Dehydrated sweet potato chews for dogs are the newest chew treat to hit the pet stores and they have become almost instantly popular among pet parents. These chews are healthy single ingredient treats that are a favourite among dogs. They are an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants and beta-carotene. Plus, they are super easy and inexpensive to make right at home!
Unfortunately these treats are quite expensive in pet stores. 680g of these delicious chewy treats can run a pet owner nearly $30, which is a bit ridiculous when you consider the cost of sweet potatoes at the grocery store. If convenience has you running back to the shelves at your local pet store, hold on a minute! Making these awesome chews is easier and MUCH less expensive then you think! You can buy a pound of sweet potato at the grocery store for $1 - $2 in most locations, which makes a good amount of sweet potato chews! The savings are HUGE! In comparison, a $30 bag of store brand sweet potato chews can end up costing you $5 or less if you decide to make them yourself at home.
I decided to make my own for the first time, so allow me to guide you through the process so that you can make your own as well!
Unfortunately these treats are quite expensive in pet stores. 680g of these delicious chewy treats can run a pet owner nearly $30, which is a bit ridiculous when you consider the cost of sweet potatoes at the grocery store. If convenience has you running back to the shelves at your local pet store, hold on a minute! Making these awesome chews is easier and MUCH less expensive then you think! You can buy a pound of sweet potato at the grocery store for $1 - $2 in most locations, which makes a good amount of sweet potato chews! The savings are HUGE! In comparison, a $30 bag of store brand sweet potato chews can end up costing you $5 or less if you decide to make them yourself at home.
I decided to make my own for the first time, so allow me to guide you through the process so that you can make your own as well!
The first step was to get a large sweet potato and wash it with some warm water, I also scrubbed it with a vegetable brush to get off any debris. At the same time, I turned my oven on to 170 degrees - the lowest setting my oven goes to. Once my potato was washed, I put it on my cutting board and got to work.
I sliced the sweet potato length-wise, approximately 1/4 of an inch thick. 1/4 of an inch to 1/2 an inch is ideal for these chews, since they shrink quite a bit when they lose their moisture.
I sliced the sweet potato length-wise, approximately 1/4 of an inch thick. 1/4 of an inch to 1/2 an inch is ideal for these chews, since they shrink quite a bit when they lose their moisture.
Once they were cut into appropriate length and thickness, I set them up on a wire rack to be put inside the oven. If you don't have access to a wire rack, just put them on a cookie sheet with a bit of oil or cooking spray to keep them from sticking. If you use the cookie sheet method, you'll need to flip the potato slices over in approximately 3 hours.
If you have a dehydrator, use that! Since I don't have one, the oven works just as well. This is a great treat to make several batches at a time on a Sunday morning when you won't be needing the oven for awhile.
If you have a dehydrator, use that! Since I don't have one, the oven works just as well. This is a great treat to make several batches at a time on a Sunday morning when you won't be needing the oven for awhile.
These treats should take approximately 6-8 hours to dehydrate. Check on them half way through at 3-4 hours to see their progress. They should be cool enough to pick up and feel. You want them to be dry and soft, cooking them for too long at too high of a temperature results in a crunchy snack as opposed to a soft, chewy treat.
They should shrink in size and look shriveled in appearance as they lose their moisture. Thinner pieces will be ready faster and thicker pieces may take a bit longer to dehydrate. The thicker, the better... a thick chewy treat will last longer!
They should shrink in size and look shriveled in appearance as they lose their moisture. Thinner pieces will be ready faster and thicker pieces may take a bit longer to dehydrate. The thicker, the better... a thick chewy treat will last longer!
Once they are done, approximately 6-8 hours later, take them out and set them on a wire rack or plate to cool down. Cool down time should be about one hour. Once they are cool, store them in a Ziploc bag or Tupperware container. To preserve them for longer store them in the refrigerator; The refrigerator will keep them at their best for approximately three weeks.
Freezing them will also prolong their "shelf life". Regardless, they keep very well for a few weeks. With these delicious snacks, that is probably more than enough time to get through them. They are a great chew to give your dog every single day!
Do-It-Yourself Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Freezing them will also prolong their "shelf life". Regardless, they keep very well for a few weeks. With these delicious snacks, that is probably more than enough time to get through them. They are a great chew to give your dog every single day!
Do-It-Yourself Sweet Potato Dog Chews
- Slice sweet potato length wise, approximately 1/4 -1/2 inch thick.
- Preheat oven to 170 degrees Fahrenheit or lowest heat setting.
- Place slices on wire rack or greased cookie sheet.
- Turn slices over approximately 3-4 hours after putting them in the oven.
- Check them at 6-8 hours in, they should be done.
- Cool on wire rack or plate for one hour.
- Store in Tupperware container, Ziploc bag - in refrigerator or freezer.
- Give one to your dog!
And the result...
A very happy, satisfied dog!
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Angel
K9 Instinct
K9 Instinct offers nutrition and diet consultations, including online consultations for local and non-local clients! For more information visit my Diet and Nutrition page!
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