Can dogs eat yams? Yes! Both the true yam and the sweet potato variety are an excellent addition to your dog’s diet in small, cooked, uncooked servings. Yams are a low-calorie, no-fat treat for all dogs, especially chubby ones struggling with weight.
Yams — and their sweet potatoes — are excellent sources of vitamins and fiber. Rich in vitamin B6, minerals and beta-carotene, feeding yams to your dog regularly can help fight infection and disease.
Potatoes are a common ingredient in dog foods. Your dog’s health and coat can improve because of its minerals and vitamins. But yams and potatoes should be cooked and given to your dog in small quantities. We’ll cover ten facts you need to know before feeding yams to your dog.
What are yams?
From 50,000 BCE, yams have been among the oldest cultivated tubers recorded in history. There are over 600 varieties of yam, most of which are native to Asia and Africa. Sweet potatoes are often confused with yams due to clever marketing. Still, the true yams that made their way to the Americas come from the Caribbean.
Why are yams good for dogs to eat?
They are not only a great source of fiber; they are high in both potassium and manganese. Nutrients that help support bones, heart, and metabolism. Yams are also loaded with copper, a mineral essential for producing red blood cells and absorbing vitamin C and iron, a powerful immune-boosting antioxidant.
They contain a unique compound called diosgenin; Yam may also benefit brain function. One study suggested that a diet containing yams may protect the body from cancer, even reducing the growth of tumors. Yams have also been linked to improved kidney and liver cell function.
Diabetic dogs can also benefit from a diet rich in yams. Although there is no conclusive evidence yet, a preliminary study suggested that the tuber may help control blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
Difference between yams and sweet potatoes
A yam is a starchy, dry tuber grown from a vine throughout the tropics. They have rough, dark skins. They are difficult to peel and can range from white to red. You’ll probably only see real yams in specialty stores, as 95% of them are grown in the continent of Africa. And they must be imported into the West.
On the other hand, sweet potato is the main crop of America. They are usually found as orange-fleshed tubers with copper-brown skin or golden-skinned tubers with soft, light flesh. The golden variety is less sweet.
In comparison, they are generally more cylindrical and are not as sweet as their sweet potato. You often see it labeled a “yam” in the grocery store as an orange-flesh sweet potato. They use this term to distinguish them from sweet potatoes with softer, lighter flesh.
How do I feed yams to my dog?
Yams can be boiled or baked before feeding them to a dog. To bring to a boil, put the yam pieces in water over medium-high heat. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Now preheat your oven to 350% and place a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil to bake.
Slice the yam, evenly distribute the pieces on the baking sheet, and then cook for 30 minutes or until tender. When preparing yams for a dog, avoid using salt, spices, oil, and butter, and make sure they are freezing before feeding.
If the yam you prepare is not completely tender, be sure to cut it into small pieces before adding it to your dog’s food. Large chunks of hard yam can be prone to choking or intestinal blockage, a painful problem that may require veterinary attention.
Canned yams
While yams are usually available canned, they are not suitable for dogs. Canned yams contain preservatives and sugar. Both of these are unhealthy for your dog, especially in large amounts. And forget to share your leftover holiday yams with your dog. They should never be fed food made from nutmeg. The spice is toxic to the dog.
Health benefits of yam for dogs
Yams are not only a delicious treat for dogs; it is an age-old medicinal remedy for various common ailments, including arthritis and diabetes. While pet researchers and veterinarians are still uncertain about yam’s efficacy as a medical treatment, evidence suggests this tuberous root vegetable isn’t just delicious.
What if a dog eats raw yams?
Some varieties contain tannins that are toxic before cooking. If your dog is overfed, it can make them sick. Your dog does catch true raw yams; monitor them closely for vomiting and diarrhea. If these or other unusual behaviors occur, contact your emergency veterinarian immediately.
How do you add yams to your dog’s diet?
It’s easy to add healthy, nutrient-rich yams to your dog’s diet. Either steamed or cooked yams can be added to your dog’s daily meals or served on their own, either mashed or cut into a few small pieces.
If your pup is new to yams, introduce him gradually. Because it is loaded with fiber, too fast can cause gastrointestinal distress, resulting in loose stools or diarrhea.
Yams also make beautiful treats for dogs when they are dry. For instructions on making some at home, check out our recipe on Dehydrated Veggie Treats.
