Sweet potato fries are a favorite snack for humans and dogs alike, but are they safe for pups?
Can dogs have sweet potato fries?
No.
Dogs should not be fed sweet potato fries as they are high in fats, salt, and calories which may be toxic, especially if they have pancreatitis.
While one or two fries may not cause harm for your pup, he may experience symptoms such as tummy upsets, weight gain, and pancreatitis.
This article will discuss everything sweet potato fries and canines.
It will also explain the potential health effects of sweet potato fries for dogs.
Why are sweet potato fries bad for dogs?
All fries, including sweet potato fries, are bad for dogs for the same reason they’re bad for humans.
They have high salt and fat content and offer little nutritional value.
For instance, if your dog took an entire plate of sweet potato fries, he may experience severe gastrointestinal distress and possibly even pancreatitis, a potentially fatal condition.
The high-fat content could also cause bloating for your pup.
Some dogs can be allergic to sweet potatoes in rare cases, presenting symptoms like inflamed and itchy skin, paw biting, loose stool, breathing difficulties, or rashes.
While the allergy is unlikely to be lethal, it can cause severe flatulence.
If you’re not sure whether your dog has sweet potato allergies, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not take any chances.
There’s also the risk of your fido choking on sweet potato fries.
The shape of sweet potato fries may be a choking hazard for your dog as they can be lodged in their digestive tract, causing an intestinal obstruction.
Safer alternatives to sweet potato fries for dogs
There are several healthier ways to prepare sweet potatoes for your dog without the excess oil or salt.
Skin them first, as sweet potato skin can upset your pup’s stomach.
You can dice the sweet potatoes into cubes and boil or bake them.
These can make for a healthy treat, especially when training your fido.
You can cut the sweet potato into thin slices and dehydrate them.
This will give the sweet potato a chewy stiff texture which is a healthy way to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated.
What to do if your dog accidentally ate sweet potato fries
If your dog took a significant amount of sweet potato fries, it’s best to contact your vet for further directions.
Large quantities of sweet potato fries may cause symptoms like:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Lack of balance when walking
Loss of appetite
A hunched posture
Fever
Lethargy
If your dog shows any or all of these symptoms, take him to the vet immediately, as it could be early signs of sodium ion poisoning or kidney damage.
If your dog only took one or two that fell off the floor, he should be fine.
Expect symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, especially if he’s a smaller dog.
However, you should:
Try to find out how many sweet potato fries your dog ate, as this information will help your vet know the exact treatment to give
Supply your dog with fresh, clean water for drinking to help him recover balance in his digestive system as well as stay hydrated
Monitor for stomach distress
Keep an eye out for signs of salt poisoning
Monitor for signs of an allergic reaction
If your dog ate large amounts of sweet potato fries and has a preexisting condition like kidney damage or diabetes, call your vet immediately or take him in for a close examination.
For breeds genetically prone to pancreatitis, overeating sweet potato fries can expose them to the condition; therefore, you should rush your dog to the vet immediately for treatment.
Potential health concerns of sweet potato fries for dogs
While one or two sweet potato fries are unlikely to cause irreparable harm to your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
You should especially watch out for:
Salt poisoning – The salt poisoning symptoms may be severe depending on the size of your dog, age, or if he suffers from a preexisting condition like kidney disease. Watch out for confusion, seizures, tremors, vomiting, excessive thirst, and incoordination
Allergic reaction – If your dog is allergic to sweet potatoes, he may express symptoms like hives, swelling, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. All these signs could result in anaphylactic shock
Bloating – The high-fat and high-sodium content in sweet potato fries could cause bloating for your dog. Your pup may experience swollen stomach, excessive drooling, dry heaving, pacing, panting, and signs of pain
Pancreatitis – The high-sodium content in sweet potato fries could cause an inflammation of the pancreas, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. If your dog assumes a praying position, rush him to the vet as he may require immediate vet care
Mild stomach upset – Dogs may experience stomach upset after eating something they are unaccustomed to, like sweet potato fries. Dogs have a sensitive digestive tract and a delicate balance of good bacteria in their gut. This may result in vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, which should be self-limiting.
Can dogs have air-fried sweet potato fries?
Yes, dogs can have air-fried sweet potato fries in moderation if they’re unsalted.
Making sweet potato fries in the air fryer is much healthier for your pup than deep frying as you’ll still get a delicious flavor while saving on calories and fat.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
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