You know that look—the one your dog gives you when you’re eating something delicious and they’re just *hoping* you’ll share? Well, these Sweet Potato & Chicken Mini Bites are the answer to those puppy-dog eyes! I started making them for my own pup, Max, after realizing how much junk was in store-bought treats. They’re stupidly easy to whip up, packed with wholesome ingredients, and—bonus—your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake. Plus, sweet potatoes are great for digestion, and chicken adds a protein punch. Trust me, your dog will go nuts for these little bites of happiness. (Max certainly does—he practically dances in circles when he hears the oven timer!)
Why Your Dog Will Love These Sweet Potato & Chicken Mini Bites
Let me count the ways your pup will adore these little morsels! First off, they’re made with just four simple ingredients I’d feel good about eating myself (well, maybe not the oat flour—but you get the idea). No mystery “meat by-products” or weird preservatives here. My vet actually gave me the thumbs-up on this combo—sweet potatoes for fiber and vitamins, lean chicken for protein, and egg for that extra nutrition boost. And can we talk about the smell? When these come out of the oven, even my neighbor’s dog starts sniffing at our door!
Key Benefits of These Homemade Dog Treats
- No artificial junk—just real, recognizable ingredients
- Perfect protein-packed snack between meals
- Easy on sensitive tummies (Max has a delicate stomach, and these never upset it)
- Soft texture that’s great for senior dogs or puppies
- Customizable size—make them pea-sized for small breeds or golf ball-sized for big goofballs
Ingredients for Sweet Potato & Chicken Mini Bites
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of these treats—just four pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in minutes:
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed (I roast mine until fork-tender, then peel and mash while still warm—it blends smoother that way)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great here, just skip any seasoning!)
- 1 large egg (our secret binder that holds everything together)
- 1/2 cup oat flour (if you don’t have any, just pulse rolled oats in a blender until powdery—I do this while the sweet potatoes roast)
Ingredient Substitutions & Tips
Got a picky pup? Try these swaps: canned pumpkin (puree, not pie filling!) for sweet potato, or ground turkey instead of chicken. Big no-nos: onions, garlic, raisins—all toxic to dogs! If your dog’s grain-sensitive, coconut flour works instead of oat flour (use 1/3 cup since it’s more absorbent). Pro tip: If the mixture feels too sticky, add a sprinkle more oat flour—it should roll easily into balls without sticking to your hands.
How to Make Sweet Potato & Chicken Mini Bites for Dogs
Ready to make your pup’s new favorite snack? Let’s dive in! This is seriously one of those “dump and mix” recipes that’s impossible to mess up—even if you’re like me and usually burn toast. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have happy tail wags in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
First things first—make sure your sweet potato and chicken are cooked and cooled. I learned this the hard way when I burned my fingers mashing hot sweet potato! (Pro tip: Roast the sweet potato whole the night before while making dinner.) The chicken should be completely cooled too—no one wants soggy bites from warm, steamy meat.
Step 2: Mix & Shape the Bites
Grab a big bowl and dump everything in—mashed sweet potato, shredded chicken, egg, and oat flour. Now get your hands in there (washed first, of course!) and mix until it looks like a thick, slightly sticky dough. If it clings to your fingers too much, sprinkle in a bit more oat flour. Roll into little balls—I make pea-sized ones for Max (he’s a corgi) but go bigger for large breeds. Line them up on a parchment-covered baking sheet like little edible soldiers.
Step 3: Bake & Cool
Pop them into a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes—you’ll know they’re done when they’re firm to the touch and have golden-brown bottoms. Resist letting your dog “test” one right away! Let them cool completely on the baking sheet—they’ll firm up more as they cool, and no burned puppy tongues. Trust me, the waiting is the hardest part (for both of you!).
Storage Tips for Sweet Potato & Chicken Mini Bites
Here’s the best part—these treats store like a dream! Once cooled, tuck them into an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about 5 days (though Max never lets them last that long). For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months—just grab a couple at a time and thaw overnight in the fridge. Quick tip: If you’re freezing, spread the bites on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then bag them up. No more chiseling apart a frozen treat brick when your pup gives you “the look”! You can find more dog treat recipes here.
Nutritional Information for Sweet Potato & Chicken Mini Bites
Okay, let’s talk numbers—but first, full disclosure: these are rough estimates since sweet potato sizes and chicken portions vary (I’m looking at you, my “eyeballing it” measuring style!). Per mini bite, you’re looking at about 25 calories with 2g of protein—perfect little energy boosts between meals. They’ve got just 1g of fat and 3g of carbs per bite too, making them lighter than most store-bought treats. Remember though, I’m a dog lover, not a nutritionist—always check with your vet about portion sizes, especially for tiny pups or dogs watching their weight! For more dog treat ideas, check out these Turkey Cranberry Dog Chews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about these sweet potato & chicken bites (after they’ve seen their dogs go bonkers for them, of course).
Are These Treats Safe for All Dogs?
While most dogs do great with these, always check with your vet first—especially if your pup has food allergies or sensitivities. My friend’s bulldog can’t handle chicken (weird, right?), so she uses turkey instead. You can find other great Beef & Sweet Potato Chews too.
Can I Use Raw Chicken?
Nope! Always cook chicken thoroughly to kill bacteria. I’ve used boiled, baked, or even leftover grilled chicken (sans seasonings) with perfect results every time.
How Many Treats Can I Give Per Day?
I stick to 2-3 mini bites for Max (he’s 30 lbs), but adjust based on your dog’s size and diet. Remember—these are treats, not meal replacements! When in doubt, ask your vet.
Share Your Experience
Did your pup go crazy for these bites? Snap a pic of their happy tail wags and share it below—we’d all love to see! You can also find more inspiration on Pinterest.
Print
Sweet Potato & Chicken Mini Bites Your Dog Will Obsess Over
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 20 mini bites
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Healthy homemade treats for your dog made with sweet potato and chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup oat flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix mashed sweet potato, shredded chicken, egg, and oat flour in a bowl.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until firm.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze extras for longer storage.
- Check with your vet if your dog has allergies.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Pet Food
