Homemade Puppy Treats Recipe Using Sweet Potato & Apple

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

The new puppy stage is pretty much a blur of sharp teeth and the puppy’s endless curiosity. You really want to reward each “sit” and “stay,” but it doesn’t feel right if you keep on filling up a tiny, still developing body with processed fillers and preservatives, does it?

Instead, you can make your own homemade puppy treats with this simple but healthy recipe.

Let’s do it!

Recipe Overview

This homemade puppy treat recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring minimal preparation and about 1.5 to 2 hours of baking time. These natural crisps are gentle on a puppy’s digestive system, providing fiber and essential vitamins without any added sugars or fats. They’re perfect for a healthy, satisfying crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Serving Size: Makes about 40-60 crisps (depending on slice thickness)

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need for these wholesome puppy treats. All ingredients are dog-safe and readily available.

• 1 medium sweet potato: About $0.75 – $1.25
• 1 medium apple (e.g., Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp), cored and deseeded: About $0.50 – $0.75
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $1.25 – $2.00

Substitutions:

• Sweet Potato: Butternut squash or pumpkin can be used, but may require slightly longer baking times to achieve crispness.
• Apple: Pear (cored and deseeded) can be used.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these crisps is wonderfully simple. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the sweet potato. Wash the sweet potato thoroughly. You can peel it or leave the skin on (the skin is safe for dogs and adds fiber). Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, slice the sweet potato into very thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get.
3. Prepare the apple. Wash the apple, then core and deseed it. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, slice the apple into very thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
4. Arrange on baking sheets. Arrange the sweet potato and apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they don’t overlap, as this will prevent them from crisping evenly.
5. Bake. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the slices are dry, firm, and crispy. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your slices and your oven. You may need to flip them halfway through baking to ensure even crisping. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
6. Cool completely. Remove the crisps from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. They will become even crispier as they cool.
7. Store. Store any leftover crisps in an airtight container at room temperature.

Feeding Guidelines

These crisps are designed for puppies, but moderation is still key. They’re a reward, not a meal.

• Small Puppies (under 10 lbs): 1-2 small crisps per day.
• Medium Puppies (10-25 lbs): 2-4 small crisps per day.
• Large Puppies (over 25 lbs): 4-6 small crisps per day.

Always consider your puppy’s overall daily calorie intake. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their total calories. Introduce these treats slowly, starting with just one or two, to ensure they agree with your puppy’s tummy. If your puppy has any specific health concerns or dietary needs, always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

These crunchy crisps are packed with goodness for your growing pup.

• Sweet Potato: An excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, crucial for healthy vision, skin, and a strong immune system. It also provides dietary fiber for healthy digestion.
• Apple: Offers natural sugars for a gentle energy boost, Vitamin C for immune support, and dietary fiber for digestive health.
• Overall: These treats support healthy vision, a robust immune system, and provide gentle energy, all while offering a satisfying, natural crunch that puppies love.

Storage and Serving Tips

These treats are easy to store and serve, making them a convenient option.

• Storage: Store the cooled crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. If they start to lose their crispness, you can re-bake them at a low temperature (200°F/95°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Serving Ideas: Offer them as a healthy, crunchy snack or a reward during training. Always supervise your puppy while they enjoy their treat, especially with crunchy items.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting (FAQ)

Can I add spices to these crisps?

It’s best to keep these treats plain for puppies. Spices, even common ones, can sometimes upset a puppy’s sensitive stomach.

My crisps aren’t getting crispy. What went wrong?

They might not be sliced thin enough, or they might need more baking time. Ensure they are in a single layer and bake until completely dry and firm. A slightly lower oven temperature for a longer time often works best for crisping.

Can I use other fruits or vegetables?

Yes, you can experiment with other dog-safe fruits and vegetables that can be thinly sliced and dehydrated, such as zucchini or banana. Always research if a fruit or vegetable is safe for dogs before using.

Wrapping Up

These Homemade Puppy Treats Using Sweet Potato & Apple are a simple, wholesome way to reward your growing pup with a healthy, satisfying crunch. They’re nutritious, easy to make, and perfect for those little teeth.

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