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If you’ve ever looked into your dog’s big, pleading eyes while eating a snack, you know the struggle. Do you share or not? While chocolate, onions, and salty chips are off-limits, one food is both safe and healthy for most pups: sweet potatoes.
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Packed with fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness, sweet potatoes make the perfect base for homemade dog treats — when made right. The best thing, though? They’re so easy to make!
Why Are Sweet Potatoes Good For Dogs?
Before we dive into the oven, let’s talk benefits. Sweet potatoes may not sound like a healthy option, but they can certainly be a superfood snack for our furry friends. They’re loaded with fiber and multiple nutrients (and low in fat and calories, to boot) that can boost your pup’s health in many ways.
Are Sweet Potatoes Better Than Store-Bought Dog Treats?
That depends on what’s in the bag. Many commercial dog treats are convenient, but they often contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and added salt or sugar. Some are even bulked up with by-products or low-quality grains that don’t add much nutritional value for your pup.
Homemade sweet potato dog treats, on the other hand, give you full control over the ingredients. With just one or two simple items, like fresh sweet potatoes, oats, or dog-safe peanut butter, you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s body.
That doesn’t mean all store-bought options are bad. High-quality brands do exist, especially those made with single ingredients (like 100% dried sweet potatoes). But if you enjoy baking or want to save money, making your own is often healthier, cheaper, and more fun.
How to Choose the Right Sweet Potato for Dog Treats
Not all sweet potatoes are created equal. Choosing the right ones makes a big difference in taste, nutrition, and even how well your homemade treats hold up.
- Look for firm potatoes — Avoid any that feel soft, wrinkled, or have sprouting “eyes.”
- Pick deep orange flesh — These varieties tend to be sweeter, softer once cooked, and packed with beta-carotene.
- Skip green or moldy spots — If you see discoloration or mold, toss it.
- Size matters — Larger potatoes are easier to slice into long strips for chews, while smaller ones work well for cubes or fries.
- Organic when possible — Organic sweet potatoes are less likely to have pesticide residue, which is a bonus when you’re feeding your pup.
A good rule of thumb: if you’d gladly eat it yourself, it’s safe to turn into dog treats.
Tips For Baking & Dehydrating Dog Treats
Once you’ve picked the perfect potatoes, how you prepare them makes all the difference. These tips will help your sweet potato dog treats turn out consistently tasty and safe:
- Slice evenly — Use a sharp knife or mandoline. Uniform slices cook evenly and prevent burnt edges.
- Choose your texture — Thin slices = crisp and crunchy; thicker slices = chewy and jerky-like.
- Cool completely — Let treats cool before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- Use parchment paper — Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Store in batches — Keep a small jar on the counter for everyday use and freeze extras to extend shelf life.
- Start slow — Offer your dog one piece at a time, especially if it’s their first taste of sweet potato.
These small steps go a long way toward ensuring your DIY dog treats are safe, long-lasting, and truly paw-approved.
Our 8 Favorite Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipes
These 8 sweet potato dog treat recipes have something for every pup — jerky-like chews, crunchy biscuits, crispy fries, soft no-bake bites, even air fryer and dehydrator options.
Whether you’re baking biscuits or learning how to make sweet potato chews for dogs, each recipe is budget-friendly, packed with nutrients, and guaranteed to get tails wagging. Your pup gets a natural, vitamin-packed snack, and you get peace of mind knowing exactly what’s inside.
1. Super Simple Sweet Potato Biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour or oat flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Microwave sweet potato until soft (about 6 minutes).
- Let cool, scoop out flesh, and mash. Measure 1 cup.
- In a bowl, mix mashed potato, flour, eggs, and applesauce into a dough.
- Roll out to ½-inch thick on a floured surface. Cut into shapes or strips.
- Arrange cookies on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake 35–45 minutes until crisp.
- Cool for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
2. Easy DIY Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds or strips (thicker = chewier).*
- Arrange slices in a single layer.
- Bake 2 ½–3 hours, flipping halfway, until dried but slightly chewy.
- Cool before serving. Store in the fridge.
Notes
3. Anti-Inflammatory Sweet Potato Dog Treats (Dehydrator Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 Food dehydrator*
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and slice potatoes into ¼-inch rounds.
- Place a steamer rack in a large pot filled with 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a simmer, then add the sweet potatoes.
- Cover the pot and steam 4–6 minutes until just tender, then cool.
- Combine the spices in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the sweet potatoes.
- Place on dehydrator trays. Dry at 135°F for about 4 hours.
- Remove when chewy in the center. Cool before serving.
Notes
4. No-Bake Sweet Potato Energy Bites
Ingredients
- ½ cup mashed sweet potato
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup xylitol-free peanut butter*
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds or pumpkin puree (optional)
- 1 Tbsp coconut powder (optional)
Instructions
- Microwave 1 sweet potato for about 6 minutes. Mash.
- Mix mashed sweet potato, oats, peanut butter, and any add-ins until combined.
- Roll into bite-sized balls.
- Chill in the fridge for 1 hour to set.
