Sweet Potato Dog Treats (2024)

Get ready to be the most pup-ular host of the year because these sweet potato dog treats will steal the show at every doggo celebration! Making healthy, homemade dog treats is a snap, and my mutt, Mason, says they taste great too. With just three ingredients and a little time, your canine pals can enjoy homemade dog treats without all the mystery fillers included in store-bought goodies.

Sweet potatoes have a lot of benefits for your dog. They’re loaded with vitamin A, which supports their skin and coat, eyes and muscles. Even turmeric and coconut oil are fantastic for your pup’s health in moderate amounts. The chewy texture of these sweet potato treats for dogs is a nice change from the more traditional crunchy dog biscuits. From yappy hour gatherings to doggy bark-day bashes, this sweet potato dog treats recipe adds a dash of gourmet charm to pup get-togethers.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Dog Treats

• Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin A and antioxidants. Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and nutrition. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them about 1/4 inch or thicker. Remember: While dogs can eat both cooked yams and sweet potatoes, yams are pretty different from the orange goodness of sweet potatoes.
• Coconut oil: Great for digestion, coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties and can promote a glossy coat. Choose unrefined coconut oil for its more natural benefits or refined coconut oil for a lighter, neutral taste.
• Turmeric: A vibrant yellow spice full of health benefits, turmeric is used for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in joint health and mobility. A small amount can provide health benefits without overwhelming the taste or color of these dog sweet potato treats. Use a steady hand when sprinkling—turmeric’s yellow can stain fingers and fabric.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes

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Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet with parchment. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with melted coconut oil to coat.

Editor’s Tip:To melt the coconut oil, just pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

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Sprinkle with turmeric and toss to coat.

Step 2: Roast the treats

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Spread the potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for two to three hours or until the slices shrink and become chewy. Let the slices cool and store in an airtight container.

Editor’s Tip: About halfway through, flip the slices to the other side to ensure even cooking.

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Sweet Potato Dog Treat Variations

• Create shapes: For an extra touch, try using small cookie cutters to cut fun shapes before roasting. Fire hydrants and bone shapes spring to mind.
• Make softer sweet potato treats: Mix one mashed sweet potato with 2 cups flour, two eggs and 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce to form a simple dough. Roll it out and cut it into shapes, then bake until set.

How to Store Sweet Potato Dog Treats

While a common sweet potato mistake is storing them in the fridge when raw, it’s best to refrigerate cooked potatoes in an airtight container. This way, the treats won’t dry out too fast.

How long do sweet potato dog treats last?

Store cooked sweet potato treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness. They’ll stay fresh for up to three weeks, though they may soften.

Can you freeze sweet potato dog treats?

Once cooked, you can freeze these treats for longer storage. Thaw them before serving, or if your dog is like mine and adores frozen dog treats, let your dog chew on them fresh from the freezer. Frozen treats will take a little longer to devour too!

Sweet Potato Dog Treat Tips

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Do you need to peel sweet potatoes for dog treats?

You don’t need to peel the sweet potato for our dog treats recipe. However, you should make sure to cut the sweet potatoes to the correct size. If they’re too thin, they’ll roast into chips rather than chews. To achieve more consistency, slice your potatoes into rounds using a mandoline. Just make sure to keep your fingers clear of the blade or wear cut-proof gloves.

How else can you make sweet potato treats for dogs?

Don’t want to use an oven to bake these dog sweet potato treats? No problem. Pop the sweet potato slices in a food dehydrator. It will take longer than in the oven (up to seven hours), but it’s an excellent way to save space if you’re busy cooking people food in the oven. Or, you can make a crispy eight-minute version in an air fryer for a super fast option.

What other treats can you serve at a puppy party?

Whether you’re planning a paw-jama party or a howl-o-ween costume contest, serve sweet potato dog treats alongside bacon dog treats. If it’s a bark-day bash, try this puppy birthday cake or peanut butter pup cakes. You’ll have all the tails wagging and a reputation as the ultimate bark-itect of canine parties!