Zucchini and Sweet Potato Chews Dog Treat Recipes

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.

If you’re looking for a healthy, low-calorie chew that will keep your dog happily gnawing while providing a good source of nutrients, Zucchini & Sweet Potato Chews are the answer!

These homemade chews combine the deliciousness of sweet potatoes with the nutritional power of zucchini, creating a treat that’s both tasty and good for your dog’s health.

Sweet potatoes are a superfood for dogs, packed with fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants that support digestive health and boost the immune system.

Zucchini, on the other hand, is low in calories and high in water content, which helps keep your dog hydrated and feeling full.

Together, they create a flavorful and crunchy chew that your dog is sure to love.

Let’s dive into this simple and nutritious recipe!

Why Zucchini & Sweet Potato?

Sweet Potatoes are a fantastic addition to any dog’s diet.

They’re rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, and they’re an excellent source of vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy skin, coat, and eyesight.

The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes also makes them highly palatable, ensuring your dog will enjoy every bite.

Zucchini might not be as sweet, but it’s an incredible low-calorie vegetable with lots of health benefits.

Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, zucchini supports your dog’s immune system, promotes skin health, and aids in the absorption of calcium.

It’s also an excellent source of fiber, which helps regulate digestion and keep your dog feeling full between meals.

Together, these two ingredients create a well-rounded, nutritious treat that can be used as a training reward or just a tasty snack.

The Recipe: Zucchini & Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients:

• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for added taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Low heat ensures these chews dry out properly without burning, giving them the right chewy texture your dog will love.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Start by washing and slicing your zucchini into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chews will be. You can also cut them into strips or bite-sized pieces if you prefer.
3. Prepare the sweet potato: Peel the sweet potato and slice it into thin rounds or chips, about 1/8 inch thick. Sweet potatoes can be a bit denser than zucchini, so make sure the slices are uniform to ensure even baking.
4. Coat with olive oil (optional): If you want to add a little extra flavor and moisture to the chews, drizzle the zucchini and sweet potato slices with olive oil. Toss them gently to coat each piece. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats, which can benefit your dog’s coat and skin.
5. Add cinnamon (optional): For a little extra flavor, sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon on top of the sweet potato slices. Cinnamon is safe for dogs in small quantities and can add a pleasant aroma to the chews.
6. Arrange the slices: Lay the zucchini and sweet potato slices out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure there’s some space between each slice so they bake evenly.
7. Bake the chews: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 2-3 hours, turning the chews every 30 minutes or so. The sweet potato will take a little longer to crisp up, so keep an eye on them. The zucchini may crisp up quicker, so be careful not to overcook it.
8. Cool and store: Once the chews are dry, crispy, and slightly golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. This helps them firm up and ensures they hold their shape.
9. Serve: Once cooled, your Zucchini & Sweet Potato Chews are ready to serve! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Why Make Your Own Dog Chews?

Making homemade dog chews like these Zucchini & Sweet Potato Chews has many advantages:

• Full control over ingredients: You can avoid preservatives, artificial colors, and fillers commonly found in store-bought dog treats.
• Affordable: Sweet potatoes and zucchini are budget-friendly ingredients, and these chews are inexpensive to make compared to the high cost of commercial dog treats.
• Customizable: If your dog has specific dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients. You can also experiment with different flavors and textures to suit your dog’s taste.

Customization Tips

• Add flavors: Want to spice things up a bit? You can add a pinch of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties or some ginger to soothe your dog’s stomach.
• Cut to your dog’s needs: If you want larger chews for bigger dogs or smaller bites for little pups, simply adjust the size of the slices or shapes. Cookie cutters can also be used to create fun, unique shapes!
• Protein boost: If you want to add a little protein to these chews, consider drizzling them with peanut butter or cashew butter once they’ve cooled. Both are healthy options that will add extra flavor.

How to Store Zucchini & Sweet Potato Chews

Proper storage will keep your Zucchini & Sweet Potato Chews fresh and ready for snacking:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to use the chews within a week, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and crunchy for up to 7 days.
• Refrigeration: To extend shelf life, refrigerate the chews for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing them in the fridge.
• Freezing: If you’ve made a big batch, freezing these chews is a great option. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will last up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Each Zucchini & Sweet Potato Chew (based on a batch of 20 chews) contains approximately:

• Calories: 30 per chew
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 1.5g

These chews are low-calorie, high in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy treat option for your dog.

Final Thoughts

Zucchini & Sweet Potato Chews are a fantastic, nutritious treat that both dogs and dog parents will love.

Not only are they easy to make and packed with health benefits, but they’re also customizable to meet your dog’s specific tastes and dietary needs.

By making your own chews at home, you can feel good about the ingredients and save money on store-bought treats.

And with the added bonus of being able to control the size, shape, and flavor, these chews are sure to become a staple in your dog’s snack routine.

So, grab your zucchini and sweet potato, and get baking for your pup today! The tail wags will be worth it.