Replace: Current analysis has instructed that sweet potatoes, whereas not toxic, will not be acceptable for a canine’s weight-reduction plan.
From the UC Davis Faculty of Medication: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued an alert about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that leads to reduced heart pumping function and increased heart size. The alterations in heart function and structure can result in severe consequences such as congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac death. While the most common cause of DCM is genetic, on rare occasions other factors can also result in the condition, particularly in breeds that are not frequently affected.”
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It shouldn’t come as a shock that sweet potatoes are sometimes discovered on lists of meals it is best to eat. They provide an abundance of well being advantages, together with tasting scrumptious. However can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Sure, they’ll.
“The health benefits are the same for canines as they are for people,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a licensed veterinarian and licensed veterinary acupuncturist at Animal Acupuncture in New York Metropolis.
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Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good for Dogs
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Sweet potatoes present a superb supply of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system operate extra successfully. Consuming fiber frequently lowers the danger of coronary heart illness and sure kinds of cancers.
“Because sweet potatoes are a whole food, they are less likely to cause an immune response or damage to the digestive tract,” says Kathleen Standafer Lopez, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “This is why they are a popular source of carbohydrate in commercial dog foods.”
Sweet potatoes are additionally low in fats and wealthy in nutritional vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, potassium, and iron (every play a significant function in general wellness). For instance, vitamin A is crucial for sustaining wholesome eyes, muscle groups, nerves, and pores and skin. And vitamin C is important for a correctly functioning immune system. Research have discovered that dogs, similar to people, present higher resistance to illness and have a greater probability of restoration from accidents or sickness when supplemented with vitamin C.
For dogs which can be diabetic, chubby, or much less energetic, house owners ought to proceed rigorously and solely give their canine a minimal quantity of sweet potatoes. “They should be incorporated with caution in the diets of diabetic dogs, due to a high glycemic index,” says Dr. Barrack.
How Ought to I Put together Them for My Canine?
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When feeding your canine a sweet potato, ensure it’s cooked and that the pores and skin is eliminated; leaving the pores and skin on makes it tougher for your canine to digest. It is best to by no means feed your canine a uncooked sweet potato. Not solely are they tough to chew, however they’ll upset your canine’s abdomen and doubtlessly trigger intestinal blockage. Some dogs are recognized to “inhale” their meals, so ensuring the potato is of a comfortable consistency classes the danger of choking.
How A lot Can a Canine Eat?
Like with any meals, moderation is vital. The quantity given needs to be primarily based on quite a lot of components, corresponding to your canine’s measurement, exercise stage, and general well being. “Too much of a good thing can cause bone and muscle weakness, due to excessive vitamin A,” Dr. Barrack stresses.
Carbohydrates, corresponding to sweet potatoes, shouldn’t be a canine’s important supply of vitamin; animal protein needs to be a each day a part of their weight-reduction plan, as nicely. When introducing any new meals, first speak to your veterinarian. If she offers the go-ahead, begin with a small quantity to see how your canine reacts.
“As with human nutrition, canine nutrition should be individualized,” says Standafer Lopez. “Consult with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.”
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