You may already celebrate your dog’s birthday by singing to them, showering them with treats, and sharing their precious puppy pictures with everyone you see. But how excited will your dog be this year when you also present them with a birthday cake?
A homemade dog birthday cake is easy to make, and a delicious treat for your pup on their special day. You can choose from a variety of flavors and ingredients you already know your dog loves to guarantee the birthday cake meets their high doggy standards.
Dog-Safe Cake Ingredients
Choosing safe ingredients for your dog birthday cake is the most important part of baking for your pup. Select healthy fruits and vegetables to include in your dog’s birthday cake to boost energy and provide some extra vitamins and minerals.
Peanut butter is a well-known dog favorite, and commonly selected for DIY dog cakes. It also mixes well with other beloved dog flavors, including carrots, cheese, and a host of different dog-safe berries and meats, making it a widely used go-to ingredient for all kinds of homemade dog treats and cakes. However, peanut butter is also high in saturated fat, so if your dog is on a low-calorie diet for weight loss, consider choosing a recipe with low-fat ingredients.
Be careful to read the ingredients to avoid using peanut butter that contains xylitol, because it can be lethal to dogs. If you discover that your dog has ingested xylitol, take them to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
Though not toxic, you will want to avoid the temptation to add sugar to your dog’s cake. Dogs don’t digest sugar like humans and it can cause gastric distress and turn your dog into a literal party pooper.
Other dog-safe ingredients for your easy dog cake recipe include:
- Carrots
- Eggs
- Blueberries
- Carob (a chocolate substitute)
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Blackberries
- Oatmeal
- Apples or Apple Sauce
- Sweet Potatoes
- Coconut
- Mango
- Honey (in small doses)
- Cinnamon (in small doses)
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Grains and wheat flours
- Vanilla extract (when included in a baked good)
Easy-Bake Carrot Pupcakes
These easy-to-bake cupcakes are the perfect addition to your dog’s birthday party with all of their furry friends. If you prefer a traditional cake or want to make a layer cake, bake this recipe in cake pans and stack with the icing.
Ingredients:
For the Cake
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 3 whole eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
For the Icing
- 8-oz. softened low-fat cream cheese
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour cups of muffin tin. NOTE – don’t use wrappers! Your dog may accidentally ingest them.
- In a large bowl, mix together carrots, eggs, and applesauce.
- In a separate bowl, combine cinnamon, oats, and flour.
- Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Fill the muffin tins to the top. The batter will be thick.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and come out clean. Cool completely.
- While cupcakes are cooling, mix frosting ingredients until smooth. The mixture will be thin, but you can use an electric mixer to whip them into a light and fluffy frosting.
- Use a spatula to add a thick layer of frosting to cooled cupcakes, or spoon into a piping bag fitted with the tip of your choice and decorate as desired. The frosting may not be thick enough to make flowers or other designs.
These pupcakes will last for 2 weeks in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, so bake up a big batch and give your pup a treat!
Grain-Free Peanut Butter & Banana Pupcakes
Looking for a grain-free option for your dog’s cake? These Peanut Butter & Banana cupcakes are the perfect option. Your dog will love them, and they’re easy to make.
Ingredients:
For the cake
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 3 whole eggs
- 2 bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ cup cottage cheese
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup coconut flour
For the icing
- 6-oz. softened low-fat cream cheese
- 4-oz. smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour cups of muffin tin. NOTE – don’t use wrappers! Your dog may accidentally ingest them.
- In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, eggs, bananas, cottage cheese, and honey.
- Stir in coconut flour and baking soda until fully incorporated.
- Fill the muffin cups ¾ to the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted in the center and come out clean.
- Combine all icing ingredients in a mixer until smooth, and place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill.
- Once cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them with the icing and decorate with your dog’s favorite treat.
No-Bake Easy Mug Cake for Dogs
If you’re not ready for the next season of The Great British Bake Off just yet, fear not, you can still make your pup a tasty treat with this easy dog-friendly microwavable dog cake recipe!
Ingredients:
For the cake
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or carob powder
For the Icing
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- Dry dog food or treats (optional)
Directions:
- Heat peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds or until it begins to melt.
- Add remaining cake ingredients to the bowl and stir until well combined.
- Pour batter into a greased microwave-safe mug and cook in microwave for 90 seconds.
- Combine frosting ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Pour frosting over warm mug cake and sprinkle with dry dog food or treats.
- Serve once cooled.
Decorating and Customizing Your Dog’s Birthday Cake
Making your dog a homemade cake is fun and easy, but you may want to switch up the flavors to incorporate your dog’s favorite foods. Don’t hesitate to add ingredients from the above list of foods for a different flavor combination or to use as decorations.
Cut fresh fruit makes a stunning topping and a yummy treat for your pup. Just make sure that you are giving them these treats in moderation. Your pup still needs a whole and balanced diet to be healthy.
If you really want to get creative, try making savory dog cake with meats and cheeses. You can decorate it with mashed sweet potatoes and get creative. This is an excellent alternative if your dog doesn’t have a sweet tooth or is particularly selective about what they eat.
Other Dog-Friendly Birthday Treats
If your dog isn’t a fan of cake, or you want to provide them with a healthier treat, making your own “pupsicles” is a great alternative. These popsicle-style treats can incorporate fresh fruit or frozen meat, whichever you think your dog will enjoy the most.
And keep in mind, dog birthday treats do not necessarily have to be edible. It’s easy to find all kinds of dog birthday gifts for dogs of any age online or at your local pet store. New toys, entertaining activities like dog puzzles, or other accessories can be a fun way to celebrate your pup’s big day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cakes for Dogs
How long will my homemade dog cakes last?
With any luck, not long because your pup ate it all! But, if you store it in the fridge it should last up to 2 weeks.
How should I store my dog cakes after they’re baked?
Keep them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator if possible. If you made a layer cake, make sure it’s well covered with plastic wrap or stored in a cake carrier to keep it as fresh as possible.
How much cake should I give my dog?
This answer will vary from dog to dog based on their activity level and size. Ultimately, consider these cakes as a treat, and let your pup enjoy them in moderation. You don’t want your dog to forgo dinner to eat the cake.
Cupcakes are a great way to portion control the cakes. Consider using a mini cupcake pan for bite-sized treats for dogs of all sizes.
Can people eat dog cakes?
The recipes above are safe for humans, but most people will probably consider them bland since they are lower in fat, sugar, and salt than most human cakes.
Don’t forget: the best birthday treat you can give your dog is your own company! Take your dog to a new park, explore a hiking trail, or spend some time playing catch in the backyard. And of course, don’t forget to sing "Happy Birthday" to your pup from the AKC Pet Insurance team!
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