Ten facts about yams for your dog
- Reduces inflammation
- Blood sugar regulation
- Antioxidant properties
- Are high in fiber for dogs
- Are low in fat and sodium
- Full of minerals and vitamins
- Improves kidney and liver function
- A small amount of yam is very beneficial
- Are Cooked Yams Safe to Add to Your Dog’s Diet?
Can Raw Potatoes Be Poisonous to Dogs?
Raw potatoes are toxic because they contain solanine and oxalate. If your dog consumes raw or green potatoes, they may experience:
- Nausea
- To vomit
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Stomach cramps,
- Cardiac dysrhythmia
These also contain oxalates that can affect your dog’s kidneys, digestive and nervous systems. Raw potatoes ingested, your dog may be at risk for the following reasons:
- Tremors
- Recovery
- Cardiac arrhythmia
Yams and Raw sweet potatoes can also cause intestinal blockages and digestive problems. If your dog accidentally ingests a raw potato, pay attention to the symptoms and call your vet.
Can my dog eat yams? Frequently Asked question?
Can dogs eat cooked yams?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked yams as long as they are without harmful ingredients. Bake the yam without the peel and cut it into small pieces. Allow them to cool thoroughly before giving them to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Steamed Yams?
Yes, dogs can eat boiled. This makes them easier on the dog’s stomach and safe to eat. Peel them, burn them cut them into small pieces, and give them to your dog as a fun snack.
Can dogs eat fried yams?
Dogs should not eat fried things. Oil and grease are not suitable for a dog’s stomach. It is safer to bake or boil the yams instead.
Can Dogs Eat Yam Fries?
Dogs can safely eat some yam fry, but how much they should eat depends on making the fry. If the yam was fried bread, they should not be consumed much. These are the most unhealthy versions.
Can Dogs Eat Steamed Yams?
Yes, dogs can eat boiled yams. Please share them with your dog before adding any salt or seasoning.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Yams?
Canned yams are usually sweet potatoes covered in syrup. Pets should avoid eating anything that is super sweet or has added sugar. Although a few bites of these sweet yams won’t hurt your dog, it’s not a good idea to serve them in large quantities.
Can dogs eat candied yams?
Dogs should not eat candied yams. Yams contain a lot of sugar, which can affect their blood sugar control and lead to weight gain. It is best to boil or bake fresh yams.
Can dogs eat yams in syrup?
Dogs should also not eat yam in sugar syrup. The syrup will raise their blood sugar and then dip. If your dogs eat a diet high in sugar and calories, it can cause them to gain weight or put them at higher risk of diabetes.
Can dogs eat frozen yams?
Yes, dogs can eat frozen; just read the list of ingredients before serving them.
Can dogs eat purple yams?
Yes, dogs can eat purple yams. They are also known as ube, and they are healthy for your pet as long as you cook them plain.
Can dogs eat red yams?
Yes, dogs can eat red yam. Make sure red yams are fully ripe, as raw are rotten for a dog’s stomach.
Can Dogs Eat Garnet Yams?
A garnet yam is a sweet potato. It has bright orange color inside and brownish-orange skin. They are less sweet than regular sweet potatoes.
Can dogs eat yellow yams?
Yes, dogs can eat. These types of yellow yams are starchy and dry. They need to be cooked, but your dog still won’t want to eat them.
Can Dogs Eat Japanese Yams?
Yes, dogs can eat Japanese yams. They are high in vitamins A, and vitamins C. Peel them, cook them, and then give them to your puppy a little at a time.
Can Dogs Eat Chinese Yam?
The Chinese yam, or Dioscorea polystachia, is a tall, tubular plant. It is a perennial, climbing vine. If you cook them peeled, they are safe for your dog in small amounts.
Can dogs eat Korean yams?
Korean sweet potatoes have brownish-purple skin with yellow flesh. They tend to be more precious than American sweet potatoes. If you bake them plain and serve them, dogs can eat them safely.
Can Dogs Eat Yam Bean?
The Mexican yam bean is a jicama plant.
Can dogs eat yam leaves?
No, dogs should not eat yam leaves. If your dog eats yam leaves, pay attention to signs of an upset stomach and call your vet if you notice any worsening health changes.
Conclusion
Sweet potatoes are often confused with yams, but they are entirely different. Yams are an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. They are full of dietary fiber and other healthy nutrients for dogs.
It is best practice to feed dogs cooked or cut into small pieces. Avoid feeding raw or canned yams to dogs.
