Lentils and Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe

Most store-bought dog treats are basically crunchy filler with a fancy label and a price tag that makes you question your life choices. Homemade treats fix that problem fast.

This lentil and sweet potato combo is one of my favorite “real food” dog treat recipes because it’s simple, cheap, and doesn’t rely on weird mystery ingredients. Plus, it makes a batch big enough to last a while, which is always a win.

If you’ve been wanting a healthy treat that actually feels worth making, this one hits the sweet spot without being complicated.

What Makes This Recipe Shine

This recipe works so well because it uses two ingredients that are naturally dog-friendly and easy to digest for most pups. Lentils bring the plant-based protein and fiber, while sweet potatoes add vitamins and a soft texture that helps everything bind together.

I also love that it’s one of those treats that doesn’t need eggs, dairy, or fancy flours to come out right. Some homemade dog treat recipes turn into a crumbly disaster if you don’t measure perfectly, but this one stays forgiving.

The smell is honestly pretty mild, which I appreciate because not every homemade dog snack needs to stink up the kitchen like a meat factory. Sweet potato gives it a warm, slightly earthy scent, and lentils keep it balanced without making it smell like you’re cooking dinner for a medieval army.

Texture-wise, you get a chewy treat if you bake it less, and a crunchier biscuit-style treat if you bake it longer. That flexibility is huge because some dogs want soft snacks, and others act like they need to aggressively destroy every treat they touch.

Nutritionally, lentils are loaded with fiber, plant protein, iron, and B vitamins, and sweet potatoes bring vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. It’s not “miracle superfood” stuff, but it’s definitely a big upgrade over treats that are basically wheat and artificial flavor.

One more reason I keep coming back to this recipe is how well it works for dogs who get bored easily. The flavor isn’t overpowering, but it’s still interesting enough that most dogs stay excited about it.

And let’s be real, watching your dog lose their mind over something you made yourself is kind of satisfying. It’s like being a chef, except your customer is covered in fur and has no manners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup dried lentils (red or brown) (dog-safe, packed with fiber and protein)
• 2 cups water (for cooking the lentils)
• 1 medium sweet potato (peeled and chopped, dog-safe and full of vitamin A)
• 1 ½ cups oat flour (gentle on digestion and a good binder)
• ½ cup rolled oats (adds texture and makes treats heartier)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (optional, helps with binding and adds omega-3 fats)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, adds moisture and healthy fats)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, small amount for mild anti-inflammatory benefits)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (optional, helps with moisture and flavor)
• Extra water as needed (for adjusting dough texture)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Lentils

Rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any dust or leftover debris. Add them to a pot with 2 cups of water and bring everything to a boil.

Lower the heat and let them simmer until the lentils turn soft and mashable, which usually takes about 15–20 minutes. Drain off any extra water, then let them cool for a few minutes before mixing.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potato

Peel and chop your sweet potato into small chunks so it cooks faster and evenly. Boil or steam it until it becomes fork-soft, which usually takes around 12–15 minutes.

Drain the water and mash the sweet potato until it’s smooth, then let it cool slightly. You don’t want it piping hot when you mix the dough, because that can mess with the texture.

Step 3: Mash and Mix the Base

Add the cooked lentils and mashed sweet potato into a large bowl. Mash them together until the mixture looks thick and fairly smooth, but don’t stress about making it perfect.

A little chunkiness is fine, and honestly, dogs don’t care about texture the way humans do. Just make sure there aren’t big pieces that could make shaping difficult.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients Slowly

Sprinkle in the oat flour, rolled oats, and ground flaxseed if you’re using it. Stir everything together using a spoon or your hands until the mixture starts forming a dough.

If it feels too wet and sticky, add a little more oat flour in small amounts. If it feels too dry and crumbly, add a splash of water or a bit of applesauce.

Step 5: Add Optional Boosters

Mix in olive oil, turmeric, and applesauce if you want the extra benefits and flavor. Stir until the dough becomes evenly combined and looks thick but workable.

This is the part where you should trust your instincts instead of overthinking it. The dough should feel like playdough, not like pancake batter and not like dry sand.

Step 6: Roll and Shape the Treats

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick.

Use a cookie cutter if you want cute shapes, or just slice it into small squares with a knife. Keep the treats small, especially if your dog is tiny or you plan to use them for training.

Step 7: Bake Until Firm

Place the treats on the baking sheet and bake for 25–35 minutes, depending on how crunchy you want them. If you want a softer chewy treat, pull them out closer to 25 minutes.

For a crunchier treat, bake longer and flip them halfway through. Once done, let them cool completely because hot treats can burn your dog’s mouth, and nobody wants that drama.

