FleaFree Feline

Sweet potatoes are a popular staple veggie in many households, especially during the fall, thanks to their nutritional benefits and delicious, sweet flavor. And if you own a cat, it's only natural to wonder “Can cats eat sweet potatoes?” The short answer is yes: cats can enjoy an occasional nibble of a sweet potato. However, like other cat-friendly human foods, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

We talked to Rebecca Greenstein, veterinary medical advisor for Rover, about how to safely share sweet potato with cats.

Can Cats Eat Sweet Potato?

Sweet potatoes are safe for cats to eat. However, since cats are obligate carnivores, their digestive systems are primarily designed to process meat, meaning they don’t digest plant-based foods like sweet potatoes very well.

This means that while an occasional bite of cooked, plain sweet potato is safe for most cats, it doesn’t offer much nutritional value, as their essential nutrients come primarily from meat-based cat food.

“Any food outside their regular diet should comprise no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake to avoid creating nutritional imbalances, as well as tummy upset,” Greenstein says.

So, if you choose to share sweet potato with your cat, reserve it for special occasions.

Benefits of Feeding Sweet Potato to Cats

The most significant benefit of feeding sweet potatoes to cats centers around the root veggie’s high fiber content. Sweet potatoes are a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is the part of food that a cat’s digestive system cannot break down, so it passes through the body largely unchanged. This type of fiber absorbs fluid from the intestines, softening and adding bulk to the stool, which can help cats who are dealing with occasional constipation.

Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamin A, which supports a cat’s vision, bone and tooth development, and the health of their skin and mucous membranes. They’re also rich in niacin, an essential nutrient that helps cats metabolize fats, carbohydrates, and protein efficiently.

However, since cats should only eat small amounts of sweet potato, the actual nutritional benefits they receive would be minuscule.

Risks of Feeding Sweet Potato to Cats

There are also a few risks to consider when it comes to feeding sweet potato to cats.

• Carbohydrate sensitivity: Cats have very different nutritional needs than humans, requiring a diet rich in meat (protein) to thrive, Greenstein says. Feeding a cat too many carbohydrates can contribute to health issues like weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. 
• Digestive upset: Feeding too much sweet potato can cause digestive issues, including vomiting or diarrhea. Digestive upset can also occur if your cat is allergic to sweet potato, which is rare, but not impossible, Greenstein says.
• Choking hazard: Raw or improperly prepared sweet potatoes can be a choking hazard for cats. Always make sure the potato is soft and cut into manageable pieces to avoid any risk.

How to Feed Sweet Potato to Your Cat

If you want to offer sweet potato to your kitty as an occasional treat, it’s important to take some precautions:

• Start with small amounts: When introducing any new food, including sweet potatoes, always start with a tiny portion—just a small, bite-sized piece, Greenstein advises. This allows you to monitor how your cat’s digestive system reacts to the new food.
• Feed cooked, plain sweet potato only: Always serve cooked sweet potatoes; raw sweet potatoes can be difficult for cats to digest and may pose a choking hazard. Avoid adding seasonings, butter, oil, or sugar, as these ingredients can cause stomach upset or be toxic (in the case of ingredients like garlic and onion).
• Use occasionally as a treat: Sweet potatoes should be given as a treat, not as a regular part of your cat’s diet. Giving your cat one bite-sized piece a couple of times a week is enough to give your cat a taste without disrupting their balanced, meat-based nutrition.
  

The Bottom Line on Feeding Sweet Potato to Cats

Sweet potatoes are not toxic to cats and can be safely offered as an occasional treat in small, cooked portions. While they do provide some nutritional benefits, their overall role in a cat’s diet is minimal since cats are obligate carnivores.

Key considerations for feeding sweet potatoes to cats include ensuring they’re cooked and plain, introducing them slowly, and monitoring your cat for adverse reactions.

As always, consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your cat’s diet, especially if your cat has specific dietary needs or sensitivities.