Most people love eating sweet potatoes because they are healthy and make a great meal. However, if you’ve ever wondered “can Pugs eat sweet potatoes,” you’re in the right place. As a pet owner, it’s important to know what foods Pugs eat and which ones they shouldn’t.
Can Pugs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
In short, Pugs can eat sweet potatoes and they can be beneficial for them, as long as they are fed in moderation.
That being said, some parts of the plant are toxic and can be poisonous if ingested by your pooch. We’ll discuss this more in detail below.

As always consult with your veterinarian before adding any new foods to your Pug’s diet.
Can Pug Puppies Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Pug puppies can eat very small amounts of sweet potatoes as long as they are completely weaned from their mother and are eating high-quality puppy food.
That being said, a puppy digestive system is still developing and it’s important to avoid feeding them fruits, veggies or other foods. Personally, I wouldn’t feed a puppy anything other than a high-quality puppy food.
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Sweet Potatoes To Pugs?
Sweet potatoes have tons of benefits for both you and your dog. Here’s a look at how this vegetable will help your Pug.
Aid In Digestion
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and will help keep your Pug’s digestion smooth and regular.
Potassium
Sweet potatoes are high in potassium, which is an essential mineral for boosting muscle growth. In addition, potassium helps the muscles relax and contract, which helps improve your dog’s motor skills.
Beta-Carotene
Sweet potatoes contain an antioxidant called beta-carotene which is known to support eye health, especially in older dogs.
Promote A Healthy Microbiome
This veggie contains antioxidants that support a healthy balance of gut bacteria and can reduce the risk of digestive systems and diarrhea.
Anti-Cancer Benefits
Foods that are high in antioxidants such as sweet potatoes are known to help defend your pup’s body against free radicals that can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.
Fun Sweet Potatoes Facts
Many people think that sweet potatoes and yams are the same thing, but they are not.
You can eat the root and the leaves of the sweet potatoes. Some people include the leaves as the greens as a part of their diet.
The sweet potatoes leaves are actually considered “superfoods” similar to other greens like kale or chard.
Sweet potatoes can be pureed, juiced, and fried. The skin has amazing benefits and is a great source of fiber.
Nutritional Facts
3.5 ounces of raw sweet potatoes (100 grams):
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Calories: 86
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 1.6 grams
- Sugar: 4.2 grams
- Carbs: 20.1 grams
- Water: 77%
Sweet potatoes are high in starches and carbohydrates, that’s what can cause a dog to become overweight easily.
Are Sweet Potatoes Safe For Pugs?
Sweet potatoes are not toxic to dogs and are considered a safe snack as long as it is fed in moderation.
If you grow sweet potatoes in your garden, make sure your dog does not eat any part of the plant or vine, as it is considered poisonous for dogs.
The sweet potato seeds are the most toxic part of the veggie. They contain hallucinogenic compounds such as LSD and can cause neurological problems.
Digestive Problems Can Be Common
Sweet potatoes have tons of benefits for dogs, however, as with all things it should only be consumed in moderation.
What About White Potatoes?
White potatoes are totally different than sweet potatoes and are similar to tomatoes. Read this to find out if Pugs can eat white potatoes.
How Do I Feed My Pug Sweet Potatoes?
If you’re ready to add sweet potatoes to your dog’s diet, here are the steps to do it safely:
Wash the potatoes thoroughly to ensure they do not have any toxic pesticides that can harm your pooch.
Try steaming or boiling them as these methods will retain more nutritional value than roasting. Avoid adding any spices such as salt, cinnamon, black pepper, or etc as it can cause your pooch to have an upset tummy.
You can also find several homemade sweet potato dog recipes you can prepare for your pooch!
What Parts of A Sweet Potatoes Should You Feed A Pug?
Can Pugs Eat Sweet Potato Skin?
Yes, Pugs can eat the skin and you should feed them it as it contains vitamins and fibers that can benefit your pooch.
Can Pugs Eat Sweet Potatoe Vines?
You should never feed your Pug any of the green parts of the potato. They are considered toxic to pets and should be avoided.
Parts Of Sweet Potatoe
Use this table as a quick reference to find out which parts of a sweet potato a Pug can eat.
Parts Of A Sweet Potatoe | Is It Safe For Pugs to Eat? |
Stem | No |
Leaves | No |
Flowers | No |
Eye | Yes, but it can be hard to swallow |
Flesh | Yes, they will love eating it |
Peel | Yes, it has many healthy minerals for dogs |
Root End | No, it can cause your dog to choke because it is hard to swallow |
*Always consult with your veterinarian before adding sweet potatoes to your dog’s diet.
How Much What Should You Feed A Pug?
Start feeding your Pug small amounts. Based on the size of a Pug, they should be fed no more than a teaspoon in one sitting.
Feeding them too much at one time can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Alternatives To Sweet Potatoes For Pugs
If your Pug loves eating veggies you may want to consider feeding them some of these other healthy veggies for Pugs:
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Sweet Potatoes
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with sharing servings of sweet potatoes with your best friend.
The most important thing is to avoid overfeeding them. Pugs have a tendency to gain weight easily so it’s important to monitor their intake of snacks.
References And Further Reading
Healthy Pets Mercola – 10 Best Foods To Share With Your Beloved Pet
PetMD – Healthy Foods Checklist: Sweet Potatoes for Dogs