Sweet potatoes are one of those ingredients that feel like they were made for dogs. Naturally sweet, packed with nutrients, and gentle on the stomach, they’re a favorite among pet parents and pups alike. When baked into crunchy cookies, sweet potatoes turn into a wholesome treat that dogs love and owners feel good about serving.
These Sweet Potato Dog Cookies are simple to make, budget-friendly, and free from artificial ingredients. They’re perfect as everyday treats, training rewards, or special homemade snacks. Whether you’re new to baking dog treats or already love making them at home, this recipe is a reliable staple you’ll want to keep in rotation.
Why Sweet Potatoes Are So Good for Dogs
Sweet potatoes are often recommended by veterinarians because they’re both nutritious and easy to digest.
Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs
- Rich in dietary fiber for healthy digestion
- High in vitamins A, C, and B6
- Support immune health and vision
- Naturally low in fat
- Provide gentle energy without sugar spikes
Their natural sweetness means you don’t need to add any sugar, making them ideal for dog treats.
Why Homemade Sweet Potato Cookies Are Better
While store-bought sweet potato treats are popular, many of them include preservatives or unnecessary additives to extend shelf life.
Homemade sweet potato dog cookies allow you to:
- Use real, whole ingredients
- Control the texture (soft or crunchy)
- Adjust size for small or large dogs
- Avoid added salt, sugar, or fillers
Plus, baking for your dog is a fun way to show love—and your kitchen will smell amazing while these cookies bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Potato Dog Cookies recipe uses simple, dog-safe ingredients that are easy to find.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water (as needed)
Optional Add-Ins (Dog-Safe)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (for coat health)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon xylitol-free peanut butter
💡 If your dog has a wheat sensitivity, substitute whole wheat flour with oat flour or rice flour.
Equipment Needed
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or knife
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potato
Peel and chop one medium sweet potato. Boil or steam until fork-tender, then mash until smooth. Let it cool completely before using.
You can also bake the sweet potato at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes, then scoop out the flesh.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine:
- Mashed sweet potato
- Egg
Stir until smooth. Gradually add flour, mixing until a firm dough forms. Add water one tablespoon at a time if the dough feels too dry.
The dough should be firm but easy to roll out.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Thicker cookies work well for large dogs, while thinner cookies suit smaller breeds.
Step 5: Cut the Cookies
Use dog-bone cookie cutters or simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles with a knife. Place cookies on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each.
Step 6: Bake Until Firm
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and lightly golden. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and leave the cookies inside for an additional 10–15 minutes with the door slightly open.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool fully on a wire rack. They will harden further as they cool.
Never give hot cookies to your dog.
Serving Size Guide
Even healthy treats should be given in moderation.
- Small dogs: 1 small cookie per day
- Medium dogs: 1–2 cookies per day
- Large dogs: 2–3 cookies per day
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake.
Storage Tips
Proper storage helps keep these Sweet Potato Dog Cookies fresh and crunchy.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature
- Keeps fresh for 5–7 days
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks
- Freeze for up to 3 months
To freeze, place cookies in a freezer-safe bag and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using raw sweet potato in the dough
- ❌ Adding sugar or salt
- ❌ Overbaking until cookies become rock-hard
- ❌ Feeding too many cookies at once
Are Sweet Potato Cookies Safe for Puppies?
Yes, these cookies are puppy-friendly when:
- Given in small pieces
- Introduced gradually
- Baked slightly softer for easier chewing
For very young puppies, reduce baking time to keep the cookies softer.
Easy Recipe Variations
Once your dog loves this recipe, you can easily switch it up:
- Sweet Potato & Oat Cookies: Replace half the flour with oats
- Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Cookies: Add peanut butter for extra flavor
- Sweet Potato Apple Cookies: Add finely grated apple
Each variation keeps the recipe exciting while staying dog-safe.
Final Thoughts
These Sweet Potato Dog Cookies are crunchy, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make at home. They’re a great way to add variety to your dog’s treat routine while using ingredients you trust.
Once you bake a batch, don’t be surprised if your dog starts sitting patiently near the oven, waiting for that first cookie. 🧡🐕
Also read on Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Treats
