Sweet Potato & Turmeric Low Calorie Training Dog Treats For Overweight Dogs

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.

It hurts to see your dog slow down because of extra weight. Suddenly, playing fetch isn’t as easy for them, and you start to worry about what that means for their health.

Cutting back on treats? That’s rough, especially when you know how much they love them. But let’s be honest, most of those store-bought treats are full of stuff you wouldn’t want to eat either.

You just want to spoil your dog a little without making things worse. Finding treats that are actually healthy and won’t pile on the pounds? This dog treat recipe is gonna help you do just that.

Sweet Potato & Turmeric Low Calorie Training Dog Treats

• This homemade treat recipe helps manage your dog’s weight while providing healthy rewards.
• It uses natural, low-calorie ingredients perfect for training sessions.
• Prep time: 15 minutes.
• Cook time: 30 minutes.
• Yields: Approximately 60 small treats.

Ingredients List

• 1 large sweet potato (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and chopped (Estimated cost: $2.00)
• 1/2 cup oat flour (you can blend rolled oats into flour) (Estimated cost: $0.50)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (Estimated cost: $0.25)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (Estimated cost: $0.15)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (Estimated cost: $0.20)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (Estimated cost: $0.10)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (enhances turmeric absorption) (Estimated cost: $0.05)
• Optional: 1/4 cup lean ground turkey (cooked and crumbled) for added protein (Estimated cost: $0.75)

Total estimated cost: $4.00

Substitutions:

• Oat flour: You can use whole wheat flour or brown rice flour, but oat flour is often better for sensitive stomachs.
• Applesauce: Plain pumpkin puree works too.
• Olive oil: Coconut oil is another good option.
• Lean ground turkey: Cooked chicken breast (shredded) can be used.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Steam or boil the chopped sweet potato until it’s very soft, about 15-20 minutes.
• Drain the sweet potato well and mash it thoroughly in a large bowl.
• Add the oat flour, applesauce, olive oil, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper to the mashed sweet potato.
• Mix everything together until a thick, uniform dough forms.
• If using, stir in the cooked ground turkey.
• Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough into small, bite-sized treats.
• Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly browned.
• Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Feeding Guidelines

• These treats are low in calories and great for training, but moderation is still key for overweight dogs.
• For small dogs (under 20 lbs): Offer 3-5 small treats per day.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Offer 5-8 small treats per day.
• For large dogs (over 50 lbs): Offer 8-12 small treats per day.
• Adjust based on your dog’s activity level. Highly active dogs might need a bit more.
• For puppies, seniors, or dogs with specific health conditions, always talk to your vet first.
• These treats are a supplement, not a meal replacement.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, helping digestion and making dogs feel full. They also provide vitamins A and C.
• Oat flour offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and is gentle on sensitive stomachs. It’s a good source of fiber too.
• Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can support joint health. Black pepper helps your dog absorb more of the turmeric.
• Ginger can aid digestion and soothe upset stomachs.
• Olive oil provides healthy fats, including Omega-6 fatty acids, supporting skin and coat health.
• If you add ground turkey, it brings lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance without adding excess calories.
• These treats are naturally low in fat and sugar, making them perfect for weight management.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the treats for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen treats in the refrigerator overnight or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Serve treats at room temperature or slightly warm.
• You can break them into even smaller pieces for very tiny dogs or extended training sessions.
• Mix a few pieces with your dog’s regular kibble as a special meal topper.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make these treats crunchy?

Yes, for a crunchier texture, bake them for an additional 10-15 minutes at a lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) after they are firm. This helps dehydrate them more.

Are these treats suitable for puppies?

These treats are generally safe for puppies, but remember puppies have different nutritional needs. Consult your vet for personalized advice on portion sizes for your growing puppy. They are designed for overweight adult dogs.

My dog has allergies, what substitutions can I make?

For grain allergies, ensure you use certified gluten-free oat flour or brown rice flour. For protein allergies, omit the optional turkey and focus on the plant-based ingredients. Always introduce new ingredients slowly to check for reactions.

Wrapping Up

Making these sweet potato and turmeric treats is a simple way to show your love while helping your dog stay healthy. It’s rewarding to know exactly what goes into their snacks. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!