Can cats eat sweet potatoes? We tend to confuse yams and sweet potatoes, and in this article, we will clear all doubts about our feline friend’s dietary needs when it comes to eating sweet potatoes. Are these good for your cat?
Sweet potatoes are not considered dangerous or harmful to cats when cooked. This ensures that cats can consume this product. It does not, however, have much nutritional value and can cause long-term health problems for your pet. Raw sweet potatoes, or any other raw potato, can never be eaten by cats.
Cats have been domesticated for quite some time and have become a loved animal among households. We love our little friends so much that we can’t help but wonder what to feed them?
Humans can be picky eaters, and as one myself, we wouldn’t want to deprive our feline friends of any nutrients they could enjoy. Let’s clarify any doubts about the menu for the kittens!
Yam Or Sweet Potatoes?
Growing up, I’ve always doubted what’s the difference between a yam and a sweet potato. So, before we take the cat out of the bag… Let’s understand what makes them different.
A yam’s skin resembles tree bark, while a sweet potato’s skin is more reddish-brown.
True yams are a distinct root vegetable with a texture and taste like yucca. They have bumpy, rough brown skin (that resembles that of a tree trunk) and starchy, slightly bitter flesh.
We are crossing every checkbox in this article. The goal is that next time you go to the supermarket and your pussy comes to mind, there is no hesitation about what to get.
What Can Your Cat Eat?
The majority of your kitty’s diet should consist solely of cat food, though you might sometimes offer them a treat from your plate. All you need to know is how to choose treats that contain the nutrients they need.
Cats are carnivores, to simplify it.
For a strong heart, clear vision, and a balanced reproductive system, they must consume meat protein. Cooked beef, ham, turkey, and small portions of lean deli meats are excellent protein sources.
Another excellent source of protein for your cat is eggs. Yet, make sure they’re completely cooked.
Oats are high in protein per calorie and simple to prepare. Corn, polenta, and ground cornmeal have a texture that is appealing to most cats.
Fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Which aid in the maintenance of your cat’s vision and the treatment of arthritis, kidney disease, and heart disease.
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It’s a different story when it comes to vegetables. All cats don’t like vegetables, and fruits are even less common (felines can’t taste sweet flavors). New cucumber or cantaloupe, steamed broccoli, or asparagus are a good source of vitamins and are high in fiber and water, which aid digestion.
What Your Cat Can’t Eat?
Now that we got the goods out of the way, leading up to our main topic. Let’s address the food items that are a big no-no in this mammal’s diet.
It’s best to stay away from cow’s milk and by-products.
Although most people enjoy chocolate, it contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to cats. Many dangerous symptoms can be caused by milk chocolate and dark chocolate, such as seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To narrow down this list, here are the most harmful items a cat can consume;
- Alcohol and caffeine.
- Milk made from plants (high in fats and oils)
- In general, sugar and spices. Gum and candy
- A scoop of ice cream (contains propylene glycol)
- Anything containing THC (marijuana)
- Medications and supplements for humans (the exception might be fish oil, in small doses)
Even though we haven’t discussed it much, we need to address the vet’s recommendation for not giving our cats raw food.
A cat’s stomach will be empty in eight to ten hours due to the speed of its digestive system. You should not provide them with food that has not been properly prepared. Consequently, nothing should be eaten if it causes digestion to take longer.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Sweet Potatoes?
It is safe to say we are already familiar with the dos and don’ts for your next visit to the groceries with your kitty. Now, let’s give the people what they want.
Can cats eat sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes, unlike Solanum tuberosum (also known as potatoes) that contain solanine.
Sweet potatoes are not poisonous and can be eaten raw by humans. Cats will find them difficult to digest, and most will dislike them. They can also cause intestinal problems.
To sum it up, this is a possibility. Yet, it won’t give the feline the nutritional benefits as it would a human.
Are These Toxic For My Cat?
Like a lot of us, the quarantine has had us deep in our garden, and if you’re like me, this is an important fact to know:
While the sweet potato itself is not poisonous to cats, the lovely potato plant’s vines contain the psychoactive substance LSD.
A small amount of sweet potato vine can cause a dermatitis-like reaction in cats. It is causing blistering and swelling of the skin, mouth, and throat.
