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by: Susan Gast / Author, Blogger at Beesville Books, Bored Boomers, and a Food Dehydrating Fanatic!

Calling all sweet potato lovers with two (or four) legs!

Are you and your dog craving a healthy crunch that wows your taste buds and gets tail wags? Try your hand at making my Dehydrated Sweet Potato Treats: Human + Dog Approved!

My sweet potato chips are packed with natural sweetness, a satisfying chewy texture, and contain pawsitively good-for-you ingredients.

They are the perfect way to share a delicious moment with your furry best friend!

See our recipe in the orange box further down this post. If you're ready to make dehydrated sweet potato treats, click the red "recipe" link above!

The key to making dehydrated sweet potato treats is in the slicing. The thinner the sweet potato slices, the crunchier the end result will be. Also, they will dry faster.

To aid in the drying department, lay the slices on your dehydrator trays without overlapping them.

Sweet Potatoes Nutrition Info.

Before we get going, here are some deets on the nutritional value of sweet potatoes.

VITAMINS: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Thiamine, Niacin, and Pantothenic acid.

MINERALS: Potassium, Manganese, Copper, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Phosphorus

I love sweet potatoes because they are rich in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a bright orange pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. It's a type of carotenoid which is a natural pigment that give plants their vibrant colors. But beta-carotene is more than just a pretty color; it's a powerful antioxidant with lots of health benefits.

Elite Gourmet EFD319 food Dehydrator

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Prep Steps for Dehydrating Sweet Potatoes

Washing and Drying:

1. Wash Thoroughly: Wash the sweet potatoes under running water, removing any soil/dirt. Scrub with a vegetable brush if needed.
2. Dry Well: Pat the sweet potatoes dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Excess moisture slows the drying process.

Raw sweet potato evenly sliced and "chips" in two bowls

Cutting:

1. Uniform Thickness: Slice the sweet potatoes into even pieces, aiming for a thickness between 1/4" and 1/8". The uniform thickness of the slices creates consistent drying.
2. Shape: Choose various shapes, like rounds, chips, or julienne, depending on your desired shape.

Blanching and Soaking:

1. Blanching (optional): Blanching briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes helps preserve color and texture, especially for thicker slices. It's not mandatory for thin slices or if you like a more natural color.
2. Soaking (optional): Soaking the slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes can help remove some starch, which results in crispier dehydrated sweet potatoes. 

Both the blanching and the soaking steps are optional.

Olive oil, Italian seasoning, Garlic Pepper seasoning, and salt

Seasoning:

Optional: You can add spices, herbs, or salt to the slices before dehydrating for added flavor.

Adding Oil: Toss the raw chips in olive oil, or coconut oil first so that the seasonings stick to the slices. Read more here.

These are the basic prep steps!

Do You Have to Blanch or Soak Sweet Potatoes?

No, as stated earlier, you don't have to blanch or soak the sweet potatoes before dehydrating. It depends on your preference and the desired outcome:

• Without blanching: Sweet potatoes will retain their natural color but might shrink more and have a slightly chewier texture.
• Blanching: This helps preserve the color and gives a crispier texture, especially for thicker slices.
• Soaking: This removes some starch, resulting in crispier chips. Soaking also affects the sweetness and will lengthen the drying time.

Ultimately, experiment and see what works best for you and your taste buds!

How to Make Dehydrated Sweet Potato Treats
With an Electric Dehydrator

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

1. Prep your sweet potatoes, then slice them on a Mandoline slicer

Progressive International Slicer - PL8

Check Out this Progressive International Mandoline Slicer

This is a fantastic mandoline from Amazon, but be very careful of the sharp blades – always use the slicing hand guard when appropriate!

It's a PL8 model and comes in white.

- OR -

SUPMAKIN 5-in-1 Mandoline Slicer

SUPMAKIN Slicer + Dicer Mandoline ~ OnceForAll Brand

French fry cutter, vegetable chopper, vegetable slicer cutter, potato slicer, chopper for kitchen meal prep.

A multi-function mandoline that I just couldn't resist getting!

or cut carefully with a good sharp knife, like this one:

Cutluxe 8" Chef Knife, Full Tang

Cutluxe Chef Knife

A sharp and sturdy knife is essential for cutting the pumpkin (and anything else!) into smaller, manageable pieces.

This chef's knife has a full tang (that means the handle and blade "are one" so they can't come apart when we're slicin' and a dicin').

When using either cutting method, treat yourself to these "NoCry Premium Cut Resistant" gloves. Sweet potatoes are pretty hard vegetables to slice and I don't want you hurting yourself... or use a food processor.

NoCry Premium Cut-Resistant Gloves, Food Grade

NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves - Food-Grade

To protect your hands while cutting or peeling the pumpkin, consider purchasing a pair of these cut-resistant gloves.

Safety is always be a priority in the kitchen.

Elite Gourmet dehydrator filled

Elite Gourmet dehydrator running

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

2. If you want crispy sliced treats and want to add your favorite seasonings, blanch your sweet potato slices, as mentioned before.

