Easy Sweet Potato & Oat Square Dog Treats

Imagine your dog staring at you like you’re holding the last slice of pizza. Now imagine that look but 10x more intense because you just pulled these sweet potato and oat squares out of the oven. These treats are stupidly simple to make, cost pennies, and won’t turn your kitchen into a disaster zone.

Even better? No weird preservatives or mystery ingredients. Just real food your dog will actually want to work for.

Who’s a good chef? You are.

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Why This Recipe Slaps

Most homemade dog treats either crumble like your last relationship or taste like cardboard. Not these.

The sweet potato keeps them soft and chewy, while the oats add just enough texture. They’re also naturally sweet, so your dog won’t turn their nose up at them. Plus, they’re packed with fiber and vitamins—basically a multivitamin your dog will beg for.

Win-win.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium potato, baked or boiled)
2 cups rolled oats (not instant—your dog deserves better)
1 egg (the binding agent, not optional unless you enjoy crumbs)
1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, but great for shiny coats)
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, because even dogs like flavor)

How to Make These Like a Pro

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper unless you enjoy scrubbing pans.
Mash the sweet potato until smooth. No lumps unless you want your dog to judge your cooking skills.
Mix in the oats, egg, coconut oil, and cinnamon.Stir until it looks like a sticky dough. If it’s too wet, add more oats. Too dry?
A splash of water.
Press the dough into a square shape on the baking sheet, about 1/2-inch thick. Use a rolling pin if you’re fancy.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden. Let it cool, then cut into squares.Congrats, you’ve just become your dog’s favorite person.

Storage Tips to Keep Them Fresh

Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them—they’ll last up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

FYI, your dog will probably learn how to open the fridge door, so hide them well.

Why These Treats Are a Flex

These squares are packed with fiber (good for digestion), vitamin A (great for eyesight), and beta-carotene (fights free radicals). They’re also low-calorie, so no guilt when your dog demands a third treat. IMO, they’re healthier than most store-bought options—and cheaper, too.

Common Mistakes (Don’t Be That Person)

Using raw sweet potato: Cook it first.Your dog isn’t a raccoon.
Overbaking: They’ll turn into hockey pucks. Nobody wants that.
Skipping the egg: The treats will fall apart, and your dog will give you side-eye.
Cutting them too big: Unless you’re training a bear, keep the squares small.

Swaps and Substitutions

No sweet potato? Try pumpkin puree (not pie filling).

Out of oats? Whole wheat flour works, but the texture will be denser. Egg allergy? A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) can save the day.

Just don’t swap the dog—this recipe won’t work for cats.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Technically yes, but the texture will be mushier. Rolled oats give these treats the perfect chew. If you’re in a pinch, pulse quick oats in a blender to mimic the texture.

My dog is allergic to eggs.

What can I use instead?

Try a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let it sit for 5 minutes). It won’t bind as tightly, but it’ll do the job. Or just accept that your treats will be crumbly—dogs don’t care about presentation.

How many treats can I give my dog per day?

Depends on your dog’s size, but 1-2 small squares per day is plenty.

These aren’t meal replacements—unless you’re okay with your dog refusing dinner later.

Can I add peanut butter to this recipe?

Absolutely. Add 1-2 tbsp of unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter to the mix. Just know your dog will now expect peanut butter in everything.

Good luck with that.

Final Thoughts

These sweet potato and oat squares are the easiest way to bribe your dog into good behavior. They take minimal effort, cost next to nothing, and are healthier than anything you’ll find in a plastic bag at the store. Plus, you get bragging rights as the owner who makes homemade treats.

Now go forth and bake—your dog’s undying loyalty awaits.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