Oat and Sweet Potato Dog Biscuit Recipe

Written by Elle Padgham, Communications Lead. Reviewed by Charlotte Niblett, Copywriter.

These oat and sweet potato dog biscuits are an occasional homemade treat, not a complete meal. Use plain cooked sweet potato, check every ingredient, make small biscuits and count them within the dog's daily calories. Dogs with pancreatitis, food allergy, diabetes, obesity or a therapeutic diet need veterinary approval before trying the recipe.

The gram weights are the reliable version of the recipe because cup measures vary. US volume estimates are included for convenience, but use a kitchen scale when possible.

Oat and sweet potato dog biscuit ingredients

• 180 g rolled or quick oats, about 2 level US cups before blending
• 100 g plain cooked, peeled sweet potato, about 1/2 cup mashed
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons water, added gradually

Use plain sweet potato with no butter, salt, onion, garlic, sweetener or seasoning. Do not use sweet potato pie filling. Oats should be plain, not a flavored instant packet.

Ingredient safety check

Keep chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onion, garlic and raw yeast dough out of the work area. Never add xylitol, which may also be called birch sugar, wood sugar or birch bark extract. FDA warns that xylitol can cause rapid, life-threatening poisoning in dogs and may appear in sugar-free baked goods and some nut butters.

Equipment

• Kitchen scale and measuring spoons
• Food processor or strong blender
• Mixing bowl and spatula
• Rolling pin
• Small cookie cutter or knife
• Sheet pan and parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Choose a small cutter so portions stay manageable. Wash equipment and hands before starting. Keep the dog out of the cooking area to prevent burns, dropped utensils and counter surfing.

How to make the dog biscuits

1. Heat the oven. Preheat to 350°F.
2. Prepare the pan. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Make oat flour. Blend the oats until coarse and flour-like. Let dust settle before opening the processor.
4. Add sweet potato and oil. Blend until evenly combined.
5. Add water slowly. Add one tablespoon, blend, then add only enough additional water for the mixture to hold as dough.
6. Roll. Place the dough between sheets of parchment and roll to about 1/8 inch thick.
7. Cut small treats. Transfer shapes to the prepared pan with a little space between them.
8. Bake. Bake about 20 to 25 minutes, checking early because small shapes and ovens vary.
9. Cool completely. Move biscuits to a rack and wait until no warmth remains before offering one or storing them.

How to judge doneness

The biscuits should feel dry at the edges and release from the parchment. A thicker or softer biscuit holds more moisture and spoils faster. Do not continue baking until burned or rock-hard. Very hard treats can be unsuitable for puppies, seniors and dogs with dental disease.

How many treats can a dog have?

There is no universal number because size, cutter, thickness and ingredients change calories. Estimate the calories in the full batch from the exact ingredient labels, then divide by the number of finished biscuits. Include crumbs and broken pieces in the batch count.

Treats and extras are commonly kept to a small share of daily calories so the complete diet remains the nutritional foundation. A veterinarian can set a stricter limit for weight loss, disease or growth. Read our guide to daily dog treat limits.

Introduce one small piece

Offer a small piece the first time and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, itching, facial swelling or discomfort. Stop and seek veterinary advice for a reaction. A known oat, coconut or sweet potato sensitivity makes this recipe inappropriate.

Storage and food safety

Homemade biscuits do not contain commercial preservatives or validated water-activity controls. Cool them fully, then refrigerate in a clean airtight container and use within about five days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to two months and thaw in the refrigerator.

Discard treats that smell rancid, feel damp or sticky, show mold, change color or were left in heat. Do not rely on appearance alone after unsafe storage. Label the container with the bake date and ingredients so another caregiver knows what is inside.

Recipe adjustments

For a softer texture

Roll slightly thicker and bake only until set, then refrigerate and use sooner because added moisture shortens storage. Break into tiny training pieces. A dog with mouth pain or broken teeth needs a dental examination rather than softer treats as the only response.

For a dog with pancreatitis history

Do not make an unapproved substitution. Coconut oil adds fat, and even a small homemade treat can conflict with a prescribed plan. Ask the treating veterinarian whether any homemade treat is allowed and request exact ingredients and amounts. The safe answer may be to use pieces of the prescribed diet instead.

For a puppy

Use tiny portions and protect the complete growth diet. These biscuits are not balanced for growth and do not provide a puppy's required vitamins and minerals. Avoid hard pieces that could damage teeth or become a choking risk.

Finch & Barker product boundaries for homemade treats

Sources and more dog-friendly recipes

Read the FDA warnings about xylitol toxicity in dogs and potentially dangerous pet items. For another occasional recipe, see our dog-friendly birthday cake and pumpkin pup cup.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat oats?

Plain cooked or baked oats can be used in an occasional treat for many dogs, but they are inappropriate for a dog with a relevant sensitivity or a diet that excludes them.

Can dogs eat sweet potato?

Plain cooked, peeled sweet potato can be an occasional ingredient for many dogs. Avoid seasoning, butter, pie filling and large portions.

How long do homemade dog biscuits last?

Because this recipe has no validated preservative system, refrigerate cooled biscuits and use within about five days, or freeze portions for up to two months. Discard any with spoilage signs.