Sweet Potato Cake For Dogs (+Recipe Included)

Just like humans, dogs also benefit from eating foods high in fiber. Dogs that suffer from digestive disorders like constipation and diarrhea need plenty of dietary fiber. 

Fibers also help dogs maintain a healthy weight and keep their colon health optimal.

When prepared healthily, sweet potatoes contain a low amount of fat. That’s not true when you’re talking about your favorite casserole of sweet potatoes cooked in milk, butter, and sugar! 

Feed your pup sweet potatoes on its own, and it will enjoy a delicious treat without all the fat you otherwise get from other foods.

Vitamin A

If your dog needs some Vitamin A, sweet potatoes are a great option. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that stays in the liver cells until required for use. Your dog needs vitamin A for the following reasons:

• Good Eye Health– Sweet potatoes contain a good amount of beta-carotene, a substance linked to eye health and improved vision. Without Vitamin A, your dog might suffer from low-light vision and weak eyesight. 
• Healthy and Shiny Coat – Vitamin A will help dogs with dry, flaky, and itchy skin, as well as dull coats. These issues are symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency.
• Muscle Growth – Vitamin A deficiency also results in muscle deterioration. Sweet potatoes have amino acids that help maintain strong and healthy muscles.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is another essential vitamin that your pup needs to process amino acids in its body. It helps in red blood cell and glucose generation, immune response, gene activation, nerve function, and hormone regulation.

Vitamin C

Humans cannot self-produce Vitamin C in their bodies, but dogs can. However, adding this essential ingredient to its meal can help fight antioxidants and cognitive aging and reduce inflammation.

Manganese

Dogs do not produce Manganese naturally. So, it is our duty to provide it in their diet. This mineral helps in digestion and nutrient absorption in the body.

It can also aid in skeleton formation and internal organ function.

Iron

Hemoglobin produces in the body when Iron comes together with protein and copper. Without hemoglobin, the body doesn’t develop red blood cells as it should, and it causes anemia. 

Calcium

We’ve all learned during childhood that calcium deficiency causes weak muscles. However, calcium also helps in muscle building, hormone secretion, and nerve function.

If your dog is low in calcium, it might have these issues-

• Panting
• Weakness
• Muscle twitching
• Low appetite
• Vomiting
• Fever

Magnesium

Dogs are very active creatures, meaning they need all the energy they can get from food. Sweet potatoes contain magnesium that provides energy from the cellular level. This mineral provides them the energy for heartbeats, muscle movement, and even thinking!

Potassium

Without potassium, your dog can suffer from weakness, muscle cramps, low energy, and stomach issues. Potassium is also essential for nerve, enzyme, and muscle functioning. 

How To Introduce Your Dog To Sweet Potatoes (If You Haven’t Already)

Sweet potatoes are safe for pups to eat when given correctly. Although they contain a myriad of benefits for your furry friends, moderation is the key to providing them with the right amount of nutrients they need.

Here are the best ways to introduce/feed your pup sweet potatoes:

1. Buy dog food that contains sweet potatoes.
2. Treat your dog to Dried sweet potatoes. Freeze-dried versions of this root vegetable contain all the nutrients with reduced moisture, making them a great treat or snack.
3. Add small chunks of boiled or steamed sweet potatoes to your dog’s meal to subtly get him accustomed to it.

Boiling or steaming is a healthy way to cook sweet potatoes and retain their nutrients. Peeling their skin is ideal for easy digestion and better taste.

Start small when you’re just beginning to add sweet potato to the dog’s diet. A teaspoon or two is an ideal amount to see how your dog likes it. If your dog has certain dietary restrictions or you have a question regarding its diet, you can always talk to your vet.

Sweet potatoes shouldn’t be your pet’s primary nutrition source, as it lacks the macronutrients that other foods provide. Also, your dog wouldn’t want to eat the same food repeatedly, like we humans don’t! 

Besides making sweet potato cakes for dogs, you can also try baking biscuits, pupcakes, baked chips, and fries using these sweet and delicious root vegetables. Your dog will surely appreciate the creativity and gesture!