Making your own dog treats at home can be both fun and rewarding, and these 3 Ingredient Sweet Potato Dog Treats are a simple, healthy, and delicious option for your furry friend.
Not only will your dog love them, but you’ll also feel great knowing exactly what goes into their treats. This recipe provides nutritional benefits that promote your dog’s overall health, all with minimal ingredients.
Keep reading because I’ll show you how to make these tasty treats, along with helpful tips for safely feeding your dog and understanding the nutrients they need.
Why You Should Make This Recipe for Your Dog
Homemade dog treats are an excellent way to provide your pet with the tastiest, healthiest snacks, free from preservatives and artificial additives.
- By using whole, nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes and peanut butter, you’re giving your dog a treat packed with health benefits.
- Sweet potatoes, for example, are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Meanwhile, peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats.
- This simple recipe requires just three ingredients, making it easy to whip up a batch in less than 30 minutes.
And these treats are highly customizable, easy to store, and perfect for rewarding your dog or using them as training treats. Plus, they’re a great way to bond with your pet while providing a healthy snack!
3 Ingredient Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Cookie cutter (optional)
Ingredients Needed
- ½ cup Sweet Potato Puree (or mashed cooked sweet potato)
- ¼ cup Peanut Butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
- ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour (or oat flour for a healthier option)
How to Make: Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you begin mixing your ingredients, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s properly heated by the time your dough is ready.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato puree (or mashed sweet potato) and peanut butter. Stir well to make sure both ingredients are fully incorporated. If you’re using mashed sweet potato, make sure it is soft and smooth to create a consistent texture in your dough.
Step 3: Add Flour Gradually
Next, slowly add all-purpose flour (or oat flour if you’re using that for a healthier alternative). Stir the mixture as you add the flour until it starts forming a dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you get a soft, workable dough. The dough should not be too dry or too sticky—it should hold its shape when rolled out.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface (you can use more flour or parchment paper), roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a rolling pin to get an even thickness. If the dough starts sticking to the rolling pin, sprinkle a little flour on top to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cut Out Shapes
Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into fun shapes, such as bones, circles, or any shape you prefer. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles with a knife. Place the cut-out shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 6: Bake the Treats
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm. Keep an eye on the treats to prevent overbaking, as the baking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the treats.
Step 7: Cool the Treats
Once they’re done baking, remove the treats from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This is important because hot treats may cause discomfort or burns when served to your dog.
Feeding Size
The size of the treats can vary based on the size of your dog. A smaller treat is appropriate for small dogs, while larger dogs may enjoy two or three at a time. Keep in mind that these treats are meant to be given in moderation, as part of a balanced diet. They should be used as an occasional snack or training reward, not as a regular meal replacement.
Storage Tips
Once your treats are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the treats in an airtight container for up to three months. This is a great way to batch cook and always have homemade treats on hand for your dog.
Nutritional Value Estimated
| Nutrient | Amount per Treat |
| Calories | ~30 |
| Protein | ~1g |
| Fat | ~1g |
| Carbohydrates | ~5g |
| Fiber | ~0.5g |
| Vitamin A | Good source |
| Vitamin C | Good source |
Safety Precautions for This Recipe
When making homemade dog treats, it’s essential to prioritize your dog’s safety. Here are a few important precautions:
- Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter: Always ensure the peanut butter you use is unsweetened and xylitol-free. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures or liver failure.
- Avoid Excess Flour: While flour is safe in moderation, too much of it can lead to digestive upset. Stick to the recipe’s recommended flour amounts and monitor your dog’s reaction if they have sensitivities to wheat.
- Proper Cooling: Never feed your dog treats that are still hot. Allow them to cool completely to avoid burns to their mouth or throat.
- Monitor Treat Size: If your dog is small or has a sensitive stomach, break the treats into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards or digestive discomfort.
Ingredients to Avoid for This Exact Recipe & Any Other One
When preparing homemade dog treats, it’s crucial to use only safe ingredients. Here are a few ingredients to avoid:
- Xylitol: Found in some peanut butters and sugar-free products, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and even liver failure. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure the peanut butter you use is xylitol-free.
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause poisoning in dogs. Avoid using chocolate in any form in dog treats.
- Raisins and Grapes: Even though their exact toxicity mechanism is unknown, raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. Always keep these out of homemade treats.
- Spices and Artificial Sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners, including xylitol, and spices like onion powder or garlic powder, can be harmful to dogs and should never be included in their treats.
How Healthy Dog Treats Should Be Made & the Nutrients They Should Have
Healthy dog treats should focus on nutrient-rich ingredients that support your dog’s overall health, without contributing to excess calories or unhealthy fats. Here are the essential nutrients your dog treats should provide:
- Protein: Dogs need protein for healthy muscle development and repair. Ingredients like peanut butter, chicken, or beef liver provide good sources of protein.
- Fiber: Fiber helps with digestion and regular bowel movements. Sweet potatoes and oat flour are excellent sources of fiber.
- Healthy Fats: Healthy fats are important for your dog’s skin, coat, and energy levels. Look for sources like peanut butter or fish oils.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Essential vitamins like Vitamin A (for vision) and Vitamin C (for immune support) are beneficial additions to homemade treats.
- Low in Artificial Additives: Avoid artificial colorings, preservatives, and sugars. Natural ingredients are always a healthier choice.
By focusing on simple, wholesome ingredients and avoiding harmful additives, you can create healthy treats that your dog will love and benefit from.
Can I substitute the peanut butter for something else?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter, as long as they do not contain xylitol or harmful additives. Make sure the alternative is dog-safe.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! You can use oat flour as a healthier option, especially if your dog has grain sensitivities. It’s gluten-free and still provides great texture for treats.
Are these treats suitable for dogs with allergies?
These treats can be suitable for dogs with some food allergies, but always check your dog’s specific sensitivities to ingredients like peanut butter or sweet potatoes. If in doubt, consult your vet before introducing a new treat.
How long do homemade dog treats last?
These homemade treats can last up to one week at room temperature, two weeks in the fridge, or three months in the freezer. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
These 3 Ingredient Sweet Potato Dog Treats are a quick, nutritious, and simple way to spoil your dog with homemade snacks. With just three ingredients, they provide essential nutrients while avoiding unnecessary additives.
Follow safety precautions, use high-quality ingredients, and enjoy seeing your dog’s happiness when they get a taste of your love and effort in each bite.
