Sweet Potato & Chicken Sausage Sticks Recipe: A Comforting, Homemade Treat for Your Pup

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The Story Behind These Savory Sausage Sticks

There’s something so comforting about watching your pup chew contentedly on a treat you made with your own two hands. It’s that tail thump, the hopeful eyes, and the way they trot after you when they smell the oven going. That’s exactly why I started making these Sweet Potato & Chicken Sausage Sticks at home—and let me tell you, it all began with a cold winter morning and a leftover roast chicken.

I remember my dog, Bailey, shivering a little as he curled up on the rug. I had just finished roasting a whole chicken the night before, and as I looked into the fridge the next morning, I saw a small bowl of shredded meat and half of a baked sweet potato. That’s when inspiration hit. I figured—why not turn this into something special for him?

I mashed, mixed, and molded. And from that spontaneous moment, a favorite dog treat recipe was born.

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Why Sweet Potato and Chicken Make the Perfect Duo for Dogs

Sweet potato is rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and it’s super gentle on the stomach—perfect for pups with sensitive tummies. Meanwhile, chicken is a lean protein that dogs go crazy for. The combination is not just delicious; it’s also highly nutritious.

Plus, the naturally sweet flavor of the sweet potato balances the savory chicken beautifully. The result? A soft, chewy sausage-like stick that’s easy to digest and packed with flavor.

If your pup loves Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews, these will definitely be a hit too.

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🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need (Simple & Wholesome)

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 8-10 sausage sticks:

• 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed (about 1 medium potato)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, finely shredded (use skinless, boneless breast or thigh)
• 1 egg (acts as a binder)
• ½ cup oat flour (you can make this by blending rolled oats)
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fiber and omega-3s)
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, great for inflammation)
• A tiny pinch of black pepper (helps the turmeric absorb)

Note: Always use plain cooked ingredients—no added salt, garlic, onion, or seasonings.

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👩‍🍳 Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

First, make sure your sweet potato is fully cooked and mashed smooth. You can bake, steam, or microwave it. I find baking brings out the natural sweetness best.

Shred your cooked chicken finely. You want small pieces so it mixes evenly and binds well with the dough.

2. Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine:

• Mashed sweet potato
• Shredded chicken
• Egg
• Oat flour
• Flaxseed (if using)
• Turmeric and a pinch of pepper

Use a spatula or your hands (I prefer hands!) to blend everything into a thick, moldable dough. If it’s too dry, add a spoonful of water. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in more oat flour.

3. Shape Into Sticks

Take a handful of dough and roll it into a log shape—about the length of your index finger and just a little thicker. Repeat until all the dough is used up. You should get about 8-10 sticks, depending on size.

These soft, sausage-style treats are great for older dogs or pups who prefer chewy over crunchy.

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Customizing for Your Pup

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. For instance:

• Add mashed banana for sweetness and potassium (check out these Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs if your dog loves fruity flavors).
• Swap chicken with turkey for variety.
• Add grated carrots or finely chopped parsley for extra texture and nutrition.

Bailey loves when I sneak in a bit of parsley—it gives the treats a fresh aroma and is great for his breath, too.

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Baking Time

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Place your sausage sticks on the tray, leaving a bit of space between each one. They won’t spread, but airflow is always a good thing when baking.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. They should be firm to the touch and golden around the edges.

Let them cool completely before giving one to your pup. (Bailey has zero patience during this part!)

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Storage Tips

These sausage sticks store beautifully:

• Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5–6 days.
• Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight or microwave for a few seconds before serving.

I like to make a double batch and freeze half for those busy weeks when I don’t have time to cook.

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Training, Travel, and Tasty Rewards

These sweet potato and chicken sticks aren’t just snacks—they’re also excellent training treats. Just cut them into smaller bites and use them as high-value rewards.

I also bring a few when we travel or go hiking. They're mess-free, nutritious, and Bailey lights up every time I reach into my bag.

If you’re looking for another great travel-friendly option, I highly recommend these Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs—they’re a cooling treat after a hot day outdoors.

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A Special Bond Built in the Kitchen

There’s something magical about making food for someone you love—even if that someone is furry, four-legged, and obsessed with squirrels.

Each time I roll out a batch of these sausage sticks, Bailey sits by the oven like he knows they’re just for him. That anticipation, that joy, that tail that won’t stop wagging—it’s the reason I’ll keep making these over and over again.

Cooking for your dog isn't just about health or convenience. It’s about creating moments, traditions, and trust. It’s about that quiet time together in the kitchen, and the goofy celebration dance they do when they get their favorite treat.

And if you ever want to try something totally different (and a bit bold), take a peek at these Bull Penis Dog Treats—definitely not your average snack, but some pups go wild for them!

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💡 Helpful Tips for Perfecting the Recipe Every Time

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some of the finer details that really elevate this dog treat recipe from “good” to “Bailey-approved amazing.” Trust me, I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and these little tweaks can make all the difference:

1. Don’t Overbake

These sausage sticks are meant to be soft and chewy—not rock hard. Overbaking can dry them out and make them crumbly. If your oven tends to run hot (some do!), I suggest checking them at the 22-minute mark. You want them to be firm but still give a little when pressed.

