As pet owners, we always want to find healthy and tasty dog treats. Store-bought treats and rawhides can be full of preservatives and ingredients we’re not sure about.
That’s why many people are starting to make their dog treats at home, and dehydrated sweet potato dog treats are a great option to get you started.
Sweet potatoes aren’t just a tasty, fiber-rich veggie for people, they’re also a super healthy and delicious treat for dogs.
They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help with digestion, boost the immune system, and keep your dog feeling good.
Read on to learn how to dehydrate sweet potatoes for your dog, and then we’ll look at 21 dehydrated sweet potato dog treats you can try making at home.
How To Dehydrate Sweet Potatoes for Dogs
You can now easily dehydrate sweet potatoes for dogs, and the best part is that you don’t need fancy equipment. The simplest way is to use your oven at its lowest temperature setting.
Choose firm sweet potatoes with bright orange or yellow flesh because they are usually sweeter and have more nutrients.
Start by washing and scrubbing your sweet potatoes. You can peel them, or leave the skin on for extra nutrients. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, though, it might be better to peel them.
Next, slice the sweet potatoes into pieces about ¼ to 1/8 inch thick. Try to make them all the same size so they dry evenly.
Gently pat the slices with a clean towel to remove any moisture on the surface, then arrange the sweet potato pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Don’t overcrowd them, so the air can circulate properly. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven, ideally set between 200 – 250°F.
The dehydration process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, depending on the thickness of your slices and the temperature of your oven.
You’ll know they’re done when they feel leathery and bendy, but not brittle.
If you have a food dehydrator, you can use that instead by following the instructions for drying vegetables.
Dehydrator dog food recipes usually give you more consistent results and better crispiness because of the good temperature control.
Once done, let the dehydrated sweet potato treats for dogs homemade cool down before storing them in an airtight container.
If they’re dried right, these homemade dog treats can last for weeks. They are handy and healthy snacks for your furry companion.
21 Dehydrated Sweet Potato Dog Treats
1. Dried Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato
Procedure:
- Begin by washing the sweet potato thoroughly to remove dirt and any residue. You can choose to peel the potato if desired, but leaving the skin on is fine for most dogs.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the sweet potato into slices about ½ cm thick. Depending on your pet’s preference, you can create rounds for smaller dogs or lengthwise slices for larger dogs.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (121°C).
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, ensuring the pieces do not overlap.
- Bake for 2½ to 3 hours, turning the slices halfway through for even cooking.
- Check the slices starting at the two-hour mark and every 15 minutes thereafter to achieve the desired level of chewiness or crispness.
Dehydrator Method:
- Place the slices on the trays of a food dehydrator, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Set the dehydrator temperature to 135°F and dry for 6 – 7 hours, depending on how crunchy or soft you prefer the treats.
- Allow the treats to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Refrigeration is recommended for a longer shelf life.
2. DIY Sweet Potato Chips for Dogs
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes
Procedure:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt. You may peel them if preferred, but leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients.
- Use a knife to cut the sweet potatoes into slices about ¼ inch thick.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Bake for 2½ to 3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through to promote even drying.
- Allow the chews to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Some pieces will be slightly crispy, while others will remain chewy, offering variety.
3. DIY Dehydrated Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (as needed)
Procedure
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
- Slice into ¼-inch pieces, either as coins or strips.
- Arrange slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer.
- Set the dehydrator to 125°F (52°C) and dry for 10-15 hours, depending on slice thickness and desired texture.
- Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
4. Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
Procedure
- Wash the sweet potatoes and microwave them for 1 minute to soften. Add 30-second increments if needed until easy to slice.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into rounds for small dogs or lengthwise for larger dogs, keeping the thickness between ¼ and ⅓ inch.
- Arrange the slices on a rack with space between them for air circulation.
- Dehydrate at 115°F for 10-12 hours, 135°F for 6-8 hours, or bake in the oven at 200°F for 2-3 hours.
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
5. Anti-inflammatory Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
Procedure
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into ¼-inch-thick rounds.
- Steam the slices for 4-6 minutes until tender but not falling apart, then let them cool.
- Sprinkle cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric evenly over the slices.
- Arrange the slices on dehydrator trays and set the temperature to 135°F for 4 hours.
- Remove when dried but still chewy inside, cool to room temperature, and serve.
6. Sweet Potato Jerky Treats for Dogs
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
Procedure
- Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly and ensure they are free of mold.
- Preheat the oven to 225°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise into long strips, ½ to ⅔ inches thick.
- Arrange the strips on the prepared sheets and bake for 3-4 hours, flipping occasionally, until they reach the desired tenderness.
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
7. Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
Procedure
- Wash and dry the sweet potato thoroughly, leaving the skin on for added nutrients.
- Slice the sweet potato crosswise into thin, even pieces using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Place the slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer.
- Dehydrate for 8 hours or until the slices are completely dried out and crisp.
- Cool and store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks.
8. Easy DIY Sweet Potato Treats for Dogs
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (quantity as needed)
Procedure
- Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly, removing the ends.
- Slice them widthwise or lengthwise into ¼ to ⅓-inch pieces for the desired chewiness.
- For the oven, set to the lowest temperature (200°F). Place the slices on a lined pan and dehydrate for 6-8 hours, flipping halfway through. Inspect every 15-20 minutes after the six-hour mark for desired chewiness.