How Many Sweet Potatoes Can You Feed To Your Cat?
I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but we already know that these are things we could feed our cats. This raises another question; How much sweet potato can I feed my cat?
It should be considered a snack for your feline since there are many nutrients in other foods that your cat requires to thrive, such as; Animal protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water.
The carb content of a medium-sized sweet potato (boiled without the skin) is 27 grams. Starches make up the majority of the carbs, accounting for 53% of the total.
Simple sugars like glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose make up 32% of the carbohydrate material.
If you love this tuber as much as I do, you will aim to have your cat’s taste buds experience the magic of sweet potatoes. So, don’t need to worry; we got you covered. Here a few cat-friendly treats that contain sweet potatoes;
Vitakraft Gourmet Jelly Cat Treat
Serve up a tasty gelatin treat made with real chicken, carrots, broth, and sweet potatoes. It’s a low-calorie, mess-free treat that’s ideal for senior cats.
Your cat will stay hydrated with this high-moisture treat, which also helps to add liquid to their diet.
Snif-Snax All Natural Premium Cat Treats Scottish Salmon Sweet Potato
- Source of prebiotics for your cat
- Source of Omega 3 & 7
- High in protein
- Grain & gluten-free
- All-natural ingredients
Purina Beyond Grain Free, Natural Dry Cat Food, Simply Indoor Salmon
Purina Beyond – One (1) 5 lb. Bag Simply Indoor Salmon, Egg, and Sweet Potato Recipe is a grain-free, natural dry cat food.
Real, wild-caught salmon is the first component in our high-protein cat food.
Healthy weight cat food with natural fiber for hairball control and antioxidants for immunological support. Limited ingredients, nutrient-rich, grain-free cat food with natural probiotics for digestive health.
Purina Beyond Grain Free, Natural, Adult Wet Cat Food Pate
Purina beyond pate chicken & sweet potato recipe adult Wet Cat Food (12) 3 Oz. Cans.
The first ingredient is real chicken, for your cat’s daily diet, a grain-free option.
How Do I Cook Sweet Potatoes For My Cat?
Cats, like humans, can never consume raw sweet potatoes or any other raw potato. Raw potatoes are poisonous to cats, and their digestive systems would be damaged. A tiny, bite-size piece of cooked sweet potato that has been broiled or baked is not poisonous to your pet.
As long as you make sure the sweet potato is fresh and completely unseasoned.
Whether in the air fryer, the stove, or the oven, there is no rule book about cooking sweet potatoes for your feline. But, we need to consider that all foods taken by this animal should be easy to digest.
If you’re wondering what the best way to cook sweet potatoes for your pet is. We got you covered! Here are a few articles on the easiest ways to cook sweet potato:
- https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/roasted-sweet-potatoes/
- https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/how-to-cook-sweet-potatoes/
- https://www.thekitchn.com/microwave-sweet-potato-23005018
Conclusion
Sweet potatoes are not needed for your cat’s health and can trigger digestive issues (but small amounts here and there should not hurt). As always, exercise caution and consult your cat’s veterinarian if any problems arise.
Adding a few different vegetables to their diet will provide them with more variety. While also providing them with more vitamins, minerals, and fiber. As a sweet potato replacement, you could use the following: (ALL MUST BE COOKED)
- Carrots
- Peas
- Zucchini
- Winter squash
- Green Beans
- Broccoli Florets
Since cats are classified as compelling carnivores rather than omnivores like humans, feeding vegetables to cats is controversial. This means that, unlike us, they need animal protein from meat to survive and do not need fruit or vegetables. In reality, high-quality meat-based cat food can provide all a cat’s essential nutrients.
In conclusion, there might not be a need for this to be a part of your kitty’s diet. Yet, if done properly, no problems are expected to occur.
More like this post:
- Can Cats Eat Pork? What To Consider To Feed It To Your Cat
- Can Cats Eat Pineapple? How To Feed This Fruit To Your Cat?
- Can Cats Eat Cherries? Are Cherries Good For Cats?
Shawn Manaher is a serial entrepreneur but when he isn’t working, he loves dogs. He’s owned different pets over the years, and always gives a part of his heart to each pet.
