Sweet potatoes are second on the list of top vegetables high in fiber. One of the main reasons for adding fiber to a dog's diet is to encourage regular, healthy bowel movements. Sweet potatoes are also used to alleviate constipation and diarrhea, depending on the fiber type.
Dogs should start out with very small amounts of sweet potato, usually no more than one or two ounces per serving. Toy breed dogs should start with a quarter or half of an ounce (about two to three teaspoons) and large breed dogs can have a little bit extra if they tolerate the first serving well.
With sweet potatoes, the high fiber content can lead to diarrhea in dogs, while too much vitamin A can cause bone and muscle weakness.
That transit time could cause a laxative effect but again, I've often found pumpkin acts more as a laxative than sweet potato. Another thing to note, pumpkin has a high water content it can be beneficial in softening stools for constipated dogs. Pumpkins are actually 90% water vs. sweet potatoes which are 70% water.
You should never feed your dog a raw sweet potato. Not only are they difficult to chew, but they can upset your dog's stomach and potentially cause intestinal blockage. Some dogs are known to “inhale” their food, so making sure the potato is of a soft consistency lessons the risk of choking.
Like carrots, sweet potatoes are a root vegetable that provides excellent fiber but can be high in sugar, so feed these to your dog in small amounts. Sweet potatoes are sources of elements like potassium, selenium, and manganese, which helps the body utilize other nutrients.
Experts say sweet potatoes have a high glycemic index, causing blood sugar to rise quickly. If you add sweet potatoes to your dog's menu as a treat, remember that additions like this should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog's diet.
If your dog is constipated, try giving them high-fiber foods like carrots, kale, or cabbage. Exercising also helps stimulate bowel movement, so take your dog on more walks. You should also make sure to increase your dog's fluid intake.
“Have them lay down and gently rub their belly in a circular motion. Give some gentle pressure while massaging their belly. This should get things moving a bit, and once you are outside and walking, they should poop more quickly.”
Sweet potatoes are more nutritious than white potatoes, and they still provide insoluble fiber, helping firm up stool and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea.
The humble sweet potato is actually a poop-promoting triple-threat: Not only is the Thanksgiving staple is high in fiber, it also contains natural laxatives pectin and cellulose.
Also, unlike humans, dogs tend to eat things that are not food—like hair, toys, and kitty litter—and these may cause blockages and abnormal fecal transit. Bones, bone meal, and other sources of dietary calcium can contribute to constipation.
Dr. Ventocilla says a small dog can eat about 1 teaspoon of cooked sweet potato per day and a larger dog can eat 1 tablespoon daily.
Reduces constipation
Fiber is helpful for both dogs and humans. If your dog is having digestive trouble such as diarrhea, or constipation, consider whether to feed your dog bananas. The fiber helps fix digestive problems in your dog and make your dog healthy.
Not having a bowel movement for two or more days is another clear sign that your pup may be constipated. Other signs of constipation in dogs include straining, crouching, or whining while trying to defecate. You may even notice grass, string or matted feces around your dog's anal area.
You can add a small amount (half a teaspoon for small dogs, two teaspoons for large dogs) of olive or coconut oil to their food to help with mild constipation, but be careful in dogs who need a low-fat diet. Lack of exercise is another predisposing factor to pay attention to.
3) Carrots can help canines with bowel movement regularity.
Just nine baby carrots (about 3oz), contains 2 grams of fiber. If your dog has loose stools, he may benefit by adding carrots to his diet. The added fiber may help to add some bulk to his stools.
As carrots are high in fibre, they are also great for dogs with constipation.
If you don't include the shell, the egg can have a laxative effect on your pet. Just break the egg and crumble the shell and mix it with the egg white and yolk. Or - grind the shell in a food processor or blender.
If your furry friend has had a long history of digestion problems, feeding it sweet potatoes might not be a good idea. The starch in sweet potatoes causes digestive upset and can cause bloating and diarrhea.
They're safe to serve on a daily basis and provide a healthy, low-calorie alternative to other dog treats. Both raw or cooked carrots can be a great addition to regular dog food, a training reward, or a tasty snack.
Whether they're mashed, baked, or boiled, sweet potatoes are fine for dogs to eat as long as they're cooked, peeled, and plain. Again, avoid any seasonings or extra ingredients that may be included in “human food” recipes, such as butter, sugar, or salt.