- For a dehydrator, set to 135°F and dry for 6-7 hours, checking at six hours for chewiness.
- Cool completely and store in a sealed container for up to 3 weeks.
9. Sweet Potato Chews for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 raw sweet potato or yam
Procedure
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Wash the sweet potato thoroughly and cut it lengthwise into halves.
- Slice the halves into long strips, about ⅓ inch thick, and arrange them in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for approximately 3 hours for a chewy texture or longer for a crunchier result.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
10. Sweet Potato Chews for Dogs
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (quantity as needed)
Procedure
- Clean and peel the sweet potatoes.
- Slice them to the desired thickness for your dog, varying sizes for chewy or quick treats.
- Set the dehydrator to 90°F and dehydrate for 12 hours for chewy treats or 24 hours for crispier treats.
- Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
11. Dehydrated Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
Procedure
- Slice the sweet potato into ¼-inch-thick pieces using a sharp knife.
- Arrange the slices on a wire cooling rack placed over a baking sheet.
- Bake on the middle rack of a preheated oven at 225°F for 2-3 hours, flipping the slices after the first hour.
- Cool completely and store loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
12. Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
- ¼ cup powdered peanut butter or almond butter
Procedure
- Scrub the sweet potato clean and slice it into ⅛-inch-thick pieces, ensuring uniform thickness.
- Coat both sides of the slices with powdered peanut butter or almond butter.
- Arrange the slices on dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not touch.
- Dehydrate at 130°F for 5 hours. Let cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
13. Sweet Potato Dog Chew Treats
Ingredients
- Large sweet potatoes
Procedure
- Preheat the oven to 175°F.
- Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise into ⅓-inch-thick pieces. Leave the skin on if desired.
- Arrange the slices on greased baking sheets in a single layer.
- Bake for about 8 hours or until the treats reach the desired level of dryness. Turn the oven off and leave them inside overnight for further drying if needed.
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container or freeze for a longer shelf life.
14. Dehydrated Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
Procedure
- Preheat the oven to 170°F, or the lowest temperature setting available.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potato thoroughly. Slice it lengthwise into pieces ¼ – ½ inch thick.
- Place the slices on a wire rack or a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 6 – 8 hours, flipping the slices after 3 – 4 hours for even dehydration.
- Allow the slices to cool for one hour before storing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three weeks or freeze for a longer shelf life.
15. Simple Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1–2 fresh sweet potatoes
Procedure
- Slice the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch-thick pieces.
- Place the slices on a cookie sheet or dehydrator tray in a single layer.
- Bake at 200°F for 2–3 hours in the oven, or dehydrate at 135°F for 6–8 hours until dry but still chewy.
- Cool completely before serving.
16. Easy Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes
Procedure
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then slice them into ¼-inch-thick pieces.
- Arrange slices on dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Dehydrate at 135°F for 7–8 hours, flipping or rotating trays halfway through.
- Cool the treats and store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
17. Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- Large sweet potatoes
Procedure
- Preheat the oven to 200°F or its lowest setting above 200°F.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch-thick rounds for small dogs or lengthwise for larger dogs.
- Arrange the slices on ungreased cookie sheets in a single layer.
- Bake for 6 hours, flipping the slices after 2–3 hours. For chewier treats, bake for a shorter time; for crispier treats, extend to 8 hours.
- Cool and store in a Ziplock bag or airtight container.
18. Air Fryer Dehydrated Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
Procedure
- Wash and slice the sweet potatoes into thin, even rounds or sticks.
- Toss the slices lightly with coconut oil, if using.
- Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 300°F for 10–15 minutes, checking and flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Cool completely before serving.
19. Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Procedure
- Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ¼–½-inch thick pieces.
- Blanch slices in boiling water for 4–6 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to cool.
- Arrange the slices on a dehydrator tray, air fryer basket, or oven rack:
- Dehydrator: Set at 90°F for 10–12 hours.
- Air Fryer: Set at 90°F for about 6 hours.
- Oven: Bake at the lowest temperature for 4–6 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
20. Air Fryer Chicken Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 cup chicken bone broth
Procedure
- Slice the sweet potato into ⅜-inch-thick pieces using a mandoline slicer for consistency.
- Soak the slices in chicken bone broth for 3 hours or overnight, flipping occasionally.
- Place the slices on an air fryer tray without overlapping.
- Cook at 400°F for 3 minutes, then reduce to 300°F and cook for another 5 minutes, adjusting time if slices are thicker.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
21. Air-Fried Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1–2 sweet potatoes
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Procedure
- Thinly slice the sweet potatoes and rinse in cold water. Pat dry.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Spread the slices evenly on the air fryer plate, sprinkling with cinnamon if desired.
- Cook for 3 minutes at 400°F, then reduce to 300°F and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You now have a complete guide to making tasty, healthy, and affordable dehydrated sweet potato dog treats.
No matter if you make them in the oven, air fryer, or dehydrator, these treats are packed with health benefits for your furry friend.
The best part? Sweet potatoes are so versatile that you can experiment with different flavors and textures to find your dog’s favorite.
So next time you have some extra sweet potatoes, be sure to grab a dehydrator or use your oven to make a batch of long-lasting dog treats homemade for future use.
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Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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