It’s your pup’s birthday and you’re looking for dog cake recipes fit for the prince of pooches. What ingredients should you include? And which ones are no-nos?
Start smart and stay away from any recipe that includes potentially toxic ingredients. Some seemingly innocent foods are actually harmful or unhealthy for your dog. Dr. Sarah Lavery, a veterinarian and the owner of The Pet Bakery of Oakmont, has a list of ingredients to avoid. “Xylitol (sugar substitute), grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, mustards or seeds, chocolate, added sugars, rosemary, added fats like butter, lard or shortening, anything caffeinated, garlic and onion,” she says. Make sure nobody on the invite list, from next-door neighbor to the local dog walker, unknowingly brings a toxic treat to the big day.
“Garlic and onions are toxic to dogs in large quantities and readily used in many brand-name treats, but can cause red blood cell issues in dogs.” Dr. Lavery also notes that pet parents should steer clear of raw meat-based foods. “They could compromise the health of people and animals, especially if immunocompromised — think of a young child being wiped in the face with raw chicken…a dog’s tongue will readily transfer bacteria in the form of a kiss.” The founder and owner of Dog City Bakery Marcia Lain adds to the list of no-gos, saying, “I try to stay away from sugar.”
What does that leave? Lain says, “I use fruits and vegetables as my liquids in dog cakes. Not only does it make the cake moist, it’s packed with vitamins.” She uses ingredients such as blueberries, raspberries and carrots.
Here are some recipes for your special pup:
- Peanut Butter Pupcakes
It’s no secret dogs and peanut butter go together like, well, peanut butter and jelly! If you’re looking for dog cake recipes that include this main ingredient, Run DMT‘s Peanut Butter Delight Pupcakes are perfect for Fido or Fluffy. Crazy for Crust‘s version includes a rich creamy, peanutty frosting on top of the cute little cake. If you want to get a little sweet without adding actual sugar, try the Peanut-Honey Pupcakes from Sprinkle Bakes.
- Banana-rama
The House of Wood‘s do-it-yourself doggy pupcakes feature peanut butter but also include a banana as a main ingredient. If you want to go peanut-free, Is This Really My Life offers Dog-Friendly Banana Cupcakes as a “pawsome” option.
- Apple Bonanza
If your furry friend slurps up your applesauce, Bakingdom has Apple Spice Pupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting to try. Brown Eyed Baker includes a dose of cheddar cheese with these Apple and Cheddar Pupcakes.
- Sweet Potato-Loving
Sweet potatoes aren’t just for Thanksgiving recipes. The Speckled Palate presents a Sweet Potato and Apple Pupcake recipe that’s an imaginative addition for any fruit- and veggie-loving dog.
- Frozen Cake Treats
You got your preschooler an ice cream cake for his fourth birthday, so why not make one for your dog? Lola the Pitty‘s Frozen Pupcakes are no-bake treats your pooch will savor. They’re perfect for the summer!
- Carrot Cake
Sweet Beet & Green Bean created a pupcake with a healthy surprise inside — carrots!
- Dreamy Zucchini
If you want to avoid grains, Kol’s Notes‘ Grain-Free Zucchini Pupcake recipe is one to try. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly recipe that also includes a matching cake for you too, take a look at thek9harperlee for Zucchini Treats for Dogs and Humans.
Whether you’re having a mega birthday bash for your pooch or you just want to try baking something special, dog cake recipes come in almost as many varieties as there are breeds!
If you’re looking for a DIY goodie that’s less cake and more cookie, read on to 17 Tasty Dog Treat Recipes Your Pup Will Beg For to find a buffet of Fido-friendly ideas.
Erica Loop is the mom to one teenager, two energetic Olde Boston bulldogs and one very shy cat. She’s also a freelance writer, educator and the creator of Mini Monets and Mommies.