Homemade Dog Treat Recipe: Sweet Potato Canapés


Making a birthday cake for Louie the other day left me with one extra piece of chicken breast. As I was thinking about what homemade dog treat to make, the idea of a canapé came to mind. Louie usually doesn't like sweet potatoes at all. I’m always surprised when I see other dogs go crazy for them! I decided to try making a grain-free treat to see if Louie would enjoy it. So, how did he like it?




1. Ingredients

The ingredients are simple:

  • Sweet potato (orange-fleshed preferred): 120g

  • Tapioca starch: 4 tbsp

  • Toppings (customizable): I used chicken breast and red paprika

No cookie stamp is required.

Sweet potatoes are a safe snack in moderation.
Each 100g contains about 0.2g of oxalate, which is low risk for stones. Each canapé is around 13g, and I’ll limit it to 2 per day. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and carbs, so avoid overfeeding and ensure your dog stays hydrated.

Oxalate content by sweet potato color:
Orange < White < Purple
The orange type is lowest in oxalates and high in beta-carotene, which is good for eye and immune health.




2. Sweet Potato Dough

Peel and boil the sweet potatoes, then mash them well.
Boiling is the safest prep method for most homemade dog treats.

Add the tapioca starch gradually while mixing.
The exact amount depends on the moisture content.

For a softer texture, use less starch.
For a crunchier treat, add more starch.

Tapioca starch is gluten-free and safe in small amounts for dogs.
It’s a carbohydrate with little nutritional value and must be fully cooked before feeding.




3. Shaping the Dough

I divided the dough into 15g portions.
Place a baking paper between a cookie stamp or cup and press gently.



I used a cookie stamp, but for a crispier shape, I would add more starch.
Mine turned out with a medium texture.

Bake at 180°C for 10–15 minutes in a preheated oven. Adjust time as needed.




4. Toppings

Once baked, let them cool before adding toppings.
I used boiled and shredded chicken breast, and blanched diced red paprika.

Paprika is very low in oxalates and rich in vitamins.




5. Completion

Louie was already bouncing around when I was prepping the ingredients.
As soon as they were ready, his whiskers were twitching and he started pawing and wagging his tail with excitement.




Reflections

Most homemade dog treats last 3 days refrigerated or up to 7 days frozen.
If the snack is moist, it’s best to refrigerate for just 1 day.

This is a great recipe for dogs who dislike the soft texture of boiled sweet potatoes or who’ve had too many sweet potatoes recently.
Choose toppings based on your dog’s nutritional needs and preferences to ensure a balanced and enjoyable treat.