3. Seasonings: While humans enjoy a wide variety of seasonings, dogs have a much more sensitive digestive system and different flavor/taste preferences. When choosing seasonings for sweet potato slices you AND your dog can share, prioritize dog-safe and low-sodium options (see our Seasonings section after this dehydrating how-to section).

4. Arrange your raw sweet potato slices in a single layer on your dehydrator trays and dry them at 115°F for at least 24 hours. For faster drying, set your food dehydrator at 145°F and run it for around 10-12 hours. Either way, check them often so you don't over dry/cook them!

Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

IMPORTANT NOTE: After dehydrating (any foods), it's important to allow them time to cool down on a cooling rack to room temperature before putting them in an airtight container, or in Mason jars.

Popular Safe Seasonings for Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Popular Safe Seasonings:

• Cinnamon: Offers a warm, sweet flavor both humans and dogs enjoy in moderation. Avoid large quantities as it can irritate their stomachs.
• Ginger: Similar to cinnamon, ginger provides a warm, slightly spicy kick that dogs can tolerate in small amounts.
• Turmeric: This vibrant spice boasts anti-inflammatory properties and has a subtle earthy flavor.
• Parsley: This fresh herb adds a touch of green and dogs often enjoy its taste. Fresher breath too? Just a thought.
  
• Dill: Another fresh herb with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's safe for dogs.
• Coconut oil: This healthy fat adds a touch of richness and moisture to the slices. However, use sparingly as it's high in calories.

Other Safe Options (use with caution):

• Rosemary: Offers a woody, herbal flavor but can be too strong for some dogs. Start with a pinch and observe your dog's reaction.
• Thyme: This herb has a slightly minty taste and is generally safe in moderation.
• Cilantro: While safe, some dogs (and humans!) dislike its strong, citrusy flavor. Introduce it slowly.

Important Reminders:

• Always AVOID: Garlic, onion, salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and other spices because they are toxic to dogs.
• Start small: Introduce new seasonings gradually, monitoring your dog for any adverse reactions.
• Portion control: Even safe seasonings can cause upset stomachs if overdone.
• Consult your vet: If unsure about any ingredient, seek guidance from your veterinarian.

Remember, the best seasoning is often no seasoning at all. Many dogs love the natural sweetness and texture of plain sweet potatoes!

Sweet potato chips are an excellent way to get that beta-carotene goodness that's great for our immune system.

As a dog owner, I also add sweet potato to my "Chicken Chow Dog Food."

Recipe for Sweet Potato Treats ~ Biscuits

Here's a simple recipe for sweet potato treats that are safe and healthy for both humans and dogs:

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a pot, boil the sweet potato pieces until they are soft and tender. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, whole wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and egg until well combined.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes, or simply cut into small squares.
6. Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are firm and lightly golden brown.
8. Allow the treats to cool completely before serving to your dog or enjoying them yourself.

Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. These treats are healthy and nutritious for both humans and dogs, as they contain no added sugars, salt, or harmful ingredients.

Pros & Cons of Adding Olive Oil to Sweet Potato Chips

You can add olive oil to raw sweet potatoes for dehydrating as chips, but there are some things to consider:

Pros:

• Adds flavor and richness: A light coating of olive oil can enhance the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and make them more palatable.
• Promotes browning: Olive oil can contribute to a slightly crispier and browner chip compared to plain dehydration.
• Some recipes call for it: Many dehydrated sweet potato chip recipes specifically include olive oil for flavor and texture.

Cons:

• Increases calorie and fat content: Even a thin coating of oil adds calories and fat, which you might want to avoid if looking for a healthier snack.
• Possible burning: At low dehydrating temperatures, oil might not evaporate completely and could lead to burning or rancidity.
• Not necessary for crispness: With proper slicing and dehydrating methods, even oil-free sweet potato chips can achieve a satisfying crispiness.

Dog Safety:

• Olive oil itself is safe for dogs in moderation. However, the other ingredients you add along with the oil might not be.
  

Alternatives to Olive Oil:

• For humans: If concerned about added fat, consider other flavorings that don't require oil, like spices, herbs, or nutritional yeast*.
• For dogs: Stick to dog-safe seasonings like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, parsley, or dill. Avoid salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and other toxic ingredients.

It's up to you whether to add olive oil or not. Consider your dietary preferences, desired texture, and potential risks for your dog before making dehydrated sweet potato dog treats.

*What is nutritional yeast? It is the same type of yeast as baker's yeast but it's not ACTIVE yeast. It's rich in protein and an excellent source of B vitamins (especially B12), and contains iron, zinc, and selenium.

Nutritional yeast has a unique cheesy/nutty flavor and is used in dishes to add depth of flavor and is often used as a vegan stand-in for use in dips, sauces, and cheese spreads!

Storing Your Dehydrated Sweet Potato Treats

When your sweet potatoes have totally cooled down, vacuum seal them.

I didn't bother to add an oxygen absorber because these treats will be eaten within a week!

Note that I wrote on the sealed bag what they are (plain sweet potato chips) and the date.

Plain sweet potato chips, vacuum-sealed
with description and date!

Don't forget to get your free "Six Simple Steps" eBook where I share how to dehydrate food safely!

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