Homemade Sweet Potato & Apple Kibble Dog Recipe

There’s something really special about making food for your dog from scratch. It’s not just about nutrition—it’s about love. And every time I bake a fresh batch of homemade treats or mix up a bowl of nourishing kibble, I see that tail wag a little faster, those ears perk a little higher, and those sweet eyes light up with anticipation.

Today, I want to share one of my favorite creations: a Sweet Potato & Apple Kibble Dog Recipe that’s crunchy, wholesome, and packed with the kind of ingredients your dog will love—and you’ll feel great about serving.

This recipe came to life on a cool fall afternoon when I had a few sweet potatoes left over from a holiday meal and a couple of apples that were just a bit too soft for my taste. I looked down at my dog curled up by the kitchen door and thought, why not turn these into something special for him?

Turns out, it was the start of something delicious.

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Why Sweet Potato and Apple? A Power Duo for Pups

Before we dive into the actual recipe, let’s talk a little about why I chose these two stars.

Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich carbohydrate that dogs absolutely love. They’re packed with dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion, and they offer a solid dose of vitamins A, C, and B6. Plus, they’ve got a natural sweetness that’s completely dog-safe and palatable.

Apples, on the other hand, bring their own benefits. They’re low in fat, high in antioxidants, and an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium. The slight tartness of apples balances out the mellow richness of sweet potatoes, and when baked or dehydrated, they give the kibble a nice chewy-crunchy texture.

Just make sure to always core the apples and remove the seeds before using them, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.

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What Makes This Recipe Different?

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together—it's about creating a complete and balanced kibble-style treat that your dog can enjoy as a topper, a training bite, or even a small snack between meals.

It’s free of preservatives, uses real whole foods, and offers the option to tweak texture and flavor based on your dog’s preferences. For instance, some dogs love a crunchier kibble, while others might appreciate a slightly softer, chewier bite.

This recipe also includes options for grain-free or whole grain depending on your dog’s dietary needs, which makes it versatile and easy to personalize.

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Let’s Talk Ingredients: Picking the Right Stuff

Here’s what you’ll need for the base batch of this sweet potato and apple kibble recipe:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 2 apples, cored and chopped (leave the skin on)
• 1 ½ cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour if your dog tolerates grains well)
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 egg (acts as a binder)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Optional: A dash of cinnamon (for flavor and antioxidants—use sparingly)

These ingredients were chosen with intention. For example, I love adding ground flaxseed because it provides omega-3 fatty acids, which help support your dog’s coat and skin. And the coconut oil not only adds healthy fat but also makes the texture of the kibble richer without overwhelming the flavor.

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Step-by-Step: Making Your Sweet Potato & Apple Dog Kibble

Let’s dive into the process. This part is honestly my favorite—there’s something so grounding about chopping, mixing, and baking something knowing it’s for your furry best friend.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Steam or boil the sweet potato cubes until they’re fork-tender. Let them cool slightly and then mash them thoroughly.
• While the sweet potato cooks, chop your apples into small chunks. You can leave them raw for a chunkier texture or cook them slightly for a smoother dough.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Mashed sweet potato
• Chopped apples
• Oat flour
• Ground flaxseed
• Applesauce
• Egg
• Melted coconut oil
• Cinnamon (optional)

Stir until it forms a soft dough. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, a splash of water or more applesauce can help.

Step 3: Shape and Cut

You have a couple of options here:

• For a traditional kibble shape, roll the dough into small bite-sized balls or press into a rectangle and cut into tiny cubes.
• For something a bit different, use a piping bag and pipe tiny drops onto your baking sheet (this works especially well if the dough is on the softer side).

Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the pieces feel firm. If your dog prefers a softer kibble, you can remove them at the 20-minute mark.

For an extra crunchy kibble, turn off the oven and leave the kibble inside for another hour to dehydrate slowly. This works wonders for dogs who love that firm crunch.

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Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

Once cooled, store the kibble in an airtight container. If fully baked and dehydrated, it’ll last about 2 weeks in the pantry. For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate for up to a month, or freeze for up to 3 months.

When I freeze mine, I like to separate them into small weekly portions so I can just grab and go. It also helps with portion control during training or as meal toppers.

