Sweet Potato Ground Beef Dog Treats
Treat your dog to something special with these sweet potato and ground beef dog treats. Packed with high-quality protein from lean ground beef, fiber-rich sweet potato, and the goodness of rice flour, these treats are both nutritious and delicious.
Fresh parsley adds a hint of flavor and helps freshen your dog’s breath, while coconut oil supports a healthy coat. These easy-to-make treats are free from artificial additives, making them a wholesome choice for your furry friend. Perfect for rewarding your dog while keeping their diet balanced!
For my dogs, what’s not to love? Beef and sweet potato in a baked treat. I had baked two different treats that day and this was clearly the favorite as they ran off with the treat to enjoy it, rather than stand there and hope for another.
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Ground Beef for Dogs
Many of my baked treats are vegetable and fruit based, so I like to mix up the proteins for my dogs and add cooked meat to their baked snacks. It keeps them interested too!
Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth in dogs. It contains important nutrients like B vitamins (B12, B6), zinc, and iron. These are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, energy production, and red blood cell formation.
It must be cooked before thoroughly and served in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.
Ingredients
All natural ingredients are used to make this homemade dog treat. The flour can be changed but we provide a few alternatives below. This recipe assumes that the sweet potato puree has been made beforehand.
- Ground beef – Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
- Rice flour – A gluten-free option that’s gentle on digestion. Other dog friendly flours such as coconut flour or oat flour make great substitutes. The quantities will need to be adjusted.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds protein.
- Sweet potato puree – Adds fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness. We make our own homemade sweet potato puree.
- Fresh parsley – Offers a breath-freshening effect and is rich in antioxidants.
- Coconut oil – Supports a healthy coat and skin.
How to Make Ground Beef Dog Treats
The ingredients in this recipe come together to make a great dough to be rolled out, cut and baked.
Cook the ground beef in coconut oil.
Add to the other ingredients to form a dough.
Roll out and cut into shapes.
Place on a parchment paper baking tray and bake until golden.
Recipe Tips
Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to avoid excess fat, which can be unhealthy for dogs.
Let the cooked ground beef cool before mixing it with the other ingredients. This prevents the egg from cooking prematurely and ensures even mixing.
Rolling the dough on parchment paper or a silicone mat can make it easier to handle and cut into shapes without sticking.
If the dough is too sticky to roll out, you can add a bit more rice flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If the dough is too dry, a small amount of water or additional sweet potato puree can help.
The treats should be firm but not overly hard when done. Overbaking can make them too hard for some dogs, especially smaller or older dogs.
Storage
Ensure treats are completely cool before storing them to prevent condensation, which can lead to mold.
Store treats in an airtight container to keep out moisture and air, which can cause them to spoil faster. Glass jars, plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, or resealable plastic bags work well. For treats with fresh ingredients like meat, eggs, or dairy, store them in the refrigerator. They can typically last 5-7 days in the fridge.
How Many Treats Can I Give My Dogs?
The number of treats you can give your dog depends on their size, daily caloric needs, and overall health. Here’s a general guideline:
- Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 small treats per day.
- Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 medium treats per day.
- Large Dogs (50-100 lbs): 3-4 medium to large treats per day.
- Extra-Large Dogs (over 100 lbs): 4-5 large treats per day.
More Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Use sweet potato to make these other homemade dog treats:
3 Ingredient Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Sweet Potato Ground Beef Dog Treats
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Ingredients
- 8 oz ground beef
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 cup sweet potato puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup rice flour
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a skillet, heat the coconut oil on a medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned. Make sure there are no pink spots remaining. Drain any excess fat and let the beef cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, egg, sweet potato puree and fresh parsley. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Gradually add the rice flour to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms. The dough should be firm but slightly sticky. If it’s too wet, add a bit more rice flour; if too dry, add a small amount of water.
- Place the dough in between two layers of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or simply cut the dough into small squares.
- Arrange the cut dough on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.