The first recorded use of the phrase “man’s best friend” is by Frederick the Great of Prussia in the 18th century.”The phrase simply indicates that the right furry friend is loyal, great company, and loving. The phrase has been repeated many times over the years and holds as true today as when it was first said. (Of course, it should now say a person’s best friend).
It is therefore reasonable to think of ways to spoil your dog, especially on dog birthdays! Humans generally have cake and balloons, perhaps a birthday party, there is no reason why your dog cannot have the same, and their own dog cake!
Of course, if you are celebrating your dog’s birthday you will want to get them a cool toy, such as a flying toy. You can even give them a few extra treats or a new dog bed.
Why You Should Make Your Own Dog Cake
Below is one example of a dog cake recipe. It does not matter if your dog is celebrating their 1st birthday or their 10th, you can use this easy dog cake recipe.
Homemade dog cake contains the right nutrients for your dog. You are aware of any allergies or even foods that your dog does not like. Making the cake yourself means you know what is in it and that it is healthy for your dog. You want your dog to enjoy their birthday cake.
It is worth noting that there is an abundance of recipes that claim to be dog or pup-friendly. However, if they contain baking powder, you should avoid them, this is not good for dogs.
The Dog Cake Recipe
The following recipe is designed as a dog cake but you can use it to create homemade dog treats. As with any dog treat you should only give it to your dog in moderation, alongside a balanced diet.
You will need:
- 210g wheat flour, (more nutritious for dogs than plain white flour)
- 1 mashed banana
- 250ml oat milk
- 1egg
- 1 carrot – grated
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Before you start, preheat the oven to 200°C.
Then, take a large bowl and add your banana, egg, carrot, oat milk, and coconut oil and mix thoroughly. Once done you can add the flour and stir again.
You should be aware that if your dog has allergies flour and baking soda should not be used in a dog cake recipe. Non-allergy flours/grain-free can be used.
Next, put greaseproof paper in a cake pan and put the cake mix into it. You can level the mixture with the back of a spoon. If you are opting for bite-sized treats then you can use individual cupcake trays instead.
You can now bake the dog cake for 45 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the middle to make sure it is cooked right through. If the toothpick comes out clean the cake is done.
You will need to let it cool before you add the topping. The best idea is to use dog treats, you can place them in the shape of a candle. Alternatively use a meaty treat for the candle, it will stand up by itself.
Singing happy birthday to your dog is optional but you are sure to be reinforcing your dog’s love either way!
Dog Cake Ingredient Considerations
While most dogs will happily eat any human food you give them, that does not mean it is actually good for them. You need to think about saturated fat and other foods that can be harmful to your pet. You probably already know that chocolate is poisonous to dogs. The following foods can also cause issues:
- Caffeine
High levels of caffeine are fatal for a dog. They will become restless, develop rapid breathing, tremors, and may start bleeding.
- Grapes & Raisins
Even a small amount of grapes or raisins can make your dog poorly. Scientists don’t know exactly why but they can cause kidney failure. An early sign is repeated vomiting.
- Milk/dairy products
These products cause digestive issues including diarrhea, that is not a mess you want to be clearing up.
- Macadamia Nuts
As little as six of these nuts can make a medium or small dog ill. They effectively poison the dog, too many will result in death.
- Raw Eggs
Humans can suffer from food poisoning when consuming raw eggs, dogs have the same issue. The primary bacterial issue is Salmonella or E.coli.
But, there is also an enzyme in raw eggs that prevent dogs from absorbing vitamin B. If this happens they will develop skin problems.
- Salt
Excess salt consumption leads to sodium ion poisoning in dogs. Alongside extreme thirst, they will vomit, have diarrhea, tremors, high body temperature, and even seizures.
Keep your dog safe by using dog-friendly ingredients:
- Apples, (preferably seedless)
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Pears
- Peas
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Pumpkin
Cake Topping Ideas
You want to try and convince your dog that your dog cake is special. That means adding frosting, but icing is full of sugar. That’s not good for your dog.
You can still make the dog cake look attractive by adding one of the following. You can even mix several of them together.
- Apple sauce
- Pumpkin puree
- Bananas
- Peanut butter
- Honey
- Coconut oil
- Low-sugar yogurt
Recipe Success
Understanding what is good and bad for your dog is an essential starting point. This will allow you to create the perfect dog cake. You can celebrate your dog’s birthday without endangering their health.
Of course, you do not have to wait until their birthday. You can make a dog cake at any time. Just remember moderation is key for dogs as well as humans.
Perhaps most importantly, feel free to play with the recipe and frosting ideas. You cannot really go wrong. Regardless of what you do, your dog will eat it!
If you want to read more recipe ideas, please click this link.