Can cats eat sweet potatoes? What happens if your cat eats some sweet potatoes?
Will she die if she eats sweet potato? Are you in the same boat as many other cat parents? Let’s cut the chase the short answer is yes, it is not toxic to cats. You can give them in small amounts.
It has high fiber, a moderate amount of vitamin C, K, B, antioxidants, fats, water, and carbohydrates. Also, you must feed them in raw form as it can lead to stomach problems like diarrhea, gastric issue, and nausea and vomiting too.
However, the right amount of it can also solve problems like constipation.
Can Cats Have Sweet Potato?
The short answer is yes, cats can safely eat sweet potatoes in small amounts, but only in moderation. In fact, potatoes are not toxic; they offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, an overdose of sweet potato can cause digestive issues and obesity too.
Another reason not to just feed sweet potatoes to cats is that they are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies require animal-based protein. While sweet potatoes do include fibers, carbs, and other nutrients but that component can be met by their usual cat food as well.
So far you know can cats eat sweet potatoes but are you thinking about kittens? Is it okay to give sweet potatoes to young kittens? Check out the following section for more information!
Can Kittens Eat Sweet Potato?
Yes, kittens can have sweet potatoes; it is safe for them to have. Technically, they’re safe because it also marked safe by ASPCA. It offers B group vitamins, vitamin A, K, and beta carotene, and a small portion of fats.
However, it doesn’t include any major important nutrients. Because it does include a good portion of fiber, but it does not include protein and kittens need an adequate amount of protein during their growth years.
So, kittens require animal protein. But, if you give your kitten bite-size sweet potatoes it won’t cause any harm. Even many cat food brands add sweet potatoes.
How Much Sweet Potato to Feed Your Cat?
So far, you are aware of the fact that can cats eat sweet potatoes or not. But, how much is too much for them? As you know already, quantity is the key. Anything ingested in high quantities has the potential to cause difficulties. Similarly, feeding your cat too many sweet potatoes might be unhealthy.
Giving your pet a little piece of it will suffice, and it can also be used as a treat from time to time.
Small quantities won’t cause any harm. But, eating too much can lead to diarrhea and other digestive problems in kitties.
Also, remember to cook sweet potato beforehand before feeding her. Your cat will be severely harmed if you feed him raw sweet potatoes.
Is There Any Benefit of Feeding Cat Sweet Potato?
You offer a few chunks of sweet potatoes to your cat and kitten if they are constipated. They’re high in fiber, so they’ll enjoy it.
It also contains a small portion of fats, vitamins B1, A, K, B2, B3, B5, B6, and antioxidants.
Sometimes your vet may also ask you to change the cat’s diet if she has digestive issues even though sweet potatoes are great for constipation, but they should not be used as a regular remedy for persistent constipation.
| Nutrients in sweet potato | Amount per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Calories | 86 |
| Fat | 0.1 grams |
| Water | 77% |
| Sugar | 4.2 grams |
| Carbs | 20.1 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Protein | 1.6 grams |
So, if you give your cat 100 grams of sweet potato her body will receive the listed above amount of nutritional values from that.
Also Read: Do Cats Eat Raddish
The Most Effective Way to Feed Sweet Potato to Cats!
The best way to give your cat sweet potato is to either boil it or bake it or roast it. Remember never to use seasoned sweet potato for cats it is extremely harmful.
Also, raw potatoes are not good for cats this is because your kitty won’t be able to digest it properly therefore avoid giving it in raw form if you wish to feed sweet potatoes to your kitties.
Simply take a bowl and put water and let it boil then add sweet potato to it. After a few minutes take it out, and it’s ready to serve.
Now you know can cats eat sweet potato or not right!
What Happens if Cat Eats Sweet Potatoes?
Generally, a small quality won’t hurt your cat but too much of it can cause problems. When your cat overeats sweet potatoes she faces vomiting problems and can feel disgusted due to nausea. In some cases, she will go through gastric and diarrhea-like health problems too.
If she eats that regularly for a long period of time then she can also become overweight. This is because it is good in carbohydrates content and feline body structure does not require carbs so when they consume it in large portions it can make them obese.
And, obesity is a powerhouse of other health problems. So basically she will have higher chances to catch other diseases which can lead small lifespan.
Therefore, before adding sweet potatoes to her main diet make sure to consult with your vet first.
FAQs
Is sweet potato dangerous to cats?
No, sweet potato is not dangerous to cats. They are completely safe if you feed them in a moderate amount. It has carbohydrates, vitamins B group, vitamin A, C, K, and antioxidants too.
It also contains iron, phosphorus, potassium, beta carotene, folate, and choline.
Is it safe for cats to eat any part of a sweet potato?
Yes, it is okay for your feline friend to have any part of the sweet potato. Unlike other veggies for cats, sweet potatoes vines, stems, or shoots everything is safe to consume. It is nontoxic to them, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has classified them as safe.
How not to feed your cat sweet potato?
As a responsible cat owner, you must not feed your cat seasoned sweet potato. It is also important to know they should not eat raw potato as it can cause a problem, even though it is safe, it is harmful as it is very hard for her to digest.
Similarly, fried sweet potatoes are also not safe you must completely avoid feeding them. Also, feeding them pie should also be avoided as it contains has high sugar content.
Well, That’s a Wrap!
In conclusion to — “can cats eat sweet potatoes” is that yes, they can. It is marked safe it won’t cause any high risk of health unless and until it, you feed them in a moderate amount.
A few slices of cooked sweet potato are completely okay as an occasional treat but a large amount of it can lead to diarrhea, gastric issue, and sometimes stomach aches too. Therefore, the rule of thumb is amount is the key.
Although sweet potato doesn’t give any major nutrients it is okay you don’t feed them because various cat foods and treats already have enough portion of nutrients in them.
References
- Survey Results: Which Human Foods Do Veterinary Professionals Feed Their Cats? — Vet Street
- Homemade Cat Food and Raw Cat Food — Pet WebMD
- 11 Holiday Food Scraps That Are Dangerous for Your Cat — PetMD