Easy Homemade Dog Training Treats Using Shredded Chicken & Sweet Potato

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.

Sick of shelling out for pricey dog treats when you can’t even pronounce half the ingredients? Yeah, same here.

Plus, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, those mystery snacks are a gamble.

You want to reward your pup, not stress about what’s in their food.

Good news! Making your own dog training treats is way easier than you’d think.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog training treat recipe uses shredded chicken and sweet potato.
• It’s packed with lean protein, essential vitamins, and healthy fiber.
• Prep time is about 15 minutes.
• Cook time is around 25-30 minutes.
• This recipe makes approximately 100-120 small training treats.

Ingredients List

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: $4.50
• 1 medium sweet potato (about 8 oz): $1.00
• 1/4 cup oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats): $0.25 (from 1 cup rolled oats at $1.00)
• 1 large egg: $0.30
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: $0.10
• Total Estimated Cost: $6.15

Substitutions:

• Chicken: You can use lean ground turkey or boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
• Sweet Potato: Butternut squash or pumpkin puree (not pie filling) can work as an alternative.
• Oat Flour: Whole wheat flour or rice flour can be used, but oat flour is often better for sensitive stomachs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breast in a pot and cover it with water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Let the chicken cool, then shred it finely with two forks.
• Cook the sweet potato: While the chicken cooks, peel and dice the sweet potato into small cubes.
• Steam or boil the sweet potato until it’s very soft, about 10-15 minutes.
• Drain well and mash it thoroughly.
• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed sweet potato, oat flour, egg, and chopped parsley.
• Mix everything together until it forms a uniform, sticky dough.
• Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
• Use a spatula to smooth it out.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture is firm and lightly golden.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
• Once cool, cut the baked mixture into small, bite-sized training treat pieces.
• About 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch works well for most dogs.

Feeding Guidelines

• These treats are intended for intermittent feeding or as training aids.
• They should not replace a balanced meal.
• For puppies and small dogs (under 20 lbs): Offer 3-5 small treats per training session.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Offer 5-10 small treats per training session.
• For large and extra-large dogs (over 50 lbs): Offer 10-15 small treats per training session.
• Adjust the quantity based on your dog’s activity level and overall caloric intake.
• If your dog is overweight, reduce the number of treats given daily.
• For older dogs or those with dental issues, ensure the treats are soft enough.
• Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially for puppies, pregnant/nursing dogs, or dogs with specific health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chicken: Provides high-quality lean protein, essential for muscle development, repair, and overall health.
• Sweet Potato: A great source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, plus dietary fiber for healthy digestion.
• Sweet potatoes also offer beta-carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, and B vitamins.
• Oat Flour: Adds fiber for digestive health and is a good source of manganese and phosphorus.
• It’s often well-tolerated by dogs with grain sensitivities.
• Egg: Contributes additional protein and essential amino acids, as well as choline, which supports brain health.
• Parsley: A natural breath freshener and a good source of Vitamin K and antioxidants.
• This recipe ensures a good balance of protein (from chicken and egg), carbohydrates (from sweet potato and oat flour), and healthy fats (naturally occurring in chicken and egg).
• It provides essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C, B-complex, K, Calcium, and Potassium without relying on synthetic supplements.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Refrigeration: Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the treats in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid.
• Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen treats in the refrigerator overnight or microwave for a few seconds if needed.
• Serving Suggestions:
• Serve at room temperature.
• You can slightly warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the aroma, which some dogs love.
• These treats are perfect for training sessions due to their small size and appealing flavor.
• They can also be crumbled over your dog’s regular kibble as a meal topper for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Are these treats suitable for puppies?

Yes, these treats are generally suitable for puppies once they are fully weaned and eating solid food. Just make sure the pieces are small enough for their mouth size.

Can I add other vegetables?

You can add small amounts of other dog-safe vegetables like peas or green beans, finely chopped or pureed, but avoid onions, garlic, and grapes.

My dog has allergies. What should I do?

If your dog has specific allergies, use the substitution suggestions mentioned in the ingredients list. Always double-check that all ingredients are safe for your dog’s particular needs.

How can I make the treats crunchier?

To achieve a crunchier texture, bake the treats for an additional 10-15 minutes at a lower temperature (around 250°F/120°C) after they are firm, allowing them to dehydrate slightly.

Wrapping Up

Making your own dog training treats with shredded chicken and sweet potato is easy, healthy, and fun. It’s a wonderful way to show your dog love while providing nutritious rewards. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Treats board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!