Homemade Cheesy Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Every dog parent knows the joy of seeing their best friend’s tail wag with excitement at the sight of a tasty treat. But store-bought dog treats can be expensive, and many contain unnecessary additives and preservatives. Enter homemade dog treats!

Making your own dog treats at home is not only a great way to ensure your pup is getting wholesome ingredients, but it also saves money and allows you to tailor flavors to your dog’s preferences.

One of the best combinations for homemade dog treats? Peanut butter and sweet potato! These two ingredients are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a perfect base for a delicious and healthy dog snack. Add in some cheese, and you’ve got an irresistible homemade treat your pup will love.

Why Make Your Own Dog Treats?

Making homemade dog treats gives you control over what goes into your dog’s diet. Many commercial dog treats contain fillers, artificial flavors, and even hidden sugars. When you make your own, you can focus on real, dog-friendly ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious.

Plus, making dog treats at home is surprisingly easy and requires just a few pantry staples. If you’ve never baked for your pup before, this recipe is a great place to start!

The Benefits of Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato for Dogs

Peanut Butter: Dogs love the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter, and it’s a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. However, when using peanut butter for homemade dog treats, always check the label to ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt for the healthiest choice.

Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. They are a great source of natural sweetness, making them a fantastic ingredient for dog treats. Plus, sweet potatoes are easy on a dog’s digestive system and can even help regulate digestion.

Cheese: While some dogs may be lactose intolerant, most can handle small amounts of cheese, which provides a tasty boost of protein and calcium. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for dog treats because of its sharp, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter and sweet potato.

Cheesy Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe

This recipe is simple to make and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of flavors is sure to make your pup’s taste buds happy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (ensure it contains no xylitol or added sugars)
• 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for added health benefits)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, peanut butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and eggs. Mix until well blended.
   • Gradually add the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and turmeric (if using). Stir until the mixture forms a dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a small amount of water.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
   • Use a cookie cutter (bone-shaped or any preferred shape) to cut out the treats. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut out additional treats until all the dough is used.
4. Bake:
   • Arrange the cut-out treats on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the treats are firm to the touch.
5. Cool:
   • Remove the treats from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes:

• Sweet Potato Preparation: To prepare the mashed sweet potato, peel and dice a medium-sized sweet potato. Boil or steam until tender, then mash until smooth.
• Cheese Selection: Cheddar cheese adds a delightful flavor, but you can substitute it with other dog-safe cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan.
• Optional Additions: Turmeric is included for its anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s optional. Ensure your dog isn’t sensitive to any added ingredients.

Always introduce new treats gradually and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. Consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about any ingredients.

Storage:

These treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for up to two weeks, or frozen for longer storage.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Dog Treats

• Use fresh ingredients: If you’re making treats for your pup, it’s best to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Check your peanut butter for added sugars or artificial ingredients and make sure your cheese is free from unnecessary additives.
• Adjust the texture: If your dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour. If it’s too dry, a splash of water or unsweetened applesauce can help bring it together.
• Make them extra crunchy: If your dog prefers a crunchier treat, you can bake them for a few extra minutes or leave them in the oven after turning it off to dry out.
• Experiment with flavors: This recipe is versatile! You can swap cheddar for another cheese, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor (which is also safe for dogs in small amounts).

Why Dogs Love These Treats

Dogs love peanut butter—it’s one of those universally adored flavors in the canine world. Pairing it with sweet potato, a naturally sweet and nutritious ingredient, makes these treats both tasty and beneficial. And the cheesy addition? That’s just the cherry on top for pups who enjoy a savory bite.

Because these treats contain wholesome ingredients, you can feel good about giving them to your dog. They make a great reward for training sessions, a special snack, or even a homemade gift for the dog lovers in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour? Yes! Whole wheat flour is a popular choice for homemade dog treats, but if your dog has a wheat sensitivity, you can use oat flour, coconut flour, or almond flour instead.

How often can I give these treats to my dog? Like all treats, these should be given in moderation. They are meant as an occasional snack and should not replace a balanced diet.

Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s pure sweet potato with no added sugars or preservatives.

What if I don’t have a cookie cutter? No problem! Just roll the dough into one-inch balls, place on the baking sheet and flatten to 1/4 inch thick with the bottom of a glass the has been moistened with water. Your dog doesn’t care what shape they are!

Final Thoughts

Making your own dog treats is a fun and rewarding way to show your pup some love. These Cheesy Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Dog Treats are packed with wholesome ingredients that are both delicious and beneficial for your dog’s health. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and free from the preservatives and additives found in many store-bought treats.

If your dog enjoys these, try experimenting with other homemade treat recipes—there’s something special about knowing exactly what’s going into your dog’s food. And let’s be honest, seeing your pup’s excited reaction to homemade treats makes it all worthwhile!

Have you made homemade dog treats before? Let us know how your pup likes this recipe in the comments below!

Before you leave ….. make sure to check out these ONE INGREDIENT, ALL NATURAL sweet potato dog treats!