I love me some sweet potatoes! And you know who else loves sweet potatoes – your dog! Not only that, but they also love jerky. This Dehydrated Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe combines both tasty treats into one barking-good snack. You’ll need a dehydrator for this one, but they are quite inexpensive (I bought mine for $40). I find that it’s a good investment, and it’ll pay for itself once you stop buying the jerky and make it yourself.
2 sweet potatoes
Meat-flavored dog-safe seasoning (Optional)
Not only is this single ingredient treat a great choice for dogs that are faced with food allergies, but this easy-to-make treat is packed with nutritional value. They are an incredible source of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B5, and C, beta-carotene, dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, copper, and iron.
Vitamin A plays an important role in your dog’s health and well-being. It helps to improve the health of your dog’s skin and coat, resulting in a smooth, shiny appearance. Vitamin A also supports the optimal function of your dog’s muscles and nerves, necessary for daily movement. Finally, this vitamin can help maintain healthy eyesight by protecting the retina.
Beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A, has been found to lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. It, along with vitamin C, will boost your dog’s immune system helping to prevent and fight off illnesses. Select sweet potatoes that are more orange in color for higher levels of beta-carotene.
The high potassium levels will help to regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.
If you have a dog that has been experiencing digestive problems, the dietary fiber will help to regulate the digestive system. It slows the speed that food passes through your dog’s system, allowing it to absorb more of the nutrients present in his meals. It also improves the health of the colon, bulks up stool (relieving diarrhea), and regulates the bowels.
Sweet potatoes are low-fat treats that can be enjoyed in moderation. Just be careful not to give in to those puppy eyes too often as they are high in carbohydrates, which can cause weight gain.
