For a treat that lasts, slice sweet potatoes thick and dry them until they bend without snapping. The result is a tough, leathery chew.
Thicker slices last longer but take more time to dry. Supervise chewing and take the last small piece away.
Why your dog will love this
- One ingredient
- Keeps dogs busy for several minutes
- A fraction of the price of store chews
Ingredient notes
- Sweet potatoes, scrubbed Safe
Leave the skin on for a tougher chew.
Serve cooked and plain. Raw sweet potato is hard to digest.
Long-Lasting Homemade Dog Treats (Sweet Potato Chews)
Thick-cut, slow-dried sweet potato chews with one ingredient.
- 1 of 1 ingredients safety-checked, 1 marked safe
- Wheat-free
- Grain-free
- Egg-free
- Dairy-free
- Peanut-free
- Large Batch
Ingredients
Makes 20 chews
Equipment
- Food dehydrator
- Chef knife
Instructions
-
Cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/3-inch planks.
-
Arrange on dehydrator trays without overlapping.
-
Dry at 135°F (57°C) until leathery and bendable, flipping halfway.
-
Cool completely and check that no centers are soft.
Tips for success
- Pick long, straight sweet potatoes for the biggest, most even planks.
- Leave the skin on; it makes the chew tougher and longer lasting.
- Take the chew away when it gets small enough to swallow whole.
Nutrition per chew
- Calories
- 18 kcal
- Protein
- 0.3 g
- Fiber
- 0.6 g
- Carbs
- 4.2 g
Storage
- Counter 14 days
- Fridge 30 days
- Freezer 180 days
How much to serve
One chew a day for medium dogs. Always supervise chewing.
| Small dog (10 lb) | up to 2 chews a day |
|---|---|
| Medium dog (30 lb) | up to 4 chews a day |
| Large dog (60 lb) | up to 7 chews a day |
Last updated September 23, 2026.
How to make Long-Lasting Homemade Dog Treats
Long-Lasting Homemade Dog Treats takes about 12 hours 15 minutes from start to finish and makes 20 chews. It is an easy recipe. You will need a food dehydrator and chef knife. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.
Ingredients and why they are here
You need 1 ingredient. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for dogs.
- 3 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed: Leave the skin on for a tougher chew. Serve cooked and plain. Raw sweet potato is hard to digest.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/3-inch planks.
- Arrange on dehydrator trays without overlapping.
- Dry at 135°F (57°C) until leathery and bendable, flipping halfway. Allow about 12 hours.
- Cool completely and check that no centers are soft.
Tips for success
- Pick long, straight sweet potatoes for the biggest, most even planks.
- Leave the skin on; it makes the chew tougher and longer lasting.
- Take the chew away when it gets small enough to swallow whole.
How to store it
Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the fridge for up to 4 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.
How much to serve
One chew a day for medium dogs. Always supervise chewing. Each chew has about 18 calories. Treats and toppers should stay under 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories, so cut back their regular food a little on days you serve extra.
Why dogs love it
One ingredient. Keeps dogs busy for several minutes. A fraction of the price of store chews.
Feeding tips for dogs
Introduce any new food slowly, starting with a small piece, and wait a day to see how your dog’s stomach handles it. Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis, kidney disease or diabetes may need changes, so check with your vet first. Keep fresh water out, especially with dry or salty-tasting treats, and count every treat toward the daily allowance so meals stay balanced.
Make it ahead
To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.
What to watch for
Mild gas or a softer stool for a day can happen with any new food. Call your vet if your dog vomits more than once, has diarrhea for more than a day, seems tired or in pain, or refuses food. If you think your dog ate something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
Safety notes
Supervise chewing and remove small end pieces to prevent choking. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your dog. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 250°F for about 3 hours, flipping halfway, then leave in the cooling oven overnight.
Are sweet potato chews safe for puppies?
Yes, for puppies over 4 months, with supervision.
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