October 28, 2024
Review RecipeSweet Potato Dog Treats
Table of Contents
- Sweet Potato Dog Treats Ingredients
- Sweet Potato Dog Treats Substitutions and Additions
- How To Make This Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe
- Troubleshooting this Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe
- How To Serve Sweet Potato Dog Treats
- How To Store Sweet Potato Dog Treats
- Why These Sweet Potato Dog Treats Are The Best
- Sweet Potato Dog Treats Frequently Asked Questions
- More Dog Recipe's You'll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
Our sweet potato dog treats are more than just a snack—they’re a simple and tasty reward for your furry friend. Sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue make these treats as appealing to your dog as they are easy to prepare. The result is a perfectly chewy or crisp treat that your pet will love.
What You Need To Know
Before serving, though, be sure to check with your vet to ensure these treats are safe for your pet’s diet.
MAIN INGREDIENTS: 2 medium size fresh sweet potatoes (Covington variety),
QUICK STEPS: Preheat oven, slice sweet potatoes, bake, flip, bake, cool, store,
TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 3 hours 5 minutes, 44 medallions.
Why This Recipe
- Our team of recipe developers has meticulously tested the baking times and temperatures to ensure that these treats achieve the perfect texture, whether chewy or crispy, without using any additives.
Sweet Potato Dog Treats Ingredients
These sweet potato dog chews are the perfect way to reward your furry friend with something wholesome and homemade. With just one key ingredient and a few simple steps, you can make treats that are not only easy to prepare but also packed with natural goodness.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium-sized fresh sweet potatoes (or 3 small sweet potatoes)
Covington sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color, making them a top choice for a treat your dog will love.
Sweet Potato Dog Treats Substitutions and Additions
Sweet Potatoes: If you can’t find Covington sweet potatoes, you can substitute them with any other variety of sweet potatoes, like Beauregard or Jewel. These varieties are also rich in nutrients and have a similar texture when baked.
How To Make This Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe
Making these sweet potato homemade dog treats is straightforward and rewarding, for both you and your pup.
PRO TIP: Choosing the right type of sweet potato can affect the texture of the treats. Covington sweet potatoes are ideal for their natural sweetness and firm texture, which holds up well during baking.
STEP TWO: Set your oven to 250°F. It’s important to let your oven reach the right temperature before you start baking to ensure even cooking.
STEP THREE: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on provides extra nutrients and fiber.
PRO TIP: Slicing your sweet potatoes evenly is key. Use a mandolin slicer for consistent thickness, which helps in even baking.
STEP FOUR: Carefully slice the sweet potatoes into quarter-inch medallions for chewier treats or one-eighth inch for crispier ones. You can experiment with the thickness of the slices to find what works best for them.
Lay the sweet potato slices out in a single layer on your lined baking sheets, ensuring they don’t overlap.
STEP FIVE: Bake the sweet potato medallions for one and a half hours, then flip each one over to ensure they dry out evenly. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
PRO TIP: Keep an eye on the oven toward the end of the first baking period. Depending on your oven, the edges might start to dry quicker, and you might need to adjust the time.
STEP SIX: Continue baking for another one and a half hours. Start checking the treats at the two and a half hour mark. The edges and center should have a dried, dehydrated look when they’re done.
PRO TIP: If the treats still feel soft after the recommended time, don’t hesitate to extend the baking by 30-minute increments until you achieve the desired crispiness.
STEP SEVEN: After baking, let the treats cool completely on a cooling rack before storing or serving. This ensures they firm up and don’t trap any moisture.
Troubleshooting this Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe
Slices are uneven, leading to inconsistent baking.
Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to make even slices, which helps the treats bake uniformly.
Sweet potatoes come out too soft or undercooked.
Extend the baking time in 30-minute increments until the desired texture is achieved, especially if the slices are thicker.
Sweet potatoes stick to the baking sheet.
Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make flipping the medallions easier.
Edges of the medallions burn before the centers are fully dried.
Check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer and rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking process.
Treats don’t dry evenly.
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheets, and consider baking in smaller batches to allow better air circulation.
Treats become soft after cooling.
Allow the medallions to cool completely on a wire rack before storing, and let them air out for an extra hour to remove any residual moisture.
Medallions curl up during baking.
Press the slices down gently after flipping them to keep them flat and encourage even drying.
How To Serve Sweet Potato Dog Treats
These easy sweet potato dog treats are versatile and healthy snacks that can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on your dog’s preferences and your routine. Whether you’re rewarding your dog for good behavior or just treating them to something special, these homemade treats can easily fit into your pet’s day-to-day life.
