How To Make Beef & Sweet Potato Chews for Dogs: A Wholesome Homemade Treat for Your Furry Friend

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger who also happens to be a proud dog mom. No matter where my adventures take me, one constant is the joy of sharing special moments (and safe snacks!) with my furry friend. Just like us, dogs deserve treats that are not only tasty but also nourishing. That’s why I love creating wholesome homemade recipes that I can feel good about giving to my pup.

One of my all-time favorites is Beef & Sweet Potato Chews. These chewy, protein-packed dog treats are simple to make, budget-friendly, and free from unnecessary preservatives or artificial ingredients. They’re high in protein from lean beef and rich in fiber and vitamins from sweet potatoes, making them both delicious and nutritious.

If you’ve ever glanced at a pet store aisle and felt unsure about what’s truly healthy, this recipe offers peace of mind and tail-wagging happiness. Your pup will thank you with every bite!

Overview of Beef & Sweet Potato Chews for Dogs

Beef & Sweet Potato Chews are a wholesome alternative to store-bought dog treats. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, they provide a natural balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients that support your dog’s overall health.

Lean ground beef gives these chews their meaty aroma and protein boost, helping maintain muscle strength and energy for active pups. Sweet potatoes, a well-loved dog-friendly food, are packed with vitamin A (great for vision and immune health), vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Together, beef and sweet potato create a satisfying texture that’s chewy yet easy to digest.

These treats are especially wonderful for pet parents who want control over what their dogs are eating. You’ll know every ingredient going into the recipe, and you can adjust it depending on your dog’s size and dietary needs. The chews are oven-baked until firm, ensuring a safe texture that dogs can gnaw on without being too hard.

Whether you’re training, rewarding good behavior, or just sharing love, these homemade chews are sure to become your pup’s favorite.

Ingredients for Beef & Sweet Potato Chews for Dogs

• 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and shredded or finely grated)
• 1 large egg (acts as a binder)
• 2 tablespoons oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for anti-inflammatory benefits)
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (dog-safe herb, helps freshen breath)

Optional additions (dog-safe):

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (for omega-3s and fiber)
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree (aids digestion)

How To Make Beef & Sweet Potato Chews for Dogs

This recipe is as straightforward as it is rewarding. You’ll be making a dough-like mixture, shaping it into strips, and then baking them low and slow to create chewy, durable treats.

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing, peeling, and shredding the sweet potatoes. Finely shredded sweet potatoes blend seamlessly into the beef mixture and bake evenly.
2. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, shredded sweet potatoes, and the egg. Add oat flour to help absorb moisture and bind the ingredients together. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Enhance with extras: Add turmeric, parsley, or any of the optional dog-friendly additions like flaxseed or pumpkin puree. These not only improve the nutritional profile but also enhance flavor.
4. Shape the chews: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small logs or flatten into strips about ½ inch thick. Keep them uniform in size for even baking.
5. Bake: Place the strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 45–60 minutes, flipping halfway through. For chewier treats, bake on the lower end of the time; for firmer chews, extend the baking time.

Once cooled, they’re ready for your pup to enjoy!

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature allows the treats to dehydrate slowly, creating a chew-friendly texture without burning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Use a box grater or food processor to shred them finely. Shredding rather than cubing helps the sweet potatoes blend into the beef mixture, ensuring even consistency and chewiness.
3. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add lean ground beef, shredded sweet potatoes, and one egg. Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, mix until everything is well incorporated. The egg binds the mixture, while the beef provides protein and the sweet potatoes add natural sweetness.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in oat flour. If the mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon until it holds shape. Mix in turmeric powder and parsley for added health benefits. If using optional flaxseed or pumpkin puree, fold them in at this stage.
5. Shape Chews: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and shape into small logs, sticks, or flat strips approximately ½ inch thick. Uniformity helps them bake evenly.
6. Bake: Arrange the strips evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 45–60 minutes. Flip the chews halfway through for even drying. The longer the bake, the firmer the treat will be—ideal for dogs that enjoy longer chewing.
7. Cool and Store: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the chews to cool completely. Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutrition Information (Per Treat – Approx. 24 treats)

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 30mg

(Note: Values are approximate and depend on portion size.)

Serving of Beef & Sweet Potato Chews for Dogs

These Beef & Sweet Potato Chews make an excellent reward for training sessions, walks, or as an occasional snack between meals. Because they’re chewy yet not too hard, they suit a variety of dog sizes and breeds. For smaller dogs, you can break the chews into smaller pieces, while larger breeds may enjoy a full strip.

Always supervise your dog while enjoying chews to ensure they’re eating safely. Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. These chews are nutrient-dense, but they’re not a replacement for balanced meals.

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, start with smaller portions to ensure tolerance, since sweet potatoes are high in fiber. If your pup loves variety, pair one of these chews with a crunchy carrot stick or a small spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for a balanced snack plate.

These chews are also fantastic for homemade treat jars, travel snack packs, or thoughtful gifts for fellow pet parents.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add grated zucchini or carrots for extra fiber.
• For longer-lasting chews, bake at 250°F for 90 minutes to fully dehydrate.
• If your dog prefers softer textures, bake for less time and store in the fridge.
• Always avoid onions, garlic powder, or harmful seasonings—they are toxic to dogs.
• Make smaller, bite-sized balls instead of strips for training treats.

Final Thoughts

These Beef & Sweet Potato Chews are the perfect way to combine love and nutrition into one tasty package for your furry friend. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create homemade dog treats that rival anything you’d find in a store—but with the reassurance of knowing exactly what’s inside.

They’re budget-friendly, customizable, and filled with wholesome nutrients that dogs need to thrive. Whether your pup is a playful puppy, an active adult, or a senior dog with a softer bite, you can adjust the texture and size to suit their needs.

As a food and travel blogger, I’ve found that cooking for my dog is just as rewarding as cooking for myself. These chews are a wonderful way to celebrate the bond we share with our pets while supporting their health. Every wagging tail, excited bark, and happy crunch is proof that sometimes, the best treats come straight from our own kitchens.