Despite the fact that dogs have no idea what a birthday is (or what a cake is), we humans will continue to celebrate their birthdays and/or gotcha days every year. A dog's birthday is an amazing excuse to spoil them even more than you already do. Baking a cake for your pup is a fun activity for the family to do, and a great way to make their special day even more special. This doggie birthday cake is easy to make with lots of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Dog-Friendly Ingredients
Flour, Salt, Baking Soda and Baking Powder:
This recipe calls for flour. When baking any treats for your pup it is best to use whole wheat flour. Whole grains are packed with all kinds of great nutrients for your pup- fiber, proteins, vitamins, minerals and even antioxidants. A small amount of salt, baking soda, baking powder is used in this dog cake recipe, which is perfectly safe for dogs when used in small amounts.
Eggs
This recipe also calls for two large eggs. Eggs are also full of nutrients that can benefit your pup.
Peanut Butter
When choosing a peanut butter to use in this recipe, make sure it is dog safe. Make sure it is all natural and contains no artificial or added sugars like xylitol (AKA birch sugar). This sweetener is toxic for your furry friend. It’s best to use peanut butter that is specifically made for pups, or single ingredient peanut butter that can be found at the grocery store.
Applesauce & Honey
This recipe calls for 1/34 cup applesauce. When choosing an applesauce to use for this cake for dogs, make sure it is a single ingredient one. Like peanut butter, we don’t want to use anything with added sweeteners or sugars. It’s best to keep things all natural so we are keeping our pups happy and healthy. Use all natural, local honey for this recipe!
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is included in this dog birthday cake recipe. It’s important to choose a pumpkin that is formulated for dogs. Our all natural, Organic Pumpkin Powder is a great option for this ingredient. It supports digestive health, firms up stool, and prevents scooting.
How to Make a Birthday Cake for Your Dog
Dog-friendly birthday cakes are prepped in a similar manner to how we prep cakes for humans. First, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all the dry ingredients in a bowl, then mix together the wet ingredients in a different, large bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing as you add them in. Pour the batter into a cake pan and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If you want to have a multiple layer cake, split the cake batter between 2 pans of different sizes. (You could even make some pupcakes using a cupcake pan if you prefer!) Always make sure to allow the cake 10-15 minutes to cool down before sharing with your fur baby. This cake can be stored in the refrigerator & covered for up to 4 days after baking.
The most important aspect of making homemade dog treats is ensuring you use dog safe ingredients and avoid any added sugars/sweeteners. We want our pooch to enjoy the cake, but we also want them to stay happy & Healthy!
Preparing the Doggie Frosting
To make the cake even more fun and delicious, you can put together some homemade pup-friendly yogurt frosting. All it takes is 1 cup nonfat plain greek yogurt, ½ cup peanut butter, and 1-2 tablespoons local honey. All you have to do is mix them together and it should create a frosting-like consistency. Spread the frosting on the cake with a spatula once the cake has cooled off for a bit.
Tips for Making Dog Treats at Home
- Keep it simple! There are tons of 3-5 ingredient dog treat recipes that are fun and easy to throw together.
- Keep it healthy! Try and find recipes and ingredients that are better for your pup. Avoid any recipes or ingredients that are high in sugar. Pumpkin recipes are always a great option because pumpkin is great for dogs!
- Have fun with it! Let your pup join in on the fun by giving them tastes of the ingredients as you’re baking. They’ll love it!
Dog Birthday Cake Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, wheat and oat flour may be used as well
- 1 teaspoon baking soda *½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup pumpkin pureé, mix 1:1 Native Pet's Pumpkin Powder with water
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup smooth natural peanut butter, (see notes)
- 2 large eggs
- 1-2 tablespoons local honey
Doggie Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- ½ cup smooth natural peanut butter, (see notes)
- 1-2 tablespoons local honey, or pure maple syrup
- 12 dog biscuits for decoration
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PEANUT BUTTER YOGURT FROSTING
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the yogurt, peanut butter and honey until fluffy and smooth. Use an off-set spatula to frost the cakes. Decorate with dog biscuits and serve to your pup!
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAKE
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two 6-inch round baking pans. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the pumpkin, applesauce, peanut butter, eggs and honey until well combined. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes then invert cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the yogurt, peanut butter and honey until fluffy and smooth. Use an off-set spatula to frost the cakes. Decorate with dog biscuits and serve to your pup!
RECIPE NUTRITION
- Carbs: 32 grams
- Protein: 13 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 42 milligrams
- Potassium: 316 milligrams
- Sodium: 241 milligrams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
