Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skins? Safe Snack or Sticky Situation?
Who doesn’t love munching on some crispy sweet potato skins? And if you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered whether your furry friend can enjoy this tasty snack too.
It is totally normal to want to share all the yummy foods we love with our pups.
But is it safe? Can our dogs eat sweet potato skins? What if they gobble them up before we’ve cleaned them properly?
I’ll share everything I know so you can determine if this snack is right for your furry pal.
What’s in the bowl:
- Are sweet potato skins safe for your dog to eat?
- Do sweet potato skins have any nutritional benefits for your dog?
- The risks of your dog eating uncleaned sweet potato skins.
- DIY sweet potato skin treats for dogs.
Let’s satisfy both your curiosity and your dog’s cravings!
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skins?
Yes, dogs can eat sweet potato skins but you have to clean and cook them first.
Before serving sweet potato skins to your pup, you need to give them a good wash. Scrub away any dirt or residue under running water to ensure they are clean and safe to eat.
Be sure to cook the sweet potatoes thoroughly to make the skins easier for your dog to digest. I’ll share more on how to do this in a bit.
Introduce sweet potato skins to your dog in small amounts first to see how your pup reacts. If they handle it well, you can increase the amount over time.
If not, you could see if your dog can eat potatoes instead.
Are Sweet Potato Skins Good for Dogs?
Yes, sweet potato skins are a nutrient-rich snack for dogs when served in moderation.
These root vegetables are not only a tasty treat, but they’re also nutritious for our furbabies.
They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a fantastic addition to a well-rounded diet.
Sweet potato skins are a rich source of dietary fiber, which is excellent for maintaining healthy digestion in our furry friends. The fiber content helps regulate bowel movements and supports a healthy gut.
These skins are also packed with vitamins and minerals that contribute to your pup’s overall well-being.
- Vitamin A for healthy vision and a strong immune system.
- Vitamin C for collagen production and to aid in wound healing.
- Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
- Potassium to help maintain good heart, muscle, and nerve function.
- Iron for immune system support and boost energy levels.
Not only that, but your dog can also benefit from the antioxidants in sweet potatoes and their skins.
These compounds help combat harmful free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting a healthy immune system.
An added bonus is sweet potato skins are low in fat, making them a healthy treat for your dog.
What Happens if a Dog Eats Sweet Potato Skin?
If your dog eats cleaned and cooked sweet potato skins, it is highly unlikely that something will happen to them.
However, if your dog accidentally eats uncleaned and uncooked sweet potato skins there are some risks to be aware of.
- Pesticide Residue – sweet potato skins from conventionally grown sweet potatoes can have pesticide residue on the skins.
- Reduce the risk by washing and scrubbing the skin thoroughly. Or better yet, choose organic sweet potatoes.
- Choking Hazard – tough skins are a choking hazard, especially for small dogs or ones who swallow food without chewing properly.
- Reduce the risk by cooking or steaming the sweet potato skins to make them softer.
- Allergies – dogs can have allergies or sensitivities to sweet potatoes or their skins. Signs of an allergic reaction include itching, digestive upset, or changes in behavior.
- Reduce the risk by introducing sweet potato skins to your dog’s diet slowly and in small amounts. Then watch your dog closely for signs of distress.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Skins to Your Dog
There are plenty of different ways to give sweet potato skins to your dog. Here are some of my suggestions.
Sweet Potato Skin Chips
This is a crowd favorite in our home. My dogs absolutely love it!
Here’s what you need to do:
- Wash the sweet potatoes and make sure to clean them thoroughly.
- Peel the skins, and set the sweet potatoes aside for another use.
- Now, put the sweet potato skins in a bowl of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of vinegar and half a teaspoon of salt for around 20-30 minutes. The vinegar and salt are a personal preference of mine to ensure that any bacteria is removed. However, you can omit this step if you’re not comfortable with it.
- After soaking, remove the sweet potato skins from the water and dry them thoroughly.
- Lightly brush the skins with olive or coconut oil. Or use an oil spray.
- Now it’s time to bake or air-fry the skins. I usually preheat the oven to 380F for 10 minutes before I put the skins in.
- Bake or air-fry for 10 minutes or until crispy.
You can then use the sweet potato flesh to make some amazing treats for your dog, too.
Frozen Sweet Potato Skin Treats
You can freeze cleaned and boiled sweet potato skins in small pieces and give them to your dog as treats.
Or puree them with water or low-sodium broth, put into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.
These frozen sweet potato skin treats can be a refreshing and soothing snack during hot summer days.
If you don’t have the time to cook or make treats at home, there are plenty of sweet potato dog treats you can try out.
BRUTUS & BARNABY Thick Cut Sweet Potato Dog Treat Full Slices
These sweet potato chews are carefully dehydrated to retain the natural antioxidants present in sweet potatoes. They don’t have any added sugars, and are completely fat-free.
They’re also gluten-free and grain-free, making them easier to digest and less likely to trigger sensitivities.
You can cut them into smaller strips or chunks to make them more suitable for your furbaby’s size.
Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Chews
If your pup has a sensitive stomach or food allergies, these sweet potato chews are an excellent choice.
The Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Chews are made from farm-fresh sweet potatoes with no artificial preservatives, food coloring, and fillers.
They’re nutrient-rich and fiber-filled, perfect for a healthy and nutritious snack for your furbaby.
Alternatives to Sweet Potato Skins for Dogs
If your dog doesn’t like sweet potato skins, or if you find out that they’re allergic, here are some other options:
- Carrots – crunchy, delicious, and packed with essential nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin A, and fiber, carrots are an excellent low-calorie treat. They can be served raw, steamed, or even frozen for a refreshing snack for your dog.
- Green Beans – a great choice for dogs as they are low in calories and high in fiber. They can be eaten fresh or lightly steamed. Green beans provide a satisfying crunch and are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Pumpkin – a seasonal favorite and a nutritious option for dogs. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which can aid in digestion, and is also a good source of vitamins A and C. Plain, cooked pumpkin is best, or even make homemade pumpkin treats for your dog.
- Zucchini – low in calories with beneficial nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C. Serve it raw, steamed, baked, or make your own zucchini treats for your pup to enjoy.
Some dogs prefer crunchy raw vegetables, while others enjoy them lightly cooked or pureed.
Experiment with different cooking methods to find what your pup enjoys the most.
Adding a variety of vegetable treats to your dog’s diet can provide them with additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
It’s a great way to offer a healthy alternative to commercial treats and satisfy their taste buds.
Remember, moderation is key, and vegetables should be part of a balanced diet tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Before you go, you might also want answers to these questions:
