We all want healthy snack options so why shouldn’t we want the same for our dogs? Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats are an inexpensive treat that are easy to make. I’ve made these treats for years and my dog can’t get enough of them.
Years ago, our vet advised us to remove chicken from our dog’s diet. Like anything else new, it was stressful in finding new foods and treats that were safe for him to eat. Do you know how many dog foods and treats contain some form of chicken? It’s crazy! We now find it easier to locate items he can have off of the shelf but we still making these Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats.
Are Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats Good For Dogs
In general, sweet potatoes are good for your dog, but always check with your vet and discuss whether or not they are a good treat option for your pet. Here are some of the benefits of homemade sweet potato dog treats.
The treats are natural – There is only one ingredient in these treats….sweet potatoes.
Full of fiber – Like people, dogs need a healthy digestive system. Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber that will help your pooch.
Low Fat – Sweet potatoes are low in fat and calories which will help keep your dog from gaining weight.
Vitamin Rich – The treats are full of essential vitamins like Beta-Carotene and Vitamin C.
Using the Food Dehydrator for Dog Treats
I like using a Food Dehydrator for making these treats. The dehydrator removes all of the moisture from the treats and makes them crunchy.
I slice the sweet potatoes into thin slices 3/8” thick using a mandoline slicer which keeps them all the same size.
Dehydrating times vary but it takes around 8 hours or so to dry them out completely. You want as much moisture out of them as possible so they will stay crispy and last longer.
How Long Are Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats Good For
The dog treats last for 2-3 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container. If you notice any mold or discoloration on the treats after a couple weeks the sweet potatoes probably had some moisture left in them. Discard the remainder of the treats.
Making Sweet Potato Dog Treats Without a Dehydrator
If you don’t own a food dehydrator you could also make the treats using your oven or air fryer.
Using the Oven – An oven at a low temperature of around 200ºF will also dry out the sweet potato treats. Timing will vary but will take about 6-8 hours.
Using the Air Fryer – This air fryer is the one I have. It has large trays and a dehydrator function that would work for sweet potato chips. My air fryer will dry out the potato slices in about 10 hours.
Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats Tips
Use Organic or Conventional Sweet Potatoes – Both varieties work well, so use whichever sweet potato you prefer.
Wash But Don’t Peel Them – Wash and dry the sweet potatoes but leave the peel on. The skin provides extra nutrients.
Thinly Slice Your Sweet Potatoes – I use a mandoline and slice the sweet potatoes into 3/8” slices. Even sliced sweet potatoes will dehydrate at about the same time and more evenly.
If You Think They Need to Dehydrate Longer They Do – If you’re questioning yourself on if the Sweet Potatoes need to dry longer, they do. No moisture is what your looking for in the treats. You don’t want them to mold.
Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats are easy, affordable, a tasty treat for your dog. They’re also people friendly if you want to try one yourself. Give this recipe a try an see if you dog loves them as much as mine does.
Other Recipes The Dog Likes
Our dog doesn’t get a ton of table foods but every dog has his day. Here are a few more recipes that he may or may not test occasionally.
- Parmesan Crisps – Ok, he likes cheese in general and could care less about kind of cheese it is. These simple Parmesan Crisps are sure to put a smile on your face though.
- Bacon – A little piece of bacon is a favorite rarity that he gets. Make it crispy with our favorite cooking method HERE.
- Eggs – Our dog LOVES eggs. Get egg tips HERE for perfect hard boil eggs.
Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Equipment
- Food Dehydrator
Ingredients
- 1 Large Sweet Potato, sliced into 3/8" slices
Instructions
- Wash and dry the sweet potato.
- Using a madoline or sharp knife. Slice the sweet potato crosswise into 3/8” slices.
- Place the sliced sweet potato onto dehydrator trays.
- Dehydrate the sweet potato slices for 8 hours or until they are completely dried out and crisp.
Video
Notes
- Leave on the skin for extra nutrients and saving preparation time.
- Thin and evenly sliced sweet potatoes will dehydrate more quickly and evenly.
- Sweet Potato Treats will break easily when completely dried out.
- Dry them out thoroughly. If you are questioning that they are not dry enough, dehydrate them out some more.
- Store the treats for 2-3 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container.
