Here’s my go-to recipe for sweet potato chews – a simple, healthy treat your pup will love. These homemade dog treats are made with just one ingredient: fresh sweet potatoes sliced thin and baked until chewy.
My dogs start circling the kitchen as soon as they smell these baking in the oven. I usually make a big batch because they disappear so quickly at our house. Plus, they’re much cheaper than store-bought treats, which is always a win!
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Dog Chews
- Single ingredient – With just sweet potatoes, you know exactly what you’re feeding your pup – no mysterious additives or preservatives to worry about.
- Cost-effective – Making these treats at home costs way less than buying packaged dog chews from the pet store, and you get a bigger batch too.
- Dog-approved healthy snack – Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber that are good for your dog, making these treats both tasty and nutritious for your furry friend.
- Easy preparation – While they take time to bake, the actual prep work is super simple – just slice and pop in the oven.
What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?
For dog treats, the common orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (sometimes labeled as yams in grocery stores) are your best bet. These Beauregard or Jewel varieties are perfect because they’re naturally sweet and become chewy when dried, making them ideal for dog treats. Look for firm sweet potatoes without any soft spots or blemishes, and try to pick ones that are medium-sized and relatively straight – they’ll be easier to cut into even slices. While white or purple sweet potatoes can work too, the orange ones pack more vitamin A and tend to have a better texture when dehydrated.
Options for Substitutions
When making these healthy dog treats, you have a few options to work with:
- Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes: You can swap regular sweet potatoes with white-fleshed Japanese sweet potatoes or even regular potatoes, though they’ll have less nutritional value for your pup. Carrots can also work as a substitute – just slice them lengthwise into strips. Keep in mind that cooking times might need to be adjusted: carrots usually take a bit longer to get chewy, while regular potatoes might need less time.
- Additional info: Whatever substitute you choose, make sure to avoid any seasoning or oils, as these treats should be plain for your dog’s health and safety. Also, never use white or purple yams as they can be toxic to dogs.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake when making sweet potato chews for your pup is cutting the slices too thick, which can lead to chewy exteriors but raw centers – aim for consistent 1/4 inch thickness to ensure even baking and the perfect texture your dog will love.
Temperature control is crucial: baking at too high heat can cause burning on the outside while leaving the inside undercooked, so stick to a low temperature (around 250°F) and be patient with the longer cooking time of 2.5-3 hours.
To prevent sticking and ensure even dehydration, flip the sweet potato slices halfway through baking and use parchment paper instead of directly placing them on the baking sheet.
Remember to let the chews cool completely before storing them in an airtight container – they should be dry and slightly bendy, not soft or brittle, to provide the safest chewing experience for your four-legged friend.
What to Serve With Sweet Potato Dog Chews?
These homemade sweet potato chews make a great standalone treat for your pup, but you can create a fun “snack time” experience by offering them alongside other dog-friendly items. Fresh water is always a must when giving your dog any treats or chews. Since these are more of a chewy snack, you might want to balance them with some crunchy treats like plain air-popped popcorn or small dog biscuits (just remember to count these treats as part of your dog’s daily calorie intake!). Keep in mind that treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily food intake, so serve these sweet potato chews as part of a balanced diet.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These homemade sweet potato dog treats will stay good in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5-7 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing to prevent any moisture from building up, which could make them spoil faster.
Refrigerate: To make them last longer, pop your pup’s treats in the fridge in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks this way. Just remember to check for any signs of moisture or mold before giving them to your furry friend.
Freeze: These sweet potato chews are perfect for batch-making! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight when your dog is ready for more treats.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 150-180 minutes |
| Total Time | 160-195 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 4-6 g
- Fat: 0-2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Ingredients
- 2 orange-fleshed sweet potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 250°F (130°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Slice the Sweet Potato
Using a knife or mandoline, carefully slice the sweet potato into pieces.
For small dog treats, slice them into coins.
If you have a larger dog, consider slicing them lengthwise for bigger chews.
Aim for slices no thinner than 1/4 inch to ensure they remain chewy and don’t become overly crispy during baking.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheets.
Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Remember to flip the slices once halfway through the baking time.
You’re looking for a mixture of textures—some pieces should be a bit crispy, while others maintain a chewy consistency.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Allow the sweet potato chews to cool completely on the baking sheets.
Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
These treats will keep fresh for about 3 weeks, perfect for your furry friend to enjoy!
