Sweet Potato for Constipation in Dogs

Rich in complex carbohydrates, a powerful antioxidant and a good source of fiber, sweet potatoes can be a beneficial aid in the treatment of constipation in dogs. Constipation is caused by a number of factors, many of which are preventable. Characterized by hard, dry stools, difficulty in evacuating, loss of appetite and general malaise, constipation can be prevented by Integrating nutritious, moisture-rich sweet potatoes and other fiber-rich fresh vegetables into your dog's regular diet, either as part of a home-cooked, natural diet or to supplement commercial dry dog foods. Adequate exercise and hydration also are key components for the prevention of constipation, and keep your best friend healthy and happy.

  1. Sweet Potato Profile

    • Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta carotene and are beneficial in a canine diet.

      The sweet potato is a below-ground-growing tuber, and one of the healthiest, most satisfying vegetables we eat. It also can be a valuable addition to your dog's diet. It can be used to relieve a sudden bout of constipation, be integrated into the regular diet for a case of chronic constipation, or be fed regularly in conjunction with other fresh vegetables to prevent constipation.

      Bursting with vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, the sweet potato's creamy, sweet flesh is pale golden to deep, bold orange in color depending on the region in which it's grown. The sweet potato is not related botanically to the white potato nor to a yam, which is a completely different genus entirely and not grown in North America, although the terms sweet potatoes and yams often are used interchangeably.

    How Sweet Potatoes Work to Aid in Constipation

    • The composition of the sweet potato lends itself well to the job of cleaning out the intestines. Its considerable bulk helps to evacuate the bowels in a safe, natural way. Since fiber is not absorbed by the dog's digestive tract, it goes directly to the colon, adding to the volume of the stool and transmitting strong, sensory stimulation to the colon, encouraging voiding.

    Sweet Potatoes in the Preventive Diet

    • Diet has a major role in promoting good digestion and healthy bowel movements. If your dog's diet doesn't contain adequate bulk, or roughage, contributed by fresh, low-calorie vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach and other fiber-rich vegetables, he can become constipated. Inferior quality, commercial dog food and too many bones should be avoided.

    How to Feed Sweet Potato to Your Dog

    • Mashed sweet potato is a treat the whole family can enjoy, including your dog.

      Sweet potatoes and other carbohydrate-rich vegetables work in tandem to keep your dog well. Pieces of sweet potato may be pureed and fed raw in food, or cooked until soft in the oven or microwave, mashed and mixed into their food. They also can be left whole to cool and fed by hand in chunks as a treat. In general, dogs seem to love the taste and texture, and eat it with gusto. Choose organic foods when you can and, if you bake your own dog biscuits, feature the sweet potato in your recipes.

    Other Considerations

    • Dogs are extremely sensitive to their environment and the behavior of their humans. Just as we become stressed during emotional upheaval, so do our dogs, often mimicking the same stress-related maladies we have, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, emotional upset such as frustration, grief or even a scolding can cause occasional or chronic constipation in dogs.

      Exercise is crucial to maintain health and keep your dog's system working at full capacity. If your dog does not get ample exercise for his breed's requirements, a sluggish digestive system and constipation may result. Let your dog out several times a day to relieve himself. Dogs that do not have access to the outside often enough will acquire the habit of holding their bowel movements. After a time, constipation is the natural outcome.

      The middle-aged and senior dog may be prone to constipation because of decreased activity and inadequate intake of water. Some dogs also may have a weak rectum. In this case, the weak rectal muscles do not allow easy passage of the stools.

      Always consult your veterinarian before initiating a course of treatment, whether it be adding fresh vegetables to the diet or other treatments for constipation. Constipation may be a symptom of some other underlying problem that must be dealt with individually or holistically.