February is National Sweet Potato Month so the dogs of the Utica/Rome area of upstate NY might enjoy some sweet potato treats.
Sweet potatoes are sometimes called yams here in North America - but are different from the "yams" of Africa and Asia. Families here in the Mohawk Valley can grow their own during the summer or purchase fresh sweet potatoes from farm stands such as North Star Orchards in Westmoreland during the late summer and throughout the fall. Stored in a cool, dry location, they will stay good for months. They can also be purchased from local grocery chains such as Tops on Rt 5 in Sherrill or Price Chopper on Commercial Drive in New Hartford.
Sweet potatoes are considered to be nutritional stars. They have plenty of beta carotene (Vitamin A) and provide plenty of fiber if the skin is left on. They are relatively low in calories but should be cooked to give your dog the full nutritional benefit.
A quick and easy, low calorie treat for dogs from the book Chow Hounds by Ernie Ward, DVM :
Sweet Potato Cookies
Mash one large cooked sweet potato and one banana. Add in 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil and 1/2 cup quinoa flour. Mix well. Drop 1 tsp sizes onto a nonstick baking sheet and cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
These treats will only have 14 to 15 calories each so they are great for any dogs on a weight loss program. Enjoy!
Sweet potatoes can also be added to cooked ground meat to make a tasty additive to your dog's kibble. Neither of these recipes is balanced so they should only be used as treats or additives in small amounts to a balanced diet.
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