If you’re anything like me, your dog is more than just a pet—they’re family. And when it comes to family, we want to provide them with the best, especially when it comes to what we feed them. Enter these Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews for Dogs —a wholesome, homemade snack for your furry friend that’s simple, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a special reward for good behavior or just a healthy everyday treat, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Trust me, your dog will be doing the happy dance before these even come out of the oven! (And I might’ve tried one or two myself—they’re that good!)
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Now, let’s get into why these Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews should become a staple in your dog’s snack routine.
Why You and Your Dog Will Love These Chews
1. They’re Made with Love—and Just Three Ingredients!
This recipe only uses three simple, dog-safe ingredients: mashed sweet potatoes, unsweetened shredded coconut, and rolled oats. No preservatives, no artificial flavors, and no complicated steps—just wholesome, natural goodness that you can feel good about feeding your pup.
2. Healthy and Nutritious
Sweet potatoes are a superfood for dogs! Rich in vitamins like A, C, and B6, as well as fiber, they support healthy digestion and provide essential nutrients for your dog’s overall health. Meanwhile, coconut is packed with antioxidants, promotes a healthy coat, and can even support joint health. Rolled oats are a gentle grain, providing fiber and energy without irritating your dog’s digestive system.
3. Tail-Wagging Taste
The combination of earthy sweet potato and tropical coconut might seem unconventional, but dogs absolutely love it. The natural sweetness of the potato pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of coconut, making this a treat that will have your dog begging for more. My own dog couldn’t stop drooling while these were baking—and I bet yours will be the same!
Benefits of Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews
- Supports Digestive Health: Sweet potatoes are high in dietary fiber, which helps keep your dog’s digestive system running smoothly.
- Rich in Vitamins: Both sweet potatoes and coconut provide essential vitamins that contribute to eye health, a shiny coat, and a robust immune system.
- Easy to Digest: The ingredients in these chews are gentle on sensitive stomachs, making them great for dogs with food intolerances.
- Affordable and Easy to Make: With just three pantry staples and a few simple steps, these chews are a budget-friendly way to keep your dog happy.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty treats:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato: You can use either fresh or canned (just make sure it’s plain with no added sugars or spices).
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut: Make sure the coconut is plain, as added sugar or flavorings can be harmful to dogs.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Rolled oats are preferable for their texture, but quick oats will work in a pinch.
Tools You’ll Need
Making these treats is a breeze, and you won’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s what I use:
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, but helpful for easy clean-up)
- Food processor or blender (optional for grinding oats, if desired)
- Measuring cups
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dog’s taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Substitute pumpkin for sweet potato: If your dog prefers or reacts better to pumpkin, feel free to swap out the sweet potato for canned pumpkin (just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened).
- Add peanut butter: For a protein boost, add a tablespoon of unsweetened peanut butter to the mixture.
- Mix in blueberries: Fresh or dried (unsweetened) blueberries can be a great antioxidant-rich addition.
- Switch oats for rice flour: If your dog is sensitive to oats, rice flour is a gentle alternative that works well.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using fresh sweet potatoes, you’ll want to peel, cube, and boil them until soft. Mash them well, making sure there are no lumps.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, shredded coconut, and rolled oats. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water or more mashed sweet potato until it comes together.
Step 3: Form the Chews
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties—whatever size works best for your dog. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can gently flatten them with a fork.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the chews on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or lightly greased if you prefer). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep in mind that the longer you bake them, the crunchier they will become. If your dog prefers softer treats, check them around the 20-minute mark.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the chews to cool completely before offering them to your dog. You’ll see those happy, wagging tails in no time!
What to Serve with Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews
These chews are perfect on their own, but you can also use them as a topper for your dog’s food or serve them with a little unsweetened plain yogurt as a special treat. Since they’re easy to break apart, they make great training treats or snacks for walks.
Tips for the Best Dog Treats
- Go Organic: If possible, choose organic sweet potatoes and coconut to avoid pesticides and chemicals.
- Customize the Size: Make the chews smaller or larger depending on the size of your dog. For small dogs, bite-sized pieces work best, while larger dogs might appreciate a bigger chew.
- Storage Matters: Store the chews in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about a week, but you can also freeze them for up to two months. Just defrost before serving.
- Texture Tips: If your dog prefers a crunchier treat, leave the chews in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I freeze the Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews?
Absolutely! These chews freeze well, making them perfect for batch cooking. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months. Just thaw before giving them to your dog.
2. How long do these treats last?
In the refrigerator, these treats will last about one week. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
3. Are these chews suitable for puppies?
Yes! However, since puppies have smaller mouths and developing teeth, be sure to make the chews smaller and softer by reducing the baking time.
4. Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dog-safe ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, or blueberries. Just avoid any additives or spices that are harmful to dogs (such as garlic, onion, or chocolate).
Conclusion: A Simple, Nutritious Treat Your Dog Will Love
These Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews are more than just a snack—they’re a way to show your dog how much you care. With only three ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re a healthy, homemade alternative to store-bought treats that often contain unnecessary fillers and preservatives. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable to your dog’s preferences.
Give this recipe a try and watch as your pup falls in love with these chews. And don’t forget to share pictures of your furry friend enjoying their new favorite treat on Pinterest.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Chew)
- Calories: 30
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
Looking for more dog-friendly treats? Check out these other recipes that are sure to make your dog’s tail wag:
- Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs
- Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs
- Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs
- Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs
Feel
free to try them all and let me know which one becomes your pup’s favorite!
PrintSweet Potato & Coconut Chews for Dogs: A Tail-Wagging Treat!
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 20–25 chews (depending on size) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews for dogs are an easy, three-ingredient homemade treat your pup will love. This recipe combines sweet potato, unsweetened shredded coconut, and rolled oats for a nutritious, tail-wagging snack. Simple to make, healthy, and delicious, these chews are perfect for everyday treats or training rewards.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (fresh or canned, no added sugar)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, shredded coconut, and rolled oats. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small balls or patties using your hands.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. For a crunchier treat, bake an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving to your dog.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Feel free to add dog-safe ingredients like peanut butter or blueberries for variety.
- If your dog prefers softer treats, reduce baking time to 20 minutes.
- Make smaller or larger chews depending on your dog’s size.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dog-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chew
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Sweet Potato & Coconut Chews for Dogs, dog treat recipe, homemade dog chews
Dottie Baker
Friday 27th of September 2024
So excited to make your dog treats!! My Rottweiler and friends will love them!!