2. For a Crunchier Version

If your dog prefers a crunchier texture, turn off the oven after baking and leave the sticks inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour. The residual heat will gently dry them out without burning them.

3. Size Matters

Making smaller sticks? Reduce the baking time to around 18–20 minutes. Want a jumbo chew for your larger pup? Go for it! Just add an extra 5 minutes and monitor the oven closely.

4. Use Silicone Molds

If you have bone-shaped or paw-print silicone molds, this dough presses into them perfectly. It’s an easy way to add a fun visual twist—and let's face it, we all love a cute treat.

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❤️ The Emotional Side of Homemade Dog Treats

This recipe became a staple in our home not just because Bailey loved it, but because I realized how fulfilling it is to create something with intention and love. I’m not just throwing kibble into a bowl. I’m making a treat tailored to his tastes, textures he likes, and ingredients that support his health.

In fact, when Bailey was recovering from a little stomach bug last summer, these were the only treats he could handle. The simplicity of sweet potato and lean chicken was gentle on his system, and I even skipped the egg that time and used a spoonful of pure pumpkin purée as a binder instead. (It worked beautifully, by the way.)

Watching him slowly gain back his strength and appetite, starting with tiny bites of these sausage sticks, reminded me why I go the extra mile in the kitchen.

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🧪 Nutritional Profile of These Dog Treats

These sausage sticks aren’t just delicious—they’re seriously nutritious too. Here’s a quick breakdown of what your dog’s getting in every bite:

Ingredient	Benefits
Sweet Potato	Fiber, beta-carotene (vitamin A), potassium
Chicken	Lean protein, amino acids, B vitamins
Egg	Protein, healthy fats, vitamin D
Oat Flour	Soluble fiber, supports digestion
Flaxseed (optional)	Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, anti-inflammatory
Turmeric & Black Pepper	Natural anti-inflammatory duo

It’s a treat that not only tastes great but also contributes to your dog’s overall well-being. And if you’re passionate about pet nutrition like I am, you’ll appreciate just how wholesome these ingredients are compared to most commercial treats.

You can even check out this Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs if you’re looking to add a touch of nutty richness to other recipes.

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🌱 Ingredient Swaps & Allergy-Friendly Options

If your pup has dietary restrictions or sensitivities, don’t worry—this recipe is very forgiving.

Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Allergic to chicken? Try turkey, beef, or even salmon.
• Avoiding grains? Use coconut flour or chickpea flour instead of oat.
• No egg? Try pumpkin purée, applesauce, or mashed banana as a binder.
• Need more calories for an active dog? Add a spoonful of olive oil or chia seeds for healthy fats.

Creating allergy-friendly homemade dog treats is such a game-changer for dogs who react to commercial treats. You know exactly what’s going in—and more importantly, what’s not.

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🦴 Make It a Treat Variety Day

I like to turn Sundays into “treat-making day” in our house. I’ll whip up a batch of these sausage sticks alongside a few other favorites. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not make a variety spread?

Here are some of my absolute go-to recipes from MyDogRecipe.com that pair beautifully with this one:

• Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs – great as a daily reward.
• Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs – light, sweet, and crunchy.
• Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews – soft and antioxidant-rich.
• Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs – a must for warm weather days!

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🐶 How My Dog Reacts to These Treats

If I could bottle Bailey’s reaction and sell it, I’d be rich. Every single time I pull these out of the fridge, he perks up like he just heard a bag of bacon crinkle. His little tap-dance paws on the kitchen tile are my favorite soundtrack.

And I swear, the moment he takes a bite, it’s like he’s trying to savor it. He gently chews, licks his lips, and looks up at me like, “Are there… more?” Of course, there always are.

It’s those moments—the small, unspoken thank-yous—that make every messy mixing bowl and oven mitt totally worth it.

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📸 Share Your Homemade Creations

Have you made these Sweet Potato & Chicken Sausage Sticks? I’d love to see how yours turned out! Snap a pic of your batch (bonus points if your pup is photobombing) and tag @mydogrecipe on Pinterest so we can all admire your handiwork.

There’s a growing community of dog lovers just like us who are making nutritious treats, sharing tips, and celebrating the joy of cooking for our four-legged family members.

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🌟 Final Thoughts: Treats Made with Heart

Whether you're baking for a special occasion, supporting your pup through a sensitive tummy phase, or just adding a little joy to their week—these sausage sticks are a heartfelt gift from your kitchen to theirs.

Cooking for your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be made with love. And with a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can turn an ordinary afternoon into a memory—and a happy, wagging tail.

Ready to try more? Head over to MyDogRecipe.com for even more delicious ideas, creative flavor combos, and wholesome treats your pup will go nuts for.

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Thanks for baking with love! 🐶💛
P.S. Your pup called… they said these were the best treats ever.

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