Sweet potato chews offer a nutritious alternative to rawhide that supports dental health, without additives and preservatives.
Sweet potatoes are chock-full of vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes contain plenty of dietary fiber as well as beta-carotene which is converted to Vitamin A to aid in maintaining eye, skin, teeth and bone health. In addition, anthocyanin antioxidants found in sweet potatoes may protect against certain cancers.
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They’re Low in Calories
Sweet potato dog chews are among the lowest calorie treats you can give to your pet, containing very little fat and providing an alternative to higher-calorie options like rawhide and jerky treats.
Dietary fiber helps your dog feel full and supports healthy digestion, while their low-fat content may aid weight management for any pets that may need assistance in this department.
These treats contain antioxidants to promote strong teeth and gums for your pup as well as joint health and fight disease-causing free radicals.
Homemade dog chews are both simple to create and much cheaper than purchasing them at stores. Plus, these treats make an excellent solution for dogs who suffer from food allergies or sensitivities as their single ingredient nature makes it less likely to trigger an allergic response than packaged treats; plus they’re easier for your pup to digest!
They’re High in Fiber
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber that helps aid digestion, as well as being low-glycemic foods that make them suitable for most dogs to consume in moderation, including those living with diabetes or conditions requiring a restricted diet.
This recipe makes creating custom chews with your dog’s favorite flavors much simpler and much cheaper than purchasing them at the pet store. Plus, your pup may just love eating their treats!
Start by cutting sweet potato slices. Arrange them on a dehydrator tray with room between slices for airflow and set your dehydrator to 135 degrees or according to manufacturer’s instructions, baking for two hours until chews reach desired texture; you can check this by taking out one piece and letting it cool, crispiness should still remain but should not become hard and crunchy; otherwise return back into oven for one more hour and make additional batch – leftover rehydrated chews can also be used as soft kibble topper or simply wrapping around pills or medication!
They’re Full of Antioxidants
Sweet potatoes offer many of the same health benefits as carrots and other leafy vegetables, such as beta-carotene (which gives them their orange hue), as well as dietary fiber to encourage proper digestion and promote regular bowel movements. In addition, they contain Vitamin A, B6 and C along with minerals such as potassium calcium and iron for maximum nutritional impact.
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer as well as help maintain normal vision and eye health. Furthermore, it is metabolized into Vitamin A within your body – essential nutrients for growth, muscle strength and healthy skin.
Antioxidants are well-known to protect against free radicals that damage cells and lead to disease in both people and dogs alike. While a few sweet potato treats are fine, too much carbohydrates should be avoided since too many carbohydrates could lead to obesity for both people and dogs – these carbohydrates may also lead to itchy ears or trigger itching symptoms in certain dogs.
They’re Easy to Make
Sweet potatoes make great homemade chews for dogs that are inexpensive and easy to prepare at home, offering great flavor without breaking the bank! An inexpensive alternative to store-bought chews!
Just a sweet potato, food dehydrator or oven and some hours will do. Slices can then be cut into any desired shapes such as stick shapes or cubes; once dehydrated they can even be rehydrated in water and used as a kibble topper!
When making these treats, it’s essential that they meet both you and your dog’s tastes. Too thin a slice will become sweet potato chips; too long of cooking may result in leathery and rubbery textures; for an optimal treat experience, aim for an ideal balance. Baking time may take anywhere from 12-18 hours depending on your oven; once dehydrated slices have been dehydrated be sure to condition them (soak in mixture of water and oxygen absorbers) after dehydration for maximum longevity.
