Sweet potato dog I mean squirrel treats!

[floridapossum]

First let me say I know squirrels should only eat sweet potato in limited quantities. That said, I accidentally found an excellent treat, that not only does Barkley love, but help file down his little teeth. I was making dried sweet potato treats for my dogs. When I let them cool, I realized how hard they were to break, (they were like trying to break a piece of wood in two!). Barkley was scrambling around his cage making lots of noise so I looked up at him. Then the light bulb came on. I broke a piece off and gave it to him, he loves it. He chews and chews, puts it up for a while, and chews more. The only problem is, he can't have them too often, but when he gets them, he has a ball.

Has anyone else tried this?

[mpetys]

First let me say I know squirrels should only eat sweet potato in limited quantities. That said, I accidentally found an excellent treat, that not only does Barkley love, but help file down his little teeth. I was making dried sweet potato treats for my dogs. When I let them cool, I realized how hard they were to break, (they were like trying to break a piece of wood in two!). Barkley was scrambling around his cage making lots of noise so I looked up at him. Then the light bulb came on. I broke a piece off and gave it to him, he loves it. He chews and chews, puts it up for a while, and chews more. The only problem is, he can't have them too often, but when he gets them, he has a ball.

Has anyone else tried this?

No, how do you make them? I have squirrels and dogs! :tilt

[floridapossum]

OMG, it's so easy and cheap! First clean it really good, and preheat your oven between 180 and 200. Slice the sweet potato length wise in 1/4 to 1/3 inch slices. I actually had to have my husband slice the potato, it was too hard for me. Then lay the slices on a cookie sheet. Or if you have a dehydrator that would be great; I don't. Let them cook anywhere between 2-6 hours, turning them every hour. If you pull them out and you can bend them, they aren't done. You can kind of tell by looking at them, because they cook from the outer edges in. The more thoroughly crooked, the longer they last. Put them in a zip lock baggie and your done. Your squirrels and dogs will thank you.

[mpetys]

OMG, it's so easy and cheap! First clean it really good, and preheat your oven between 180 and 200. Slice the sweet potato length wise in 1/4 to 1/3 inch slices. I actually had to have my husband slice the potato, it was too hard for me. Then lay the slices on a cookie sheet. Or if you have a dehydrator that would be great; I don't. Let them cook anywhere between 2-6 hours, turning them every hour. If you pull them out and you can bend them, they aren't done. You can kind of tell by looking at them, because they cook from the outer edges in. The more thoroughly crooked, the longer they last. Put them in a zip lock baggie and your done. Your squirrels and dogs will thank you.

Thanks! Always looking for inexpensive treats especially for the dogs (3 rottweilers). Here's a wonderful treat that I used when doing obedience training and like to use as a special treat. Hot dog jerkey! Take a hot dog, I used all chicken hot dogs, and quarter it lengthwise and then take the four long strips and cut into small pieces. Even though my dogs are big dogs, I still cut them small, no bigger than the size of a thumbnail. Put them on a paper towel on a plate in the microwave and nuke. You don't want to burn them so cook for maybe 15 seconds at a time until you find the right time. I also don't cook at full power, usually turning it down to power level 7 or 8. You don't want all the moisture out of them but want a leathery skin to each piece. When done, drain / wipe off any grease and put them in a zip lock bag. Refrigerate until needed.

During training sessions, whether formal classes or just at home, I can put a sandwich bag of these in my pocket. I can retrieve from the pocket to reward the dog or I would put 5 or 6 pieces in my mouth (they are good) and then retrieve from there.

At home, I like to give my dogs a "pop quiz". Just out of the blue I will give them a command, sit, down etc. and for prompt response, they get a treat. Thing is they never know if they are going to be rewarded with a treat or praise. Keeps them on their toes and me as well. Sometimes, I will just call their name and just for giving me their attention, they get rewarded. This would be a good game to play with new dogs / puppies. Gets them used to responding to you and useful should they ever get loose and you need them to come back to you pronto.

Ok, back to squirrels!

[mpetys]

BTW, I was curious about your name and your location so I just read your first post. Somehow, I missed that so let me say :Welcome .

[floridapossum]

Thanks for the recipe, I have five dogs and am always looking for something new. I've been around for a while, I just haven't posted in a while. I'm from Florida, but live in BC. My rehabbing nickname was, "possum", and so...now I'm "floridapossum", which usually just gets shortened to "flopo" or "flo".

Hi back! :thankyou