How to Make Sweet Potato Dog Treats – Easy DIY Recipe:
Have you ever wondered if there’s a simple, healthy treat you can make at home that your dog will absolutely love? Here, I will share my customized recipe for sweet potato dog treats! Not only are these root vegetables packed with nutrients, but they also make for delicious and nutritious dog treats.
Why Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are not only a tasty vegetable; they’re a powerhouse of nutrition for your furry friend. According to research, sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
It contains several essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, and beta-carotene which are important for overall health of the dogs thus promoting a robust immune system, healthy skin, and good vision.
Moreover, sweet potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties and are a great source of antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and prevent chronic diseases. They are also low in fat, making them an excellent treat for dogs who need to manage their weight.
Recipe 1: Simple Sweet Potato Chews In Oven:
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes.
Instructions:
- First, preheat your oven to 250F or 120C.
- Remove all the dirt by washing sweet potatoes thoroughly and cutting them into thick, round pieces or in strips. It should be cut at least ¼ inches thick.
- Place a butter paper on the tray and spread all the pieces of sweet potatoes evenly. Now, keep this tray in a preheated oven for about 2 to 3 hours. Flipping them halfway through to ensure even drying.
- Once they are done, let the sweet potato chew to cool completely. They should be firm and slightly chewy.
How To Make Sweet Potato Dog Treats In Dehydrator:
You can also use a dehydrator to make sweet potato Chews for dogs. After washing and cutting sweet potatoes, follow these steps:
- Blanch the sweet potato slices in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Quickly cool them in ice water.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- This optional step makes the chews softer.
- It’s their turn to lay the sweet potato slices on the dehydrator trays in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
- Set the dehydrator to 135F to 57C. This is the recommended temperature for dehydrating fruits and vegetables.
- Allow the sweet potatoes to dehydrate for 6-12 hours. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the slices and your dehydrator’s efficiency. Check the slices to ensure they are drying evenly.
- The sweet potato treats are done when they are dry and firm but still slightly pliable. They should not be crispy or brittle.
Recipe 2: Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato
- ¼ cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup rolled oats.
Instructions:
- As usual, we will first preheat the oven to 175 C or 350 F.
- First, wash the sweet potatoes and peel them into chunks. Boil or steam until it is soft, and then mesh properly.
- Now it’s time to mix all the ingredients, so take a large bowl and combine mashed sweet potato, peanut butter, flour, and oats.
- After mixing all the ingredients and making a soft dough, roll it out about 1.4 inches thick. And cut with a desired shape with the help of a cutter.
- Place all the biscuits in the tray, which must be lined with butter paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown or firm.
- Let the biscuits cool completely on a wire rack.
Storage and Serving Tips for Sweet Potato Dog Treats:
By following our recommended storage and serving tips, you can ensure that your homemade sweet potato dog treats remain fresh, tasty, and beneficial for your furry friend.
Storage Tips:
- Airtight Containers: You can Store sweet potato dog treats in airtight jars to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming stale.
Recommended Jars Or Container: Mason jars or plastic storage containers with fitted lids.
- Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store the treats in the refrigerator. Sweet potato chews can last up to a month when refrigerated, while sweet potato and peanut butter biscuits can last for about two weeks.
- Freezing: To extend the storage even further, consider freezing the treats. Place them on a tray in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze till they become solid.
Once they are solid you can transfer the sweet potato chews for dogs into zip lock bag or containers. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw the treats in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Serving Tips:
- Even though these treats are healthy, it’s essential to serve them in moderation. Treats should make up at most 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Adjust the serving size based on your dog’s size and activity level.
- Use the sweet potato treats as a reward during training sessions. Their natural sweetness and appealing flavor can be an excellent motivator for your dog to learn new commands or tricks.
- Insert the sweet potato biscuits or chews into interactive toys or puzzle feeders to provide mental stimulation and keep your dog engaged. This can be especially useful for dogs that need a little extra challenge or enrichment.
- These treats make for excellent portable snacks when you’re on the go. Pack a few in a small container or bag for hikes, trips to the park, or long car rides to keep your dog satisfied and happy.
Making your own sweet potato dog treats is not only easy but also an excellent way to ensure your pet is getting a healthy snack. These treats are packed with nutrients that support your dog’s health, and they are free from the artificial preservatives and additives often found in store-bought treats.
