Ipomoea batatas or sweet potato is a member of morning glory or bindweed family with a sweet-tasting, starchy tuberous root used as a vegetable.
While its name makes many people assume it is closely related to the normal or white potato (Solanum tuberosum), this is not the case. Actually, they belong to different families and the two are not closely related.
In culinary, the root, vine leaves, and shoots are edible. However, it is the root that is of much significance as is a staple food in some tropical regions. It can be baked, boiled, roasted, mashed, grilled, fried, steamed, made into chips, used to make soup, and so on.
What are some of the nutrients does it have? It has carbs, small amounts of protein and fats as well as vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folate, K, beta-carotene (antioxidant)
Also, this tuber has calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.
Can cats have sweet potatoes
Yes. Cats can have potato as an occasional snack. They are not bad for cats including their vines as ASPCA notes. Go for boiled, steamed, baked mashed, ones but ensure they do not have any ingredients including seasonings, toppings, herbs, spices, salt or sugar.
Unlike the Solanum tuberosum or potatoes that have solanine, raw sweet potatoes are not toxic and can be consumed while raw including by even human beings. However, kitties will find them difficult to digest and most will not even like them. Also, they may cause intestinal havoc and diarrhea.
Although Cuteness.com notes that felines should not any eat raw potatoes including Ipomoea batatas, these two do not belong to the same family as already noted.
Is a sweet potato snack good for cats? Obviously, we have noted the pets can eat this tuber vegetable and they will not harm them. However, although they are not poisonous, they will not provide any meaningful nutritional benefits since these animals being strict carnivores or meat-eaters.
Also, since they are high in carbohydrates, feeding them a lot will not only cause stomach upsets and diarrhea but can also lead to weight gain. A lot of carbs have also been associated with feline diabetes.
Finally, owing to their high level of fibers, you can give a bite-sized piece to your feline pal or kitten to help her deal with constipation. However, do not forget that they are harder to digest.
Can cats eat sweet potato baby food
If you would like to give your kitty baby food such as carrot, sweet potato, prune, and so on, ensure it does not have ingredients such as garlic, chives, onions, added sweeteners, vegetable oil, salt, dairy products and so on.
Foods with sweet potatoes
If your feline friend likes them, go for cat foods with this tuberous root. These foods are nutritionally balanced, i.e., they will provide all the required nutrients to your feline pal.
Some of the good options with chicken and sweet potatoes include
- Purina Beyond Grain-Free, Natural, Adult Wet Cat Food Chicken Sweet Potatoes Pate. There is also an option for the duck, pheasant, salmon, and turkey instead of chicken.
- Castor & Pollux Grain-Free Dry
- Fussie Cat Premium Wet Cat food
- Pure Balance Limited Ingredient Wet Food Dinner
Finally, you can go for Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Salmon Recipe and Purina Beyond Indoor, Grain-Free, Natural Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Salmon dry cat food.