- Sprinkle coconut powder on top (optional).
- Store in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
5. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer*
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel and cut potatoes into small cubes. Place in a bowl.
- Toss with coconut oil, ginger, and cinnamon.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
- Cool completely before serving.
Notes
6. Sweet Potato Crunchy Fries for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Wash potato, then cut into ⅓-inch thick sticks.
- Arrange fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for about 3 hours (longer for extra crunch).
- Cool completely before serving.
Notes
7. Homemade Sweet Potato Banana Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat or oat flour divided
- ¼ cup oats
- 1 banana
- 2 eggs
- 1 4 oz jar sweet potato baby food
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mash banana with baby food until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, and eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form dough.
- Knead with extra flour until no longer sticky. Roll to ¼-inch thick.
- Cut into 1-inch squares and place on baking sheet.
- Bake 45–55 minutes. Turn oven off and let cool inside for crispier texture.
Notes
8. Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup whole wheat or oat flour
- ½ cup dog-safe peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet.
- Cook sweet potato in microwave for about 6 minutes. Mash.
- Mix peanut butter and mashed sweet potato until smooth.
- Stir in flour gradually to form dough.
- Roll dough ¼–½ inch thick. Cut into shapes.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.
Notes
Serving Sizes & Safety Guidelines For Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Just like people snacks, even the healthiest homemade sweet potato dog treats should be enjoyed in moderation. While they’re packed with fiber and vitamins, they’re still considered an extra in your dog’s diet — not a meal replacement.
Vet Tip: Moderation Is Key With Any Treats
Experts advise sticking to modest amounts when giving your pup any snacks or treats. The general rule is that treats and additional food shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. The remaining 90% should come from a complete and balanced dog food.
“I regularly come across dogs who are overweight, and often the underlying reason is that they eat too many treats in addition to their dog food,” says Dr. Hannah Godfrey, MRCVS, a small animal veterinarian in the United Kingdom.
The ideal part of homemade sweet potato dog treats? If you find the best recipe, they’re so low in calories and fat that you don’t have to worry as much about your pup putting on extra pounds!
How Much Should You Serve?
- Small dogs: 1–2 small biscuits or a thin chew per day
- Medium to large dogs: 2–4 biscuits or one to two larger chews per day
Always introduce new ingredients slowly to make sure your dog tolerates them well. Start small, and watch for any stomach upset before offering more.
Safety Reminders
- Supervise your dog while eating chews to prevent choking.
- Slice chews thinly for puppies, seniors, or small breeds with delicate teeth.
- Skip dangerous add-ins: never use xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, or macadamia nuts.
By following these guidelines, your pup gets a safe, tail-wagging treat while you get peace of mind.
Storage Tips
Homemade treats don’t have preservatives, so storage is key:
| Treat Type | Counter (Airtight Jar) | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biscuits | 1 week | 2 weeks | 3 months |
| Chews | X | 3 weeks | 2 months |
| Energy Bites | X | 1 week | 2 months |
| Fries | Few days | 1 week | 2 months |
Pro tip: Make a big batch of sweet potato chews and freeze half—you’ll always have healthy snacks on hand.
5 Fun Variations To Try
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s easy to get creative with your homemade sweet potato dog treats. Here are a few healthy twists you can try:
1. Peanut Butter Swirl
Add 2–3 tablespoons of xylitol-free peanut butter to your sweet potato biscuit dough for an extra boost of protein and flavor. Peanut butter pairs naturally with sweet potato, and most dogs can’t resist the combination.
2. Pumpkin Boost
Replace half the mashed sweet potato with canned pumpkin puree. Both are rich in fiber and vitamins, but pumpkin adds a softer texture and a fall-inspired flavor. Just be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
3. Apple Crunch
Mix in ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or finely grated apple. Apples add natural sweetness and vitamin C, while also helping the dough bind together. This is a great option if your pup enjoys fruity flavors.
4. Fresh Breath Parsley
Sprinkle a tablespoon of finely chopped parsley into your dough before baking. Parsley is known for freshening bad breath and adding antioxidants, making it a small but mighty upgrade.
5. Honey Glaze
Brush baked biscuits lightly with a drizzle of dog-safe honey and let them dry before serving. Honey adds natural sweetness, but use it sparingly since it’s higher in sugar. This makes a fun “birthday treat” option.
These variations not only keep things interesting for your dog, but they also let you adjust recipes based on what you already have in your pantry.
What To Look For In Store-Bought Sweet Potato Dog Treats
If you don’t have time to bake, store-bought sweet potato treats can be a healthy option—as long as you choose wisely. Not all packaged treats are created equal, so here’s what to keep in mind when shopping:
- Simple ingredients → Look for treats with just sweet potato or a short, recognizable list. The fewer the fillers, the better.
- No harmful extras → Skip anything with added salt, refined sugar, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- Texture matters → Chews are great for keeping pups busy, while crunchy wafers or biscuits make quick rewards.
- Size and hardness → Larger, denser chews work well for big dogs, but small breeds and seniors may need softer options.