As a Standalone Treat: Serve these sweet potato medallions directly from the jar as a standalone snack. Their chewy or crispy texture makes them an enjoyable treat for any time of the day.
Training Rewards: Cut the larger medallions into smaller pieces to use as training rewards. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes will keep your dog motivated during training sessions without overloading them with too many calories.
Meal Topper: Add a few chopped pieces of the sweet potato treats on top of your dog’s regular food. This can add a bit of variety to their meal, making dinner time a bit more exciting while still providing a healthy addition.
On-the-Go Snack: These dehydrated sweet potato chews are perfect for taking on walks or trips. Pack a few in a small container or bag, and you’ll have a convenient snack ready whenever your dog needs a little boost.
Incorporated into Puzzle Toys: For a mentally stimulating challenge, insert pieces of the sweet potato treats into puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys. This not only provides a tasty reward but also engages your dog in problem-solving activities.
Holiday Treats: These chewy treats make for a perfect Christmas present for your furry best friend. If you are looking for another festive option, check out our Christmas dog treats.
How To Store Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Storing these easy sweet potato chips properly will keep them fresh and ready to enjoy whenever your dog deserves a snack. Whether you’re making them ahead of time or storing leftovers, here’s how to make sure they stay in the best condition.
MAKE AHEAD: These sweet potato dog treats can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
This makes it easy to have a batch on hand for whenever your dog needs a treat.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store the sweet potato treats in an air-tight container or a ziplock bag in the fridge. They will last up to three weeks this way, retaining their texture and flavor.
Make sure they’re fully cooled before refrigerating to avoid moisture buildup.
IN THE FREEZER: If you want to keep the treats for a longer period, you can store them in the freezer for up to two months. Place the treats in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
Thaw them at room temperature before serving to ensure they’re easy for your dog to chew.
REHEATING: If your dog prefers the treats warm, you can reheat them in the oven. Place the treats on a baking sheet and warm them at 250°F for about ten minutes.
Avoid using the microwave for reheating as it can make the treats too soft or unevenly heated, which might not be as enjoyable for your dog.
Why These Sweet Potato Dog Treats Are The Best
This sweet potato dog treat recipe stands out for its simplicity, and the joy it brings to both pets and their owners. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Easy to Make: With just one main ingredient and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for any pet owner, no matter their cooking experience.
Healthy and Natural: These treats are made from fresh sweet potatoes, offering a nutritious alternative to store-bought snacks full of additives.
Customizable Texture: Whether your dog prefers chewy or crispy treats, you can easily adjust the baking time to suit their taste.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare a large batch and store them, so you always have a healthy treat ready for your pup.
Sweet Potato Dog Treats Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can peel the sweet potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients that can be beneficial for your dog.
Slice the sweet potatoes ¼ inch thick for chewier treats or ⅛ inch thick for crispier treats. Consistency in thickness is key to even baking.
If your dog prefers softer treats, slice the sweet potatoes thicker and check them earlier during the baking process to prevent them from getting too crispy.
The treats are done when they have a dried, dehydrated appearance, with no soft spots remaining. You can also gently press them to check for firmness.
The treats should cool completely in about an hour. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing them to avoid moisture buildup.
Yes, you can use a food dehydrator to make these treats. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature and time, adjusting as needed.
These sweet potato dog treats are a simple and healthy way to give your dog a tasty snack made with love. With just one ingredient, you can feel good about what you’re giving your furry friend. Just be sure to check with your vet before offering these treats to ensure they’re a safe option for your pet.
More Dog Recipe’s You’ll Love
Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2 medium size fresh sweet potatoes or 3 small sweet potatoes, I used the Covington variety
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250*F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, or silicone baking mats.
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. (I did not peel my sweet potatoes, but you can if you wish)
- Carefully slice the sweet potatoes into ¼ inch medallions if your dog prefers chewier treats, or ⅛ inch medallions if they prefer crisp treats. (You can slice the raw sweet potatoes into ¼ inch strips)
- Lay the sweet potato medallions in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the sweet potato medallions for 1 ½ hours, flip the medallions over and bake for an additional 1 ½ hours. (Remember, all ovens cook differently, so begin checking the medallions at the 2 ½ hour mark. The edges and center should have a dried dehydrated appearance) Remove from the oven and allow the treats to completely cool on a cooling rack before storing and serving.
Notes
- If the sweet potato dog treats are still a bit chewy, you can return the treats to the oven and extend the bake time by 30 minutes.
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