, including your pup’s size, activity level, and health.
Sweet potatoes are carbohydrates, so they should not be the main component in your dog’s diet. Protein should always be the focal point of your pup’s nutrition, anything else is secondary.
If your pup hasn’t eaten sweet potato before, it’s a good idea to start slow and only offer them a very small portion so you can keep an eye on their reaction. Make sure you speak to your vet for advice before you make any changes to your pooch’s diet.
Can Sweet Potatoes Cause Yeast Infections In Dogs?
As you probably already know, yeast thrives on carbohydrates and sugary foods. Sweet potatoes are a carbohydrate, so you might have wondered whether sweet potatoes can cause yeast infections.
Sweet potatoes can’t cause yeast infections, but they can make yeast infections worse in dogs already suffering from one. If your dog regularly gets yeast infections, it’s important to look at their diet and limit their intake of carbohydrates and sugar.
Yeast requires sugar as a source of energy, and as carbohydrates break down into sugar, they can make yeast infections worse in dogs.
If your dog is dealing with a yeast infection, it’s recommended that you remove all carbohydrates and sugar from their diet.
This includes beets, beans, white potatoes, fruits, honey, and sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
While sweet potato allergies are uncommon in dogs, they’re not non-existent. If your dog has undergone many diet changes and still has symptoms of a food allergy, then they could be sensitive to sweet potatoes.
Additionally, if your dog frequently gets yeast infections, it’s best to remove sweet potatoes and other carbohydrates to prevent the infection from becoming worse.
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