Should I Give My Cat Sweet Potatoes?
Can cats eat sweet potatoes? Let us first answer the question before giving you all the other important details and interesting facts about this sweet vegetable. Yes, cats can eat sweet potatoes and they can prove to be quite healthy for them as well. However, there is a way and prescribed quantity to feed them.
We humans have grown fond of this vegetable owing to its immense nutritious value. And for those who have yet not started adding it to their dinner plates; here are some facts about it that will make you go to the supermarket right now and cook it for dinner.
1 serving which is around 200 grams of baked sweet potato with skin contains –
Calories – 180 grams
Carb – 41 grams
Protein – 4 grams
Fat – 0.4 grams
Fiber – 6.6 grams
Apart from these, it contains Vitamin A, and B6, Potassium, Manganese, Copper, Niacin, and Pantothenic Acid. They are very rich in antioxidants as well which can help reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases. Not to forget, the rich fiber content helps improve gut health. If all of these benefits haven’t made you look for your shoes, there’s more.
Sweet potatoes are rich in Beta-carotene helps improve vision. Anthocyanins found in purple sweet potatoes help reduce the inflammation in the brain, hence improving its function.
Now the question that probably even you’re wondering is; are these nutrition-packed sweet potatoes equally beneficial for cats? Continue reading below to learn more from our top provider of pet insurance plans.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Cats
While some studies indicate that a cat’s digestive tract is not made for processing fruits and vegetables, recent studies show otherwise. This is because cats are genetically carnivorous. However, a study by the National Library of Medicine in 2018 said that domesticated cats have developed the ability to digest fruits and vegetables and even derive nutrition from them.
(Source - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5753635/)
The Potential Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Cats
Digestive health - The fiber in sweet potatoes can help regulate digestion and relieve constipation in cats.
Satiety – The carbs in sweet potatoes tend to digest slowly and hence make your cat feel full for a longer duration between meals
Vitamins – Vitamin A can help maintain healthy vision, skin, and coat in cats, while Vitamin C comes with anti-oxidants and immune-boosting properties. Vitamin B6, on the other hand, can help with protein metabolism and the creation of neurotransmitters in cats.
Overall health – The anti-oxidant-rich sweet potatoes can reduce the risk of several diseases and hence help in prolonging the life of your cat.
Can Cats Eat Purple Yam?
Sweet potatoes come in various colors like orange, purple, yellow, and white, each offering a slightly different taste and nutritional profile. ‘Yams’ as they are popularly known in America are safe for your cat to eat but there are some rules to follow. Like other colored Yams, purple ones may offer minor health benefits to your cat, but they should be given only as an occasional treat. Plain and cooked purple yam is the best way to feed them. You should avoid canned yams as they come with preservatives and sugars which are bad for your feline. Try avoiding the skin as well as it can come with a coating of pesticides which can severely harm your cat’s health.
Can Cats Eat Raw Sweet Potato?
Can cats eat sweet potatoes if they are raw? Sweet potatoes or most of the other vegetables are always better when fed cooked to your four-legged buddy. Raw sweet potatoes can cause gastrointestinal issues for your cat. It can also be very hard for your cat to chew and hence pose a choking threat.
Can Cats Have Sweet Potatoes If They are Boiled?
Boiled, baked, steamed, or dehydrated sweet potatoes are safe for cats as long as no salt, seasonings, or toppings have been added. You should be avoiding fried ones as the oil can cause digestion issues for your cat.
How Much Sweet Potato is Safe for Cats?
We understood that the benefits of sweet potatoes are not the same for cats as they are for us humans. Hence, they should only be fed as an occasional treat. The quantity should not exceed 5-10% of the cat’s daily food intake or 1-2 tablespoons.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
While your cat can derive some nutrition from sweet potatoes, there are potential risks from over-feeding it and feeding it in the wrong manner. Too much sweet potato for your cat can cause digestive issues, obesity and diabetes problems, allergic reactions, nutrition imbalance, and more. Accidental ingestion of the skin of sweet potatoes can also lead to several health issues as it may contain some toxins for your cat. The treatment for such medical conditions can run up to thousands of dollars at times. Having pet insurance at such times helps.
At Spot Pet, we cover all the above illnesses along with prescription medicines, alternate therapies, behavioral issues, spaying/neutering, microchipping, and much more. And our plans start from as low as $10 per month.
Interesting Facts about Sweet Potatoes
We hope we’ve answered all your doubts regarding feeding sweet potatoes to your feline buddy. Here are some interesting facts towards the end of the article to feed your curiosity.
Sweet potatoes are not related to regular potatoes! – We were as shocked as you are right now. They belong to the Morning Glory family and are distantly related to starchy potatoes.
The leaves, shoots, and stems of sweet potatoes are edible as well. They are highly nutritious and can offer versatility in cooking and additional health benefits.
These not-so-potatoes have a long history, dating back over 5,000 years to Central and South America. They played a crucial role in alleviating hunger during a famine in China in the 18th century.
They can be used as a natural dye as they come in a variety of colors.
Their vines are used as animal feed, providing valuable nutrients for livestock.
Conclusion
Cat Insurance helps to provide pet parents with additional financial support and peace of mind when it comes to the health and wellness of their pets. With a Spot plan, pet parents can receive up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills. This way pet parents can focus on caring for and supporting their pets. Spot's also offers preventive care add-ons, which can help cover the eligible costs of spaying and neutering, dental cleaning, vaccinations, and other routine care services. Get a quote today!
