One of the traits of the dog lovers is that they are always on a lookout for additional nutritious food options for their furry children. Before feeding something to the dog, they want to know if the specific food item is good for the dog. Yams are regarded as one of the better choice for humans, but how about dogs?
Can dogs eat yams?
Yams are not toxic to dogs. They are high in vitamins B6 and C, and potassium. Yams needs to be cooked before giving it to your dog. Prepare it plain without any additional seasonings or ingredients. Making a mash is a good option. There can be some toxic compounds in the immature tuber tissue of white or yellow yams which are destroyed by cooking. Give yams in moderation or they can cause diarrhea because of their fiber content.
Health benefits of yams for the dogs
Yams are loaded with minerals and vitamins. In addition to this, they include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron and magnesium, to name a few. Vitamin B6 is regarded as one of the top vitamins found in Yam. Vitamin C is another worth mentioning ingredient that helps the dog get rid of different dangerous free radicals.
In addition to this, it is useful in decreasing inflammation. Vitamin A is another ingredient present in Yam, which helps in maintaining great skin conditions, nerves, muscles, and coat health. Magnesium, present in yams, help in enhancing the functions of hormonal secretion and function.
It is also effective in maintaining optimal electrolyte balance across different cell membranes. Moreover, it plays an integral role in the maintenance of calcium movement into the prerequisite muscles.
It helps in reducing the risks of cancer. In addition, it is useful in decreasing inflammation in dogs suffering from rheumatoid arthritis due to the presence of anti-inflammatory agents.
What foods can you give to your dog instead of yams?
You can consider giving sweet potatoes instead of yams.
Are dogs allergic to yams?
Though dogs are not allergic to yams generally, they might showcase certain symptoms. If you find that your dog is showing symptoms of illness after intaking yams, you should take him/her to the veterinarian without giving it a second thought.