Sweet Potato Dog Treats Recipe (2024)

Introduction: Sweet Potato Dog Treats Recipe

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Our dog Roscoe gets a treat a couple times a day as a vehicle for his pain medicine. He's 9 years old but has recently decided he wants to act like a puppy again. :P (which is pretty elderly for a Rottweiler / German Shepard mix). We've been giving him his medicine using these blueberry muffins, but our local store stopped carrying them.

We're pretty picky about what he eats, so most treats are out of the question for him. Plus, he's on a diet since he's been gaining more and more weight in old age! Instead of buying something else, I set out to make him some healthy sweet potato based treats. :D

I'm using brown rice flour in these treats because it's high in fiber, protein, iron and niacin - as well as other minerals! The sweet potato is also high in fiber, and contains loads of vitamin A. The eggs add a little fat and protein. The apple sauce doesn't do too much but help bind everything together, but it's a healthy way to do it. :)

In the next version of these treats, I think I'm going to add in some unsweetened dehydrated blueberries since he loves those and they're good for him. ^_^

[ I modified this recipe to make these treats. ]

Step 1: Ingredients + Tools

Ingredients:

1 sweet potato (should weigh 1 to 1.5 pounds)
2 1/2 cups brown rice flour
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
2 eggs

Make sure that your applesauce has no added weirdness or sugar. The label should just show apples, water, and some sort of acid to preserve color and freshness.

Make sure to store your extra brown rice flour in the fridge or freezer. Otherwise, it goes rancid fast!

Tools:

microwave
oven set to 350 F / 175 C
a rimmed baking sheet
parchment paper
whisk
spatula
fork
large bowl for mixing

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potato and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 F / 175 C.

I prefer to do this in the microwave because it's really fast.

Wash and dry the sweet potato and put it on a microwave safe plate. Prick the sweet potato all over with a fork, and then pop it in the microwave.

Microwave for 5-7 minutes or until you can squeeze it and it feels pretty soft. You can also insert a paring knife into it to check doneness - if you don't meet any resistance, you're good to go!

Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potato

Remove the skin from the sweet potato and transfer the flesh to a large bowl. Mash with a fork or whatever else works. :)

Step 4: Add the Apple Sauce & Eggs

Add in 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce and stir well to combine.

Then, add in the eggs. At this point I normally break out the whisk to get this all mixed well. A metal whisk is best!

Step 5: Add in the Brown Rice Flour

Add in one cup of flour and mix everything together using a spatula until there are no dry spots left. (I poured the brown rice flour into the measuring cup when I measured it out, instead of spooning the flour into the cup.)

Now add another cup of flour and mix again.

Add in the last 1/2 cup of flour and mix. After this, the dough will be soft but not wet. It should come together easily and not be crumbly.

If it's still wet, add in more brown rice flour, 1/4 cup at a time until it forms a nice soft dough.

Step 6: Roll the Dough Into Balls

Brown rice flour makes a very soft dough, so it's much easier to roll the treats into balls and bake them that way.

The dough will stick to your hands a bit, but it's not bad. If it bothers you, you can always try spraying your hands with a little cooking spray.

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and start rolling the dough into balls!

I'm making the treats into balls about 1-1.25 inches wide, which is perfect for a big dog like Roscoe. You may want to match the size of treats your dog already enjoys.

Step 7: Bake the Treats

Now we'll bake the treats in a 350 F / 175 C oven.

How long you bake your treats will depend on how big you make them!

I baked mine for about 45 minutes. Smaller treats will take less time, so start checking them at 20-25 minutes.

The treats should be firm and dry on the outside, but remain slightly soft inside. :)

Step 8: Cooling and Storing the Treats

Let the treats cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, and then transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely and then put them into a container or ziploc bag. :)

I prefer to keep these treats in the fridge. They stay good in the fridge for quite a while as long as you completely cool them before putting them into a container! You can freeze them as well.

