If your dog thinks like my Boo, they think they are a Rotty when it comes to their toys. My Boo shreds them and tears them to itty bitty pieces. You’d have no idea that he was a Schnauzer if all you had to go on were the shreds left over from his dog toys.
I had become so frustrated and was determined to find something better. I went looking for inspiration and what I found…well it’s astonishing really.
These Toys that Would Survive a Rottweiler.
I’m constantly on the search for a toy that will last more than a day or two.
In my many searches, I’ve found several different commercial options. But what I really wanted was something that I could make myself and that would allow me to rotate toys without constantly buying new ones.
I was looking for something unusual and I wanted something that would keep Boo’s attention for hours. What I found was, are you ready? Sweet potato dog chew rope. I can feel you thinking, “What? Yeah right?!” But Hear me out, you’ll be glad you did.
We all Want Dog Toys That Last As Long As Their Attention
What I found actually uses yams or sweet potatoes in combination with jute, which believe it or not is perfect for a heavy chewer. The sweet potatoes are baked to the point of being dried out into hard little nubs great for cleaning teeth and stimulating their gums too.
This is one of those diy indestructible dog toys that really keeps my dog’s attention and because the potatoes are cut into thick slices, there is plenty for a pup to chew on.
How to Make Sweet Potato Dog Treats on a Rope
Materials:
- Hemp or jute rope* – Approximately 2 1/2 feet for medium dogs, less for a smaller dog, more for a larger dog)
- Sweet potato or yam** (2 for a medium-sized dog toy, one for a small, 3 or 4 for a large)
- Sheet pan covered with parchment
- Sharp knife
- Round cookie cutter a bit larger than the diameter of your rope
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash sweet potatoes really well (peel if you’d like, but the skins are safe and provide essential nutrients and fiber).
- Slice the sweet potato into rounds approximately 1/2″ thick.
- Using the cookie cutter, remove the center of each round.
- Place rounds and centers on a cookie sheet and bake for 2 1/2 hours.***
- Flip and bake for another 2 1/2 hours. They’re finished when dried out and hard – if there are any squishy bits, bake longer and keep checking every 30 minutes or so.
- Once they’re totally dry, allow them to completely cool.
- Make a knot at the end of your hemp rope. (If using multiple thinner pieces, braid them together to make stringing the pieces on easier.)
- String on two sweet potato rings and make a knot above them. Add two more rings and knot. Repeat until you reach the end of the rope.
- Give this awesome new toy to your canine companion!
This pattern was posted by shesparticular on Indestructibles.com. You can see the original post HERE.
The Bottom Line on “Indestructible” Dog Toys for Heavy Chewers
I’m not really sure there is such a thing as an “indestructible” dog toy on the market today – either commercial or DIY, but this one holds up extremely well to my aggressive chewer, and pretty sure it will for your pup as well. As will this monkey knot dog toy.
The bonus is this is made of all-natural materials, so anything they ingest should pass through their digestive tract without causing too much trouble, which is way better than if your pup shreds something plastic that could require a vet visit.
I hope you enjoy this DIY project as much as me and my Boo did!
*The original poster used nine pieces of thin-ish diameter jute braided together to make a larger rope. She recommends hemp or jute because of their strength. Plus, since they’re natural fibers, they’re less likely to cause digestive issues if the dog manages to eat some of it.
**Sandy’s note. Sweet potatoes and yams are considered safe for most dogs and are packed with nutrients. But some dogs are allergic to them. If it’s your dog’s first time with them, keep an eye on them for a few hours.
***The centers make great treats on their own!
Want more DIY? Check out our post Make your dog a treat dispensing toy from a water bottle!
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Please note: This recipe is not meant to prevent, treat or cure any ailment or disease. We are not veterinarians and you use our recipes and advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your fur baby is facing. With that in mind, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives <3
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I received my min pin nail decals today! I just can't thank you enough! They are perfect! You guys are awesome!
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