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Who doesn’t love spoiling their furry friend with tasty treats? But let’s face it, those fancy store-bought dog biscuits can take a big bite out of your budget. What if I told you that you could make delicious, healthy treats for your pup at a fraction of the cost? Get ready to wag your tail with excitement as we dive into the world of homemade sweet potato dog treats!
Also See:15 Easy DIY Dog Crafts to Make and Sell
Why Sweet Potato?
Sweet potatoes aren’t just for Thanksgiving dinner. These orange powerhouses are packed with nutrients that are great for your dog. They’re rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, many dogs go crazy for their natural sweetness. It’s like giving your pup a healthy dessert!
Also See: Teaching Your Child Business Skills Through a Dog Treat Bakery
Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-45 minutes (depending on desired crunchiness)
- Total Time: 30-60 minutes
- Yield: 40–50 small treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup mashed cooked sweet potato (or pumpkin puree)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix mashed sweet potato and peanut butter in a bowl.
- Add flour and mix until well combined. If too dry, add a splash of water. If too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Roll out dough to ¼” – ½” thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut into desired shapes or squares.
- Place treats on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake for 15-40 minutes (less time for softer treats, more for crunchier ones).
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Customization: Your dog has a sensitive tummy? No problem! You can easily swap ingredients. Try pumpkin puree or mashed carrots instead of sweet potato. Just remember, no additives or sweeteners!
- Freshness: These treats stay good in the cupboard for 3-4 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge or freezer. Make a big batch, freeze most of them, and take out a few at a time. Fresh treats, happy pup!
- Quality Control: You know exactly what’s going into these treats. No mysterious ingredients or preservatives – just wholesome goodness for your furry friend.
- Bonding Time: Making treats can be a fun activity to do with the kids. It’s a great way to teach them about pet care and cooking!
The Real Treat: Savings!
Now, let’s talk dollars and cents. How much can you really save by making these treats at home?
Let’s break down the cost:
- Oat flour: About $0.50 per cup
- Natural peanut butter: Roughly $0.75 for ¼ cup
- Sweet potato: Approximately $0.50 for ½ cup mashed
Total cost for ingredients: $1.75
With a yield of 40-50 treats, each homemade treat costs about 3.5-4.4 cents!
Compare that to store-bought organic, grain-free sweet potato dog treats, which can run anywhere from 20 to 40 cents per treat. That’s a savings of 80-90%!
For a dog owner who gives their pup two treats a day, switching to homemade could save over $200 a year. That’s enough for a nice doggy bed or a few months of premium dog food!
Other Tips and Tricks
- To cook raw sweet potato, peel and boil until soft or bake at 425°F for 40-55 minutes until the skin pulls away easily. Cool, peel, and use right away or freeze for later!
- Feel free to get creative with shapes. Use cookie cutters for fun designs, or keep it simple with squares or circles.
- If your dog has wheat sensitivity, stick with oat flour. It’s easy to make your own by blending oats in a food processor!
- The sweet potato and peanut butter combo seems to be irresistible to most dogs, but feel free to experiment with your pup’s favorites!
By making these treats at home, you’re not just saving money – you’re investing in your dog’s health and happiness. And let’s be honest, the look of pure joy on your pup’s face when they taste these homemade treats? Priceless.
So why not give it a try? Your kitchen is waiting, and your dog is probably already drooling at the thought. Start with our simple recipe, and before you know it, you might find yourself experimenting with different flavors and shapes.
