Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?

Normally, dogs can eat sweet potatoes in moderation. The main component of sweet potatoes is starch, and they can also supplement water, inorganic salts, and vitamins. Moderate feeding is beneficial to the dog's health. However, excessive feeding or a poor digestive function of the dog will harm the dog's physical health.

The starch content in sweet potatoes is relatively high. Moderate feeding can provide energy for dogs. However, it should not be overfed or used as a staple diet, as this can induce intestinal discomfort. Long-term excessive feeding can lead to a single nutrition supply, and in severe cases, it may cause malnutrition and hypoproteinemia, threatening the dog's health.

In daily feeding, it is recommended to feed dog food as the main diet, and some common pet snacks can also be given, such as canned dog food, freeze-dried products, and crispy animal bones. However, it is best not to feed other human food. The reason for focusing on dog food is that dog food is designed for dogs, and its nutritional components and composition can fully meet the dog's nutritional needs. However, it is necessary to purchase dog food from regular and large manufacturers, and it is not recommended to buy bulk or unknown dog food to avoid feeding low-quality dog food that may harm the dog's health.

It is not recommended to feed human food because firstly, human food is relatively soft, and dog oral care is difficult. Long-term feeding can easily induce oral diseases such as dental calculus and gingivitis. Secondly, human food contains higher amounts of salt, which can damage the dog's kidneys over time. Although no clinical symptoms will appear in the short term, long-term damage can lead to related kidney diseases. Meanwhile, excessive salt can also cause heavier tear stains on the dog, affecting its appearance.