Hope your pups enjoy as much as mine did! :D

Participated in the
Dog Challenge 2016

FAQs

How many sweet potato treats can I give my dog? ›

Dogs should start out with very small amounts of sweet potato, usually no more than one or two ounces per serving. Toy breed dogs should start with a quarter or half of an ounce (about two to three teaspoons) and large breed dogs can have a little bit extra if they tolerate the first serving well.

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How should sweet potatoes be prepared for dogs? ›

Cooking Methods: There are several safe and effective methods for cooking sweet potatoes for dogs: Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the sweet potato pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.

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How much sweet potato per day for a dog? ›

This depends on the size, weight and dietary requirements of each individual dog. As a general guideline, you should feed your dog no more than 2-3 bite-sized chunks per day. Whilst sweet potatoes are indeed a healthy snack, they won't provide your dog with all of the nutrition that they need to thrive.

Can too much sweet potato be bad for dogs? ›

Overconsumption: While sweet potatoes are generally safe for dogs in moderation, too much can lead to health issues. They are high in fiber and can cause digestive upset in large quantities. Also, excessive vitamin A can lead to toxicity. Allergic Reactions: Though uncommon, some dogs may be allergic to sweet potatoes.

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Is it okay to give dogs sweet potatoes every day? ›

As with many other fruits or vegetables, sweet potatoes should be fed to your dog in moderation and as occasional treats, not as part of a regular diet. Too much of a good thing, even if it's nutritious, should be offered in small amounts first to avoid any allergic response or intolerance.

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Which is better for dogs, pumpkin or sweet potato? ›

While sweet potatoes are higher in calories than pumpkin, they also offer more carbohydrates, protein and fats – a necessary part of a dog's diet. The fiber content in sweet potato and pumpkin can also help your dog feel full and satisfied. A strong immune system is essential for keeping your dog healthy and happy.

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Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes for dogs? ›

The best and easiest way to treat your dog to sweet potatoes is to steam or boil them— do not add any seasonings to the pieces you feed your dog.

Get More Info Here ›

Can I give my dog uncooked sweet potato? ›

When feeding your dog a sweet potato, make sure it's cooked and that the skin is removed; leaving the skin on makes it harder for your dog to digest. You should never feed your dog a raw sweet potato. Not only are they difficult to chew, but they can upset your dog's stomach and potentially cause intestinal blockage.

Can I mix sweet potato with dog food? ›

Boil ground turkey, chopped fresh sweet potatoes and apples and frozen green beans. Mix it with their kibble at night. Also, boiled chunks of sweet potatoes make a great treat.

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Are sweet potato treats healthy for dogs? ›

They're also a great source of fiber, which is important for healthy digestion. Sweet potatoes are also low in calories and fat, making them a great treat for dogs who are watching their weight.

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How much cooked sweet potato can a dog have? ›

Dr. Ventocilla says a small dog can eat about 1 teaspoon of cooked sweet potato per day and a larger dog can eat 1 tablespoon daily.

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Should you cook sweet potatoes for dogs? ›

Yes, sweet potatoes are generally safe for dogs to consume. However, it's important to cook them properly before feeding them to your dog. Raw sweet potatoes can be hard for dogs to digest, so it's best to cook them thoroughly to make them easier for your dog to eat and digest.

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Do sweet potatoes cause DCM in dogs? ›

Hundreds of dogs from many different breeds have been found to be affected by a life-threatening heart condition due to eating specific dog foods, in particular grain-free diets that are high in legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas) or potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Get More Info Here ›

Are sweet potato treats safe for dogs? ›

Good news: vets give the OK when it comes to dogs and sweet potatoes! In fact, sweet potatoes are considered a healthy treat for dogs and offer lots of nutritional value for your pooch. Just be careful how you go about introducing this fiber-rich starchy root to your pooch.

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Are sweet potato treats good for dogs? ›

Sweet potato is a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits (and a sweet flavor they'll likely love). For example, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system thanks to their high dietary fiber content. They're also low in fat and contain essential vitamins like B6, C, and A.

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How many treats can a dog have per day? ›

Dog treats should only be used as rewards for good behavior and make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. So, for example, if you have a small dog that needs 400 calories a day, and the treats you give them are 20 calories each, then they can have two of them per day.