Step 8: Cool and Store Properly

Transfer the treats to a cooling rack and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. They will firm up more as they cool, so don’t panic if they feel soft right out of the oven.

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. If you freeze them, you can grab a few at a time and thaw as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes people make with homemade dog treats is assuming they can eyeball everything like they’re cooking regular food. Dogs don’t need gourmet perfection, but your dough still needs balance or it turns into a sticky mess.

If your dough feels like glue and won’t roll out, it usually means there’s too much moisture. Sweet potatoes can vary a lot in water content, so adding flour slowly is the smarter move.

Another common issue is baking too hot or too long without checking. These treats can go from “perfect” to “rock-hard” faster than you’d expect, especially if they’re cut into small shapes.

People also mess up by adding salt, seasoning blends, or leftover spices from their own pantry. Even if something smells amazing to you, dogs don’t need it, and too much salt can be genuinely harmful.

Using the wrong kind of flour can also backfire. Almond flour, for example, can make the dough oily and crumbly, and some dogs don’t tolerate it well.

The last big mistake is serving the treats too big, especially for small dogs or puppies. Treats should be a bonus snack, not a full meal replacement, even if your dog acts like they’re starving 24/7.

And yes, they will act like that. Dogs have zero shame.

Alternatives & Substitutions

If your dog has grain sensitivities, you can swap oat flour for coconut flour, but you’ll need to use less because coconut flour absorbs moisture like crazy. Start with half the amount and adjust slowly, or you’ll end up with dough that feels like drywall paste.

For a grain-free version, chickpea flour can also work, although it gives the treats a stronger smell. Some dogs love it, and some sniff it like it personally offended them.

If lentils don’t agree with your dog’s stomach, you can replace them with mashed chickpeas or cooked quinoa. Quinoa makes the texture softer, while chickpeas make it denser and slightly crumbly.

Sweet potato can be replaced with pumpkin puree, and that’s actually one of my favorite swaps. Pumpkin is great for digestion, and it gives the treats a slightly softer texture.

If you want a protein boost, you can add a couple tablespoons of plain peanut butter, but make sure it’s xylitol-free. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, and it’s one of those ingredients you should treat like a red flag every time.

For dogs with flax sensitivity, skip flaxseed and use chia seeds instead. Chia works well as a binder and adds omega fats, but it can make the dough slightly gel-like if you overdo it.

Personally, I like adding a little turmeric when I’m making treats for older dogs, but I keep it minimal. It’s not magic, but it’s a nice extra touch without turning the recipe into some weird supplement experiment.

FAQ

Can dogs eat lentils safely?

Yes, most dogs can eat cooked lentils without any issue. Lentils are full of fiber and protein, and they’re a pretty common ingredient in dog food formulas.

The key is making sure they’re fully cooked and soft, because raw or undercooked lentils can be hard to digest.

Are sweet potatoes good for dogs?

Sweet potatoes are one of the best natural carb sources for dogs. They’re packed with vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber, and they tend to be gentle on the stomach.

Just don’t add sugar, butter, or seasoning, because dogs don’t need the “human version” of sweet potato.

How many treats can I give my dog per day?

That depends on your dog’s size, activity level, and overall diet. For small dogs, 1–2 small treats per day is usually plenty, while bigger dogs can handle a few more.

I like using these as training treats, so I cut them smaller and spread them out instead of giving one giant snack.

Can puppies eat these lentil and sweet potato treats?

Yes, puppies can usually eat them as long as the treats are soft enough and served in small pieces. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so I’d start with a tiny portion and watch for any digestive upset.

If your puppy is very young, stick to softer baked treats rather than crunchy ones.

How do I store homemade dog treats so they don’t spoil?

Because these treats contain moist ingredients, storing them properly matters. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, and don’t leave them sitting out on the counter for days.

If you want them to last longer, freezing is the best option and keeps the texture pretty solid.

Can I freeze these dog treats?

Absolutely, and I honestly recommend it. Freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag, and they’ll stay good for about 2–3 months.

When you need them, thaw a few at room temperature or in the fridge, and you’re good to go.

What if my dog gets gassy from lentils?

Some dogs get extra gas from legumes, and lentils can definitely be a culprit. If you notice bloating, gassiness, or loose stool, reduce the portion size or try swapping lentils for quinoa or pumpkin-based treats instead.

Dogs have opinions too, and sometimes their stomach makes it very clear.

Final Thoughts

This lentils and sweet potato dog treat recipe is one of those easy wins that makes you feel like you actually have your life together. It’s healthy, budget-friendly, and simple enough that you won’t regret starting it halfway through the day.

I like it because it works for training treats, snack bites, or even a crunchy biscuit-style reward. Make a batch, freeze half, and you’ll have homemade dog treats ready whenever your pup starts acting dramatic for attention.