“Here’s my favorite recipe for homemade sweet potato chews a simple, wholesome treat your dog will absolutely adore. With just one ingredient freshly sliced sweet potatoes these chews bake up perfectly soft and chewy.
My pups always hover around the kitchen the moment they catch the aroma drifting from the oven. I usually prepare a large batch because they disappear fast in our home. They’re not only delicious and healthy but also far more budget friendly than store bought options!”
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Dog Chews
- One simple ingredient – Made entirely from sweet potatoes, so you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s treats no hidden ingredients, additives, or preservatives.
- Budget-friendly – Homemade chews cost a fraction of store bought options, and you’ll end up with a generous batch.
- Healthy and dog-approved – Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making these chews both nutritious and delicious for your pup.
- Effortless to make – The bake time is long, but the prep is incredibly easy: slice the sweet potatoes and let the oven do the rest.
What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?
For dog treats, stick with the classic orange fleshed sweet potatoes (often mislabeled as “yams” in grocery stores). Varieties like Beauregard or Jewel work especially well they’re naturally sweet and develop that perfect chewy texture when baked or dehydrated. Choose firm potatoes without soft spots, and aim for medium sized, straighter ones to make slicing easier. While white or purple sweet potatoes can be used, the orange varieties offer more vitamin A and generally produce a better texture for dog chews.
Substitution Options
When making these healthy dog treats, you’ve got a few simple swaps you can use:
- Orange sweet potatoes: If you don’t have them on hand, you can use white fleshed Japanese sweet potatoes or even regular potatoes, though they offer fewer nutrients for dogs. Carrots are another option slice them lengthwise into thin strips. Adjust the bake time as needed: carrots usually require a bit longer to become chewy, while regular potatoes may finish sooner.
- Important note: Whatever substitute you use, keep the treats completely plain no oils, salt, or seasoning. Avoid white or purple yams entirely, as they can be unsafe for dogs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent issue is cutting the slices too thick. This leads to tough edges but undercooked centers. Aim for even 1/4-inch slices to ensure consistent baking and the ideal chewy texture.
Temperature Tips for Perfect Chews
Keeping the heat low is key. Baking at too high a temperature can leave the outside burnt while the inside stays undercooked, so stick with a gentle 250°F and allow 2.5–3 hours for slow, even drying.
To avoid sticking and promote consistent dehydration, place the slices on parchment paper and flip them halfway through the bake.
Once they’re done, let the chews cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They should feel dry with a slight bend not too soft and not overly brittle to ensure safe, enjoyable chewing for your pup.
What to Serve With Sweet Potato Dog Chews
These homemade sweet potato chews are perfect on their own, but you can easily turn them into a fun little “snack session” for your pup. Always offer plenty of fresh water with any treat or chew. To add some variety, pair the chews with a crunchy option like plain air popped popcorn or a small dog biscuit just be sure to include these extras in your dog’s daily calorie count. Remember, treats should make up no more than about 10% of your pup’s diet, so serve these sweet potato chews as a tasty addition to a well balanced meal plan.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature:
Store these homemade sweet potato dog treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing them up to avoid trapped moisture, which can lead to quicker spoilage.
Refrigerator:
For longer freshness, keep the chews in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 2 weeks. Always check for moisture buildup or any signs of mold before serving them to your pup.
Freeze:
These sweet potato chews freeze beautifully, making them ideal for prepping in large batches. Store them in a freezer safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When your pup is ready for more, just thaw a few pieces in the fridge overnight.
Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
Cooking Time: 150–180 minutes
Total Time: 160–195 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Estimated Nutrition
For the entire batch (without optional additions):
- Calories: 180–220 kcal
- Protein: 4–6 g
- Fat: 0–2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40–50 g
Ingredients
- 2 orange-fleshed sweet potatoes
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 250°F (130°C) and prepare your baking sheets for the sweet potato slices.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Slice the Sweet Potatoes
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the sweet potatoes.
- For small dogs, cut them into coin shaped slices.
- For larger dogs, slice them lengthwise for bigger chews.
Try to keep slices at least 1/4 inch thick to ensure they stay chewy and don’t become too crispy while baking.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 2½ to 3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through. The goal is a mix of textures some pieces lightly crispy, others tender and chewy.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Let the chews cool completely on the baking sheets before storing or serving.
Once completely cooled, place the sweet potato chews in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 weeks, ready for your pup to enjoy!
Healthy & Tasty Sweet Potato Chews for Dogs
“Here’s my favorite recipe for homemade sweet potato chews a simple, wholesome treat your dog will absolutely adore. With just one ingredient freshly sliced sweet potatoes these chews bake up perfectly soft and chewy.
My pups always hover around the kitchen the moment they catch the aroma drifting from the oven. I usually prepare a large batch because they disappear fast in our home. They’re not only delicious and healthy but also far more budget friendly than store bought options!”
Ingredients
- 2 orange-fleshed sweet potatoes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 250°F (130°C) and prepare your baking sheets for the sweet potato slices.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Slice the Sweet Potatoes
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the sweet potatoes.
- For small dogs, cut them into coin shaped slices.
- For larger dogs, slice them lengthwise for bigger chews.
Try to keep slices at least 1/4 inch thick to ensure they stay chewy and don’t become too crispy while baking.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 2½ to 3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through. The goal is a mix of textures some pieces lightly crispy, others tender and chewy.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Let the chews cool completely on the baking sheets before storing or serving.
Once completely cooled, place the sweet potato chews in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 weeks, ready for your pup to enjoy!
Notes
Whatever substitute you use, keep the treats completely plain no oils, salt, or seasoning. Avoid white or purple yams entirely, as they can be unsafe for dogs.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1 chips chewsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 2gProtein: 4g