- Made in trusted facilities → Choose brands that are transparent about sourcing and manufacturing, ideally in the USA or Canada.
Keeping these tips in mind helps you pick packaged treats that are nearly as wholesome as homemade.
4 Best Store-Bought Sweet Potato Dog Treats
If you don’t have time to DIY sweet potato dog treats, here are my recommendations for the healthiest store-bought alternatives.
1. One-Ingredient Chews: Caledon Farms Sweet Potato Chews
If you want something long-lasting and natural, these chews are made from 100% dried sweet potato slices. Because they’re dehydrated, the texture is chewy and long-lasting, giving dogs something satisfying to gnaw on while also helping scrape away plaque. However, they can be tough for small breeds or seniors, and the thickness varies by piece.
- Single-ingredient, no additives or fillers
- Chewy texture helps clean teeth and keep dogs busy
- Rich in fiber and beta-carotene
Best for: Medium to large dogs that love to chew and owners who prefer preservative-free, single-ingredient snacks.
Price
- $19.99 (28-oz bag)
2. With Protein: Pur Love Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Wraps
The Pur Love Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Wraps combine two pup favorites in one: savory chicken wrapped around naturally sweet potato. The wraps are on the larger side, so they may need to be broken down for small dogs. Some pups may also find the chew a bit tough depending on jaw strength.
- Protein-rich chicken + fiber-packed sweet potato
- Chewy, meaty texture dogs go crazy for
- Free from artificial flavors and fillers
Best for: Medium to large dogs who enjoy a meaty chew with a nutritious twist, and owners looking for a treat that balances protein with natural sweetness.
Price
- $14.87 (16-oz bag)
3. Biscuits: Three Dog Bakery Grain-Free Sweet Potato Wafers
These crunchy wafers are baked in small batches in the USA with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a gentle option for dogs with sensitivities that still feels like a “cookie.”
- Grain-free, no salt, no refined sugar
- Light, crunchy texture is great for everyday snacking
- Comes in a resealable box to keep treats fresh
Best for: Pet parents who want a light, crunchy snack made with simple ingredients—perfect for dogs with grain sensitivities or those who love biscuit-style treats.
Price
- $7.19 (13-oz box)
4. Training: Pupford Freeze-Dried Sweet Potato Training Treats
Training requires lots of quick rewards, and these bite-sized treats make it easy and healthy. One thing to keep in mind: since they’re freeze-dried, the texture can be a little crumbly, and some dogs may prefer chewier treats.
- Just one ingredient: sweet potato
- Soft, bite-sized pieces (great for repetition)
- Low-calorie and gentle on sensitive stomachs
Best for: Small breeds and owners who want a healthy, low-calorie reward that keeps dogs focused during training.
Price
- $15.99 (4-oz bag)
Frequently Asked Questions
We see a lot of questions from our readers about making homemade treats for dogs. Here are some common ones about homemade sweet potato treats. If you don’t see yours here, please ask us in our comments!
Can All Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
For most dogs, yes, sweet potatoes are a safe, healthy snack. They’re high in fiber and vitamins, making them a nutritious alternative to processed treats. But if your dog has diabetes, pancreatitis, or is on a special diet, you’ll want to check with your vet first.
Do I Need To Peel The Sweet Potato?
Peeling is optional. The skin is full of fiber and nutrients, but some dogs with sensitive stomachs may do better without it. If you’re making sweet potato chews, leaving the skin on helps them bake up chewier and adds extra roughage for digestion. If your dog has trouble with firm textures, peel them first for a softer chew.
How Many Treats Can I Give My Dog?
Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For small dogs, that might mean one small chew or a few tiny biscuits. For larger dogs, a couple more is fine. Too much sweet potato can lead to loose stools, so always start small and see how your pup handles them.
Are Sweet Potato Treats Safe For Puppies?
Yes, in moderation. Puppies can enjoy soft-baked versions of these sweet potato dog treats recipes once they’re eating solid food (around 8 weeks old). For young or teething puppies, make sure the chews are sliced thinner and baked for less time so they’re softer and easier to gnaw on. Always supervise to avoid choking hazards.
Can I Freeze Sweet Potato Dog Treats?
Absolutely. Baked biscuits and chews freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just let them cool fully before freezing, and thaw a portion as needed. This is a great way to save time — bake once, treat often!
Are Sweet Potato Chews Good For Dental Health?
Yes. Chewing on dehydrated sweet potato slices can help scrape away plaque and tartar naturally. They don’t replace brushing or dental chews designed for oral care, but they’re a tasty way to support dental hygiene.
Safe Cooking For Happy Pups
Homemade is a great way to spoil your pup, but safety comes first. Always double-check which human foods aren’t safe for dogs before adding them to recipes. Whether you’re making frozen dog treats, organic treats, or full homemade meals, stick to fresh, dog-friendly ingredients your pup can truly thrive on.
Which of these sweet potato dog treat recipes will your pup love most? Try one, snap a photo, and share it with us in our comments—we’d love to see those happy tails!
