Can Cats Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are a common human food source, known for their high levels of healthy fiber and antioxidants. Surprisingly, they are only distantly related to white potatoes and are nutritionally quite different.

As cat owners, you may be wondering if cats eat sweet potatoes and if there are any nutritional benefits. Well, the short answer is that our feline friends can eat small amounts of cooked potatoes, although are unlikely to gain many nutritional benefits.

Is Sweet Potato Good for Cats?

Small amounts of sweet potato can provide a valuable fiber source, which can benefit the digestive system and prevent constipation. They are also a good source of certain vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants. However, these can all be gained from your usual cat food kibble without adding veggies to their diet.

Also Read: The 7 Best Cat Vitamins And Supplements

How Much Sweet Potato Can a Cat Eat?

Cats are obligate carnivores, and not very well adapted to eat veggies. This means that they should only be given in small amounts.

Cat owners can safely give the cooked product, such as steamed sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or baked sweet potatoes in small amounts, without any added seasonings. Too much sweet potato can cause an upset stomach. Raw sweet potato should never be given as it will lead to digestive issues.

How Often Can a Cat Eat Sweet Potato?

Sweet potato, and other veggies or starchy food, should not form a major part of your cat’s food, and should only be fed on an occasional basis. Sweet potatoes are known for their high level of carbohydrates, which can cause obesity in our cats, so potato treats should not be given often.

Are Sweet Potatoes Used in Commercial Cat Food?

Yes, some commercial diets use sweet potato as an ingredient. Commercial cat foods are usually animal protein-based, which is what cats’ digestive systems are adapted to, but use safe vegetables, potatoes, and legumes as added fillers. Sweet potato is often used as a filler which also functions as a digestive aid.

Are Sweet Potatoes Bad for Cats?

The ASPCA lists the sweet potato as being non-toxic to cats, including sweet potato vines, shoots, and stems. However, there are a few things to watch out for.

Overindulgence

Too much sweet potato can cause an upset stomach, and the high level of carbohydrates can cause weight gain and obesity if given too often – just as if we ate too many potato chips or French fries.

Raw Sweet Potatoes

Uncooked potatoes can cause digestive issues and a really upset stomach, so should be avoided. Cooked potatoes are more suitable if you want to feed them as a cat food.

Seasonings

Sweet potatoes are safe, but you must still always check the recipe, as some of the commonly added seasonings can be dangerous.

• Marshmallows – the high sugar content is not recommended for cats.
• Onions and garlic – these are both toxic to cats and should be avoided in any amount.
• Salt – too much salt causes excessive thirst and can cause imbalances in sodium and potassium levels leading to kidney problems. Canned sweet potatoes are often very high in salt and should not be given to cats.
• Butter – this is a common ingredient in potato treats but high in fat which can lead to weight gain. Many cats are also intolerant to dairy.

This tasty veggie is safe for cats, if fed in small amounts and kept plain. Steamed sweet potatoes or baked sweet potatoes are ideal, as is plain mashed sweet potato.

Also Read: What Can Cats Eat? 36 Human Foods Cats Can Eat – and 8 They Can’t!

Do Cats Like the Taste of Sweet Potato?

Cats are carnivores, so their favorite tastes and smells are usually meaty or fishy. However, many cats are curious creatures and love to try out new tastes and textures, and may well enjoy sampling a small amount of potato, even if they don’t get much nutritional benefit from it.