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Making It Your Own: Optional Add-Ins

This recipe is totally customizable. Here are a few tweaks and add-ins I’ve tried:

• Blueberries: Toss in a handful for an antioxidant boost. They go beautifully with apples and sweet potato.
• Chia seeds: Add a teaspoon to boost fiber and healthy fats.
• Shredded carrot or zucchini: Sneak in extra veggies and moisture.
• Chicken broth (low sodium): Replace a portion of the applesauce or coconut oil for added flavor.

If you’re looking for more flavor inspiration, check out this Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs—it's a great complementary recipe that uses similar ingredients with a fruity twist.

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A Treat with a Memory

One of my favorite memories tied to this recipe is from last fall. My dog, Milo, and I had spent the morning hiking through a forest trail just as the leaves were starting to turn. The air was crisp, and when we came home, I whipped up a batch of this kibble while he napped by the oven. When the timer beeped and I opened the door, he popped up like he’d been waiting all along.

I’ll never forget the joy in his eyes as he tasted the first piece. And honestly, I’ve been making it ever since.

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More Homemade Joy

If your dog loves this kind of wholesome, fruity combo, they’ll also adore these Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs. They’ve got a similar soft sweetness and pair well with a treat rotation that keeps your dog excited and well-fed.

You can even mix a few different treats into your own DIY kibble blend—something I’ve started doing for enrichment. Milo loves the variety, and I love knowing exactly what’s going into his food.

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Make Mealtime Fun: Serving Ideas for Every Pup

One of the reasons I love making this kibble at home is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

1. As a Meal Topper

Sometimes I use this kibble as a crunchy topper for Milo’s regular food. It adds variety in both flavor and texture. If your dog is eating a high-quality kibble or fresh food already, just a handful of this homemade mix can enhance the experience without replacing the core nutrition.

2. Puzzle Toy Filler

Tuck a few of these kibble bites inside a Kong, snuffle mat, or puzzle feeder. Milo goes absolutely wild for the challenge, and it turns snack time into a mental enrichment session. It's a great way to keep high-energy dogs engaged.

3. Training Treats

These little kibble bites are the perfect size for training. They’re small, dry enough to stash in a pocket, and dogs go nuts for the apple-sweet potato combo. I like to bake some a little softer and cut them even smaller for high-reward moments during obedience training or socialization outings.

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How to Adjust the Texture: From Soft Chews to Crunchy Bites

Depending on your dog’s age or preference, you may want to play with the texture. Here’s how:

• For a softer chew (great for senior dogs or pups with sensitive teeth):
  Bake for 20 minutes and skip the dehydration step. Store in the fridge and use within 10–14 days.
• For a firm, crunchy kibble (perfect for dogs who like to chew):
  Bake for 30 minutes and then leave them in the warm oven (turned off) for another hour to dry out fully. These will store longer and give a satisfying crunch.

If your dog is in between stages (say, a middle-aged pup who enjoys a light crunch), bake them for 25 minutes and let them cool on the rack without the extra oven time.

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Nutritional Balance: Is This Recipe Complete for Daily Feeding?

This is a big question I often get when people start making their own dog food: Can I feed this every day?

Here’s the honest answer: while this Sweet Potato & Apple Kibble Recipe is super nutritious, it’s meant to be a treat, topper, or supplement—not a complete meal unless formulated with veterinary guidance.

If you want to create a complete homemade diet, you’ll need to consult your vet or a pet nutritionist to ensure your dog is getting the right balance of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. However, adding healthy treats like this to your dog’s daily intake is a fantastic way to boost their nutrition with real food.

For a complete approach, consider blending recipes like this with high-protein options such as these Bull Penis Dog Treats—which are a great natural protein chew—or pairing with homemade proteins like boiled chicken or salmon (as long as it’s boneless and unseasoned).

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Sweet Potato & Apple Dog Kibble Variations (For Every Season!)

One thing I love doing is creating seasonal twists on this base recipe. It keeps things fun for both of us, and honestly, it lets me use up pantry ingredients without wasting food.

