Sweet Potatoes for Dogs
However, they do contain important vitamins and nutrients for dogs’ health. Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, which your pup needs to have healthy eyes and muscles. Vitamin C is vital for your dog’s immune system.
Vitamin C supplements have shown a higher level of resistance to disease in dogs. But sweet potatoes aren’t recommended for diabetic dogs and should be given in very small amounts or chewed.
Because of their high glycemic index, sweet potatoes should be avoided by diabetic dogs.
Can Sweet Potatoes Treat Diarrhea in Dogs?
However, a soluble fiber supplement may help harden dog stool. This is one of the most popular herbal remedies for diarrhea.
It has a soothing effect on the digestive tract but isn’t a cure. If you’re worried that sweet potato might make your dog’s stool harder, try slippery elm capsules instead.
These herbal supplements are easier to digest and maybe more appealing to your dog.
The best way to avoid bladder stones is to avoid feeding sweet potatoes to your dog. While they are generally good for your dog’s digestive system, it’s not good for some.
In fact, some breeds are not suitable for eating sweet potatoes, and you should limit their intake to small portions.
Sweet potato has oxalic acid derivatives which can cause oxalate crystals to build up in the dog’s urine.
This can lead to unpleasant urination, blood in the urine, and even bladder or urethral stones. These can be painful and may require emergency surgery.
Does Pumpkin Harden Dog Stool?
As well as pumpkin, other fruits and vegetables can also help with diarrhea. Pumpkin, for instance, is high in dietary fiber and absorbs moisture, and hardens the dog’s stool.
Pumpkin can also be incorporated into regular meals for small and large dogs. Low-fat dairy products can also help to firm dog stool.
You can also give your dog chicken or rice cooked in chicken broth as a substitute for the pumpkin.
Things You Must Know Before Giving Sweet Potatoes to Dogs
As long as your dog is getting the right amount of fiber and not exceeding 10% of his or her diet, sweet potato won’t cause gastrointestinal upset. But it is important to note that sweet potatoes are not a cure-all for diarrhea.
Diarrhea is often caused by a toxin, a bacteria, or a disease, not a lack of fiber. Adding sweet potatoes won’t cure diarrhea, in fact, it might worsen the symptoms.
Some owners have also reported that feeding their dogs commercial kibble or a grain-free formula can help to improve the digestive process.
They often grind the kibble to increase the enzyme contact and allow the food and enzymes to work. Others may also add sweet potatoes or pumpkin to their dog’s food.
The pumpkin and sweet potato are full of Vitamins C and D, and sweet potatoes contain lots of antioxidants and are a good source of vitamin B6.
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