Anyone who’s had a dog knows they love to chew things up. Unfortunately they’re not picky about what they put in their mouth (kinda like my husband) and will chew on anything. So instead of giving them the couch, your favorite sweater, or a kids toy, give them these all natural homemade dog chews. Buying dog chews at the store can add up and most importantly you never really know what’s in them. So here is an awesome recipe for you dog lovers who want to treat your dog and save money. Win for the dog, win for your wallet, and win for your now safe household items. Everyone’s a winner!
Homemade Dog Chews
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes or yams
Directions: Preheat oven to 250 degrees f. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes. Thinly slice your potatoes length-wise. 1/4- 1/3 inch wide max.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment if you have it. I was all out this time so I just placed them directly on the cookie sheet. Then bake them for 3 hours, turning them over halfway through. You want them to be pretty chewy and dry. You can also use a dehydrator if you have one instead.
Store them in the fridge or freezer because if you leave them out they could get moldy.
Then the real fun begins……giving them to your dog.
Our dog Comet LOVED these treats so much.
He sat down, knowing treats were in store….and enjoyed every bite.
Homemade Dog Chews
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees f. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes. Thinly slice your potatoes length-wise. 1/4- 1/3 inch wide max.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment if you have it. I was all out this time so I just placed them directly on the cookie sheet. Then bake them for 3 hours, turning them over halfway through. You want them to be pretty chewy and dry. You can also use a dehydrator if you have one instead.
- Store them in the fridge or freezer because if you leave them out they could get moldy.
- Then the real fun begins......giving them to your dog.
Nutrition
Have fun saving money on dog chews!
Spent $16 on a bag of sweet potato treats at the store, then I found this recipe. $16 vs $2…….I know what I’ll choose from now on! My dog loves them!!
Are they good for teeth
Wondering about the length of time it takes for the dog buddy to chew these up? My dachshunds are bored these days with the onset of fall/winter and short, rainy days. Would this give them a diversion of, say, 20 minutes at least? Lol! Looking for something to keep them entertained! Thanks!
Hi Barbara, some dogs are FAST chewers!! So it’s hard to say! It gave my lab at least a good 10 minutes!
I wonder if anyone has tried brushing on a little lard or other animal fat on these before drying them in the oven or dehydrator. I think my dog might like them better with a bit of animal fat. Did anyone try that? thanks very much.
Making these right now!! Sprinkled and rubbed in a little bit of turmeric for an extra health bonus! 🙌
I wonder if putting them in the electric smoker might make them taste super yummy to the dogs.
Great recipe my dog loves them and so do my granddogs
I have made these 2 times and my goldens LOVE THEM!! Thank for the info!!
What is the consistency supposed to be like when finished baking? Rubbery, crispy, hard etc.?
They are crispy on maybe a few of the edges but still chewy throughout. Kind of like a thicker chewier fruit leather.
How long do these keep in the fridge?
I would say up to a few weeks in the fridge, or you can put them in the freezer for up to 7 months!
Do you let them thaw out before giving or give frozen? I’m thinking my Bella would love frozen
I usually thaw but on a hot day it might be nice to give them to them frozen too!
I will be trying these soon: picked up a pkg of chicken wrapped sweet potAto treats and my fussy Millie devoured them, would much rather have home made 🙂
How long would it take in a dehydrator? Same time and temp?
I would think so, I don’t have a dehydrator though so I’m not 100% sure on how long to use that.
I’ve made them in the oven and dehydrator. About 7-10 hours in dehydrator depending on how crispy you want them. Watch out for orange 💩!! The bees love it…lol
Are these messy as they are chewed on?
Not really, I didn’t see much mess. Probably depends on your dog and if they are a slobbery breed or not.
Could you do these in an Air Fryer?
Hi, I’m not sure, never tried it!
Yes, she mentions that in the recipe.
My dog can’t get enough. Thanks.
My pup loves these! Thank you for sharing!
Think it would be ok to use russet potatoes? I know we’re not supposed to give uncooked potato to dogs, so are dehydrated potatoes ok I wonder? Thanks for any thoughts!
I wouldn’t suggest russets. Dehydrated doesn’t mean cooked, it means dried out. Sweet potatoes have a different consistency, a different taste, and a different nutrient profile. IMO, id stick with sweet potato. Just like for humans, it’s just better nutritionally.
easy to make and they are so healthy.THANKS!
Thank you so much for the recipe, also all the comments were very helpful. I cant wait to prepare my treats for my two dogs tomm.
Sincerely,
Lillian Colson