Fall Blend: Pumpkin Spice Kibble

• Swap applesauce for pure pumpkin puree
• Add a pinch of ginger or turmeric
• Optional: a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for flavor

This version smells amazing in the oven. And for a frozen twist during warmer months, you can try Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs—a chilled version of fall flavor fun!

Summer Blend: Berry Apple Bites

• Mix in a handful of blueberries or diced strawberries
• Use a silicone mold to form little hearts or bones
• Bake slightly less for a soft, fruity treat

This version pairs beautifully with the Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs, and your pup will love the burst of berry sweetness.

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Storing for Convenience: Tips That Save Time

I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure treat-making doesn’t take over my entire weekend:

1. Double the Batch

This recipe doubles easily. I often make a large batch, bake half, and freeze the dough for the next week. It thaws quickly in the fridge overnight.

2. Use a Silicone Mold

Invest in a mini dog bone or paw-shaped silicone mold. It not only looks adorable, but it makes portioning so much easier. You’ll get uniform sizes that bake evenly.

3. Vacuum Seal for Long Storage

If you really want to go all in, use a vacuum sealer and freeze baked kibble portions. They’ll last for months, and you can just thaw a small bag at a time.

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Ingredient Spotlight: Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs

If your dog is a peanut butter lover, you can swap out the coconut oil or applesauce in this recipe with a tablespoon of homemade peanut butter. Just make sure it’s xylitol-free and made with no added salt or sugar.

Making your own peanut butter is surprisingly easy and gives you total control over ingredients. I used this guide to get started:
👉 Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs: A Tail-Wagging Treat Your Pup Will Love

Peanut butter blends beautifully with sweet potato, giving the kibble a nutty richness dogs can’t resist.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with simple recipes like this, it’s easy to hit a few snags. Here are some things I’ve learned the hard way:

• Overbaking: It’s better to slightly underbake and dehydrate than to burn. Overbaking leads to a bitter taste and hard texture.
• Using flavored applesauce: Stick with unsweetened, plain applesauce. Avoid anything with added sugar or cinnamon unless you’re adding it yourself.
• Skipping ingredient prep: Mash that sweet potato well. Chunky pieces may make the dough fall apart during baking.
• Adding too much flour: Resist the urge to overcorrect a sticky dough with flour. Try chilling the dough for 15 minutes instead.

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Tail-Wagging Feedback: What Other Dogs Think

I’ve shared this kibble recipe with a few of my dog-parent friends, and the results have been delightful. From picky eaters to food-driven retrievers, this one seems to be a universal hit.

One friend even started mixing in chopped dried apple and tiny chunks of freeze-dried liver for a savory-sweet combo that her dog absolutely devours.

Another friend said it’s become their go-to for travel snacks: “We bring a ziplock of these when we go hiking. My dog thinks he’s hit the jackpot every time we stop for a break!”

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Join the Homemade Dog Food Movement

Making your own dog food or treats doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about intention—knowing what’s going into your dog’s body, and making choices that reflect your care and connection.

If this recipe has inspired you, I encourage you to explore more creative ideas on MyDogRecipe.com—it’s one of my favorite places for discovering healthy, fun, and tail-wagging dog recipes. You’ll find everything from single-ingredient chews to seasonal favorites and even DIY pup popsicles.

And don’t forget to follow their Pinterest page too:
👉 https://www.pinterest.com/mydogrecipe/
It’s full of recipe inspiration, dog care tips, and treat ideas that’ll keep your pup’s taste buds entertained year-round.

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Final Thoughts: A Recipe Worth Repeating

Every time I make this Sweet Potato & Apple Kibble, it reminds me why I started cooking for Milo in the first place. It wasn’t about being fancy or trying to reinvent the wheel—it was about love, simplicity, and connection.

We spend so many moments with our dogs: walking, cuddling, playing fetch. Why not add “cooking” to that list too?

Whether you're making this recipe for the first time or adding it to your regular treat rotation, I hope it brings you as much joy as it’s brought us. Because when we feed our dogs with intention and love, they give it right back tenfold—with kisses, tail wags, and that unshakable loyalty we all cherish.

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Want more tail-wagging ideas? Browse the full collection of dog treat recipes at https://mydogrecipe.com/

And if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went—tag your creations or share them on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mydogrecipe/

Happy baking! 🐾

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