Why Canned Sweet Potato is Better Than Canned Pumpkin for Dogs
by Chelsea Sher
Recently we were asked about why sweet potatoes are better for dogs’ digestive health, when we’ve been hearing pumpkin is the token food for an upset tummy. We thought you’d want to know, too! I always opt for Evanger’s canned sweet potato when my pup has an upset tummy. I also use Evanger’s canned sweet potato as a “digestive preventative” to add some fiber to my dog’s food before I know he’s about to eat a lot of *different* foods (that means someone is giving him a lot of treats, and I’m prepared for tentative gastro-upset). I always keep some canned Sweet Potato in my pantry as my go-to when my dog’s poops are a bit runny.
When it comes to choosing the best ingredients for your dog’s diet, sweet potatoes and pumpkins are both healthy options that often pop up. However, if you’re looking to maximize the nutritional benefits for your pet, canned sweet potato comes out on top. Let’s break down the reasons why.
1. Higher Nutrient Density
Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients that can benefit your dog in multiple ways. In just 100 grams of sweet potato, you’ll find over three times the calories and carbohydrates compared to pumpkin. But don’t let the higher calorie count scare you — those calories come from beneficial sources like starch, dietary fiber, and protein.
In fact, sweet potatoes are also twice as rich in protein compared to pumpkins. Protein is essential for maintaining your dog’s muscle health, especially for active or senior dogs.
2. Rich in Vitamins
When it comes to vitamins, sweet potatoes clearly outperform pumpkins. A single serving of both sweet potatoes and pumpkins can fill your dog’s daily requirement of vitamin A, but sweet potatoes have three times more of it! Vitamin A is crucial for your dog’s vision, immune system, and skin health.
Sweet potatoes also contain a much broader range of vitamins. For instance, they have:
- 6 times more vitamin B6 (important for brain function and hormone regulation)
- 4 times more vitamin C (essential for immune support)
- 3-4 times more vitamins B1, B3, and B5 (vital for metabolism and energy production)
3. Great for Digestion
Both sweet potatoes and pumpkins contain dietary fiber, which helps regulate digestion and can aid dogs with constipation or diarrhea. However, the higher fiber content in sweet potatoes provides an extra digestive boost, making them an ideal ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
4. Energy Boost for Active Dogs
If your dog leads an active lifestyle or is a growing puppy, sweet potatoes can give them a well-rounded energy boost. The higher levels of carbohydrates and calories in sweet potatoes offer longer-lasting energy, supporting their need for physical activity and mental sharpness.
5. More Versatility
Sweet potatoes can provide more nutritional variety to your dog’s meals. They’re not just a source of vitamins; they’re also rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage, improving overall health and reducing inflammation, which is especially important for older dogs or those with joint issues.
When Should You Choose Pumpkin?
Pumpkin isn’t without its benefits. It is lower in sugar and calories, making it a better choice for dogs that need to manage their weight or those on a low glycemic index diet. But for dogs who are fit and active, or those that could use extra nutritional support, sweet potatoes deliver a superior range of vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
While both canned sweet potato and pumpkin are excellent choices for your dog’s health, sweet potatoes stand out as the better option for nutrient density, energy, and overall health benefits. With more vitamins, higher fiber content, and increased protein, canned sweet potatoes offer a well-rounded nutritional profile that can keep your dog healthy, happy, and full of energy.
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