Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs. Chewing provides entertainment, mental stimulation and even aids in dental health. Commercial dog chews can be expensive, and they aren't always made with the healthiest ingredients. These cheap homemade dog chews are easy to make and made with just one ingredient.
Sweet potatoes are a complex carbohydrate that are filled with vitamins and minerals required for a healthy canine diet. They are actually known as a superfood for dogs. The term sweet potato is often used interchangeable with yam, but keep in mind that these are two different foods. Sweet potatoes are more nutritious than yams, and they are better for your dog's digestion.
Not only will these cheap homemade dog chews give your pup something to gnaw on, they'll provide a nutritional boost to his diet. Unlike rawhide chews, they'll be great for your pet's digestion. They don't last as long as commercial chews, but your dog is sure to love them!
How To Make Cheap Homemade Dog Chews
Most dogs love the taste of sweet potato, and very few dogs are allergic to it. As I mentioned, this vegetable actually aids in digestive health because they are so high in dietary fiber.
Preheat your oven to 175˚F. First, you'll need to wash the sweet potato. Keep in mind that you can use multiple potatoes. I used two while making the video above. These chews are not made with preservatives, so they will on last for 10-14 days in the refrigerator.
Slice the potato very thin. I try to keep my slices between 1/10″-1/8″. The thicker you slice them, the longer it will take to dehydrate the treats. Place the slices on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
If you'd like, you can top the slices with a coat of melted coconut oil or raw honey. You could also sprinkle them with cinnamon and/or turmeric. In my video guide above, I just leave the sweet potato slices plain.
Bake in the 175˚ oven for 8 hours. They should be fully dehydrated by this time. If not, just increase the baking time. As I mentioned, the thicker the slices, the longer it will take to dehydrated the chews.
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