Treat your furry friend to Easy Baked Sweet Potato Chews—simple, healthy, and all-natural dog snacks made right at home. No additives, just tail-wagging goodness!
Yields: Varies depending on sweet potato size and thickness of slices.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3-6 hours (depending on thickness and oven)
Ingredients:
- 1-2 large sweet potatoes (choose firm ones with no soft spots)
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer (optional, but recommended for even slices)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper (optional, but helps prevent sticking)
Instructions:
Step 1: Wash the Sweet Potatoes
- Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under cool running water to remove any dirt. You can peel them if you prefer, but the skin is nutritious and adds chewiness, so it’s generally recommended to leave it on.
Step 2: Slice the Sweet Potatoes
- Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, carefully slice the sweet potatoes into rounds. The thickness will affect the cooking time and the chewiness. For chewier treats, aim for slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dehydrate. Try to keep the slices as uniform in thickness as possible for even cooking.
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheets
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking). Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheets, making sure they don’t overlap.
Step 4: Bake at a Low Temperature
- Preheat your oven to a very low temperature, typically between 200-250°F (93-121°C). Place the baking sheets in the oven.
Step 5: Dehydrate the Sweet Potatoes
- Bake for 3 to 6 hours, or longer, depending on the thickness of your slices and your oven. You’ll need to flip the slices halfway through the baking time (after about 1.5 to 3 hours) to ensure even drying.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
- The sweet potato chews are done when they are mostly dry and leathery. They should still have a bit of chewiness, but no visible moisture. They will firm up more as they cool. If they are still soft or sticky, they need to bake longer.
Step 7: Cool Completely
- Once the chews are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. This allows them to dry further and firm up.
Step 8: Store Properly
- Once completely cooled, store the sweet potato chews in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for several weeks if properly dried. If you notice any mold growth, discard it. For longer storage, you can also keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.
Important Notes:
- Supervise your dog: Always supervise your dog while they are enjoying any chew, including these homemade ones, to prevent choking.
- Moderation: Even though these are healthy, give them to your dog in moderation as treats.
- Adjust baking time: The baking time will vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the sweet potato slices. Keep a close eye on them, especially during the last hour of baking.
- Dehydrator: If you have a food dehydrator, you can also use it to make sweet potato chews. Follow your dehydrator’s instructions for vegetables.
Enjoy making these healthy and delicious treats for your furry friend!
