Dehydrated Sweet Potato Treats for Dogs
In the ever-expanding world of pet care, one thing remains constant: our furry friends deserve the best. When it comes to treats, pet owners often seek options that are tasty and nutritious. Dehydrated sweet potato treats for dogs are surprisingly simple to make. One ingredient—sweet Potatoes!!
These homemade dog treats are not just healthier than store-bought; they are significantly cheaper! On average, an 8-oz. bag of sweet potato treats costs about $7-$9. Two large sweet potatoes will cost about $2 or just under $2 with a higher yield. Cost savings and a happy dog—it’s a win-win!
Ingredients
Two large sweet potatoes – that’s it!
Equipment
Sharp kitchen knife or mandoline slicer
Oven method:
- Baking sheets – 2
- Parchment paper – optional
Dehydrator method:
Food Dehydrator
How to Make Dehydrated Sweet Potato Treats
Preparation:
Start by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, slice the sweet potatoes into thin, uniform slices. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even drying. Line baking sheets with parchment paper, or oil the baking pan.
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Once sliced, arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 250℉ (121℃). Bake for 2 1/2 – 3 hours. Flipping slices at about the 1-1 1/2 hr mark and switching sheets on the rack so that they are evenly dried.
Dehydrator Method: If you have a food dehydrator, then simply arrange slices on the dehydrator racks. Set to manufacturer setting for vegetables for 6-8 hours. Typically 135℉ (57℃) for most dehydrators. Check on the sweet potatoes every couple hours and rotate racks if needed.
Cool and Store: Once the sweet potato slices are fully dehydrated, remove them from the food dehydrator or oven and allow them to cool completely. They should be crispy but a little soft. You want them to have a slight chewy texture.
Storage
Once cooled, store the dehydrated sweet potato dog treats in an air-tight container at room temperature. They can last for several weeks when stored properly.
Magnus approved!!
Nutrition
Healthy and Nutritious: Sweet potatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are also a great source of fiber, making them an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions.
Low in Calories: Compared to store-bought treats that may be high in fat and additives, dehydrated sweet potato treats are a low-calorie option. This makes them ideal for dogs who are watching their weight or as a regular, healthy snack.
Digestible: Sweet potatoes are easy for dogs to digest, which means they are less likely to cause gastrointestinal upset compared to some other treats. This makes them suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds – including extra large dogs such as ours.
Benefits of Using a Food Dehydrator
Using a food dehydrator to make sweet potato treats offers several advantages:
- Preserves Nutrients: Unlike traditional baking or frying methods, which can lead to nutrient loss, dehydration preserves the nutritional integrity of the sweet potatoes.
- Energy Efficiency: Food dehydrators use less energy than ovens, making them more eco-friendly.
- Uniform Drying: Food dehydrators ensure that each sweet potato slice is dried evenly, resulting in consistent texture and flavor.
- Hands-Free Operation: Once you’ve prepared the sweet potato slices and loaded them into the dehydrator, you can set it and forget it.
Training Treats: A Versatile Option
In addition to being a delicious snack, dehydrated sweet potatoes can also double as training treats. Their small size make them perfect for rewarding good behavior during training sessions. Plus, since they’re made from a single ingredient, you can feel confident knowing exactly what you’re feeding your furry friend.
Other Tasty Treats You Might Enjoy
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes – washed with skin on or 3-4 small
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper, or oil the baking pan.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into thin, uniform slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Once sliced, arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 250℉ (121℃). Bake for 2 1/2 – 3 hours. Flipping slices at about the 1hr -1.5 hr mark and switching sheets on the rack so that they are evenly dried.
Dehydrator Method
- Arrange slices on the dehydrator racks. Set to manufacturer setting for vegetables for 6-8 hours. Typically 135℉ (57℃) for most dehydrators. Check on the sweet potatoes every couple hours and rotate racks if needed.
- Once the sweet potato slices are fully dehydrated, remove them from the food dehydrator or oven and allow them to cool completely. They should be crispy but a little soft. You want them to have a slight chewy texture.Â
- Cool and store in an air-tight container.
Nutrition
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