These easy dog treats homemade are not one more Pinterest experiment – they will actually become your pooch’s latest craze! Sweet potatoes have an extremely nutritious effect on your dog: They are good for digestion, inflate immunities, and even add to the general glow of her coat.

When you make the treats at home, you can be sure that what goes into your pooch’s snack time is what you want: there are no hidden or uncertain ingredients, no unnecessary preservatives-just plain goodness as a sign of your love.

Get ready for a lot of eager eyeballs watching your every move in the kitchen; these treats will have your four-legged family member doing tricks you never knew it could do!

Essential Ingredients Breakdown

Ingredients for easy dog treats homemade recipes.

Sweet Potatoes

  • Varieties: Common varieties include Jewel, Garnet, and Beauregard, which all have somewhat different sweetness profiles, yet any of them will work.
  • Organic vs. Conventional: Organic is better if your pocket allows since you will be feeding them to your dog regularly, as sweet potatoes absorb pesticides.
  • Preparation: Wash thoroughly, getting out any green or sprouting parts.

Apples

  • Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, and fiber.
  • Safety: Always remove seeds and core as they contain small amounts of cyanide.
  • Varieties: Any apple variety works well, though sweeter varieties like Gala or Fuji pair nicely with sweet potato.

Carrots

  • Benefits: Packed with beta-carotene for eye health, low in calories, and helps clean teeth naturally.
  • Preparation: Cut into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking hazards; can be served raw or lightly steamed.
  • Moderation: Should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet to avoid digestive upset.

Eggs

  • Purpose: Acts as a binder and adds protein and essential amino acids.
  • Selection: Free-range eggs typically have better nutritional profiles.
  • Alternative: For dogs with egg allergies, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce can work as a binder.

Whole Wheat Flour

  • Nutrition: Provides B vitamins, antioxidants, protein, and fiber.
  • Alternatives: If your dog has wheat sensitivity, substitute rice flour, coconut flour, or chickpea flour.
  • Note: Some dogs have wheat allergies, so monitor for any adverse reactions when first introducing.

Plain Yogurt

  • Benefits: Provides calcium, protein, and probiotics for gut health.
  • Selection: Choose plain, unsweetened varieties with active cultures.
  • Caution: Some dogs are lactose intolerant – start with small amounts.

1. Sweet Potato & Apple Training Treats

Easy dog treats homemade with sweet potato and apple.

These are tiny but mighty! I keep a bag in my pocket during our training sessions, and my Lab Mocha’s “sit-stay” has never been better.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small sweet potato (about 6 oz), peeled and grated
  • 1 small apple (about 4 oz), peeled, cored, and grated (NO SEEDS!)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or its other flour substitute items)
  • ¼ cup water (as per requirement)
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (optional and for omega fatty acids)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Combine the grated sweet potato and apple in a large bowl.
  3. Add the egg, and mix it well.
  4. Sift the flour and flaxseed, if any, into the mixing bowl and mix until dough is formed.
  5. Add water as required if the dough is too dry (moisture of sweet potatoes vary).
  6. Roll and flatten the dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface.
  7. Cut into small training-sized squares (measurement about ½ inch) with a knife or pizza cutter.
  8. Assemble close on a parchment lined baking sheet as they will not spread.
  9. Bake for firm and edges begin to golden about 15-20 mins.
  10. For extra crispiness, turn the oven off and leave the treats inside as it cools for 1-2 hrs.
  11. Before storing, cool completely.

Storage: These will keep for about 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer.

2. Sweet Potato & Carrot “Pupcakes”

Sweet potato and carrot cupcakes for dogs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sweet potato puree (cooked and mashed)
  • ½ cup finely grated carrots
  • 2 eggs
  • ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted (great for skin and coat)
  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free)

For the “Frosting”:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons sweet potato puree for color

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or the equivalent of 175 degrees Celsius).
  2. Prepare muffin tins with paper liners, or alternatively use silicone muffin tins.
  3. In a large bowl, combine and mix sweet potato puree, grated carrots, eggs, and coconut oil.
  4. In a different bowl, combine oat flour with baking soda and baking powder.
  5. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stirring briefly until just-holding-together.
  6. Fill muffin cups approximately two-thirds of the way up.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Allow to cool completely before “frosting.”
  9. For frosting: Combine yogurt and sweet potato puree until smooth, then put on top of or into piped-out cooled pupcakes.
  10. Cool for at least 1 hour before serving to set the “frosting.”

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze unfrosted pupcakes for up to 3 months.

3. Sweet Potato Jerky Sticks

Easy dog treats homemade recipes with sweet potato.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for breath freshening)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix everything into a stiff dough.
  3. Roll the dough out between 2 sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of ¼ inch.
  4. Remove the top paper and cut up strips about ½ inch wide and 4-5 inches long using a pizza cutter or knife.
  5. Transfer the bottom parchment paper with the cut dough to a cookie sheet.
  6. Cook for 25 minutes, turning each strip once.
  7. Reduce heat to 200°F (95°C) and bake for 2 to 3 hours longer, or until jerky is quite dry but still bendable.
  8. Allow cooling completely before storage.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Sweet Potato: A Superfood for Dogs

Let’s explore what sweet potato does for our dog:

  • Vitamin A: A medium sweet potato has over 400% of the daily vitamin A requirement for humans. In dogs, vitamin A supports eyesight, growth, and immune functions.
  • Vitamin C: Provides antioxidants and supports immunity.
  • Vitamin B6: Vital for brain health, nerve health, and protein metabolism.
  • Potassium: Powers proper muscle and nerve functions.
  • Dietary Fiber: Powers proper muscle and nerve functions.
  • Beta-carotene: This antioxidant gives the sweet potato its orange hue.
  • Low fat content: Only 0.1g per 100g, a boon for ideal weight.

Benefits for Dogs

  • Digestive Health: Fiber in sweet potato provides proverbial roughage to bulk stool for smooth bowel movements, thus preventing diarrhea or constipation.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Vitamins A, C, and beta-carotene contribute to cell damage-fighting properties.
  • Dental Health: Sweet potato supplied dry chews can further reduce plaque build-up.
  • Energy Source: Unlike simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy.

Want to try different variations? Don’t miss our other easy homemade sweet potato treats for dogs.

Serving Guidelines

  • Supervision: Always watch your dog with a new treat to ensure they chew properly.
  • Treats are treats: No matter how healthy, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
  • New treats: Introduce slowly to ensure no digestive upset.
  • Size appropriate: Break larger treats into pieces for smaller dogs.

Special Considerations

For Dogs With Health Conditions

  • Diabetes: Reduce or eliminate honey, use less sweet potato.
  • Weight management: Make treats smaller, use less fat.
  • Sensitive stomachs: Stick to simpler recipes with fewer ingredients.
  • Allergies: Always check with your veterinarian if your dog has known food sensitivities.

When to Consult Your Vet

  • Before introducing homemade treats if your dog is on a prescription diet
  • If your dog has kidney disease (may need to limit certain minerals)
  • If your dog has a history of pancreatitis (may need lower fat options)
  • If your dog takes medications that might interact with certain foods

Homemade treats have always held a special place for me; nothing quite compares to making something special and healthy for those beloved members of our family. A few hand-picked ingredients, a tiny bit of preparation, and pure bliss for man’s best friend!

Remember: Always introduce new treats slowly to test for any sensitivities, and consult with your veterinarian if your dog has special dietary needs or health concerns. These treats are meant as an occasional reward, not a meal replacement.

Keep the tail wags coming—explore more homemade dog treats here:

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