Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, yummy sweet potatoes also help stablize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance in dogs, according to animal studies. Packed with vitamins A, C, B6, manganese, copper, potassium, iron and fiber, these glorious orange veggies are easy to prepare for homemade dog treats.
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut into cubes or slices. Place in the pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Turn off the burner when cooked and remove the pot from the stove. Drain the sweet potatoes, and place the pot back on the still warm burner to eliminate excess moisture. Mash with the potato masher until smooth.
Add a dash of ground cinnamon and mix until smooth. Let the potatoes cool, then add to your treat recipe.
Tips
You can incorporate a variety of ingredients into the mashed sweet potatoes before mixing with the other ingredients of your treat recipe. Nutmeg, ginger, chopped pecans and a little honey increase the taste intensity, complement the flavor of sweet potatoes and blend in quite nicely. Cinnamon may be omitted for a less spicy flavor.
Sweet potatoes may also be cooked in a microwave by washing the potato and leaving the peel on. Pierce a few times with a fork and cook for about six minutes per side in a 1,000-watt microwave. Remove when cooked and let cool. Slice and remove the flesh, place in a bowl and lightly mix with a spoon. Let cool and add to your treat recipe. Don't discard the peels, dogs love 'em as treats especially if you leave a little potato flesh attached. Cut them into little pieces and add to his kibble for an extra-enjoyable dinner.
Sweet potato fries are a treat all on their own that dogs really love and you don't have to peel them. Wash and slice the sweet potatoes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with an olive oil cooking spray and bake until lightly browned and crisp. Let cool completely before feeding.
Tips
You can incorporate a variety of ingredients into the mashed sweet potatoes before mixing with the other ingredients of your treat recipe. Nutmeg, ginger, chopped pecans and a little honey increase the taste intensity, complement the flavor of sweet potatoes and blend in quite nicely. Cinnamon may be omitted for a less spicy flavor.
Sweet potatoes may also be cooked in a microwave by washing the potato and leaving the peel on. Pierce a few times with a fork and cook for about six minutes per side in a 1,000-watt microwave. Remove when cooked and let cool. Slice and remove the flesh, place in a bowl and lightly mix with a spoon. Let cool and add to your treat recipe. Don't discard the peels, dogs love 'em as treats especially if you leave a little potato flesh attached. Cut them into little pieces and add to his kibble for an extra-enjoyable dinner.
Sweet potato fries are a treat all on their own that dogs really love and you don't have to peel them. Wash and slice the sweet potatoes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with an olive oil cooking spray and bake until lightly browned and crisp. Let cool completely before feeding.
Items You Will Need
- Potato peeler
- Knife
- Large cooking pot
- Cold water
- Strainer
- Potato masher
- Cinnamon
References
- Cooking Nook: Stovetop Sweet Potatoes
- Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats; Dr. Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D. and Susan Hubble Pitcairn
- Eat Right Ontario: Sweet Potatoes
- The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook; Jessica Disbrow Talley and Eric Talley
Tips
- You can incorporate a variety of ingredients into the mashed sweet potatoes before mixing with the other ingredients of your treat recipe. Nutmeg, ginger, chopped pecans and a little honey increase the taste intensity, complement the flavor of sweet potatoes and blend in quite nicely. Cinnamon may be omitted for a less spicy flavor.
- Sweet potatoes may also be cooked in a microwave by washing the potato and leaving the peel on. Pierce a few times with a fork and cook for about six minutes per side in a 1,000-watt microwave. Remove when cooked and let cool. Slice and remove the flesh, place in a bowl and lightly mix with a spoon. Let cool and add to your treat recipe. Don't discard the peels, dogs love 'em as treats especially if you leave a little potato flesh attached. Cut them into little pieces and add to his kibble for an extra-enjoyable dinner.
- Sweet potato fries are a treat all on their own that dogs really love and you don't have to peel them. Wash and slice the sweet potatoes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with an olive oil cooking spray and bake until lightly browned and crisp. Let cool completely before feeding.
Writer Bio
Based in Ontario, Susan Dorling has written professionally since 2000, with hundreds of articles published in a variety of popular online venues. Writing on a diverse range of topics, she reflects her passion for business, interior design, home decorating, style, fashion and pets.