Fall has arrived, and with it, I felt inspired to bake some desserts for my dogs. I don’t do this often, but when I do, I try to choose recipes with simple and few ingredients to make it easier. This time, since it’s Halloween season, I wanted to bake something that we could use for going out to trick or treat with my furry friends.
In this article, I have picked three of my pup’s favorite recipes that are healthy and delicious. The recipes use dog-friendly ingredients such as peanut butter, banana, eggs, whole wheat flour, oatmeal, and liver. And trust me your dog will love them!
I used Halloween silicone molds that I got in the dollar store, to keep the festive vibes, but this step is optional. You can use whatever you have available.
As always, keep in mind that these treats should be given to your furry friend in moderation, and if your dog has any health condition check with your vet first.
Now, let’s jump to the recipes!
3 Homemade Doggie Dessert Recipes
1. Peanut Butter Banana Pupcake
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
- 1.5 cups water
- ¼ cup all-natural peanut butter, no salt or sugar added
- 1 banana, mashed
- 1 egg
Instructions:
Start by mixing all the ingredients in a large bowl. You can also use a blender and add more water to the mix to get a more fluffy texture (almost like a pancake mix). I prefer it like this because my dogs are seniors and have some dental issues.
For baking, prepare the silicone mold by spraying some vegetable oil. This will help to get a clean release. Then, put the mix on the mold and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes. When they’re ready, you should be able to put a stick in the cake and get it out clean. Finally, turn the oven off and let the cake cool down for a couple of minutes.
2. Liver Bite-size Cake
Ingredients:
- A few pieces of freeze-dried liver (Available at pet-supply stores)
- 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 egg
Instructions:
Blend the liver cubes until you get a powder. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients. Prepare the silicone mold with vegetable oil. Then, put the mix on it and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes. Again, check if they are ready using a stick or a knife. Finally, turn the oven off and let the cake cool down for a couple of minutes.
3. Oatmeal Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats uncooked
- 1 egg
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
Start by mixing all the ingredients. Prepare the silicone mold with vegetable oil, and put the mix on it. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. When they’re ready, you should be able to put a stick in the cookies and get it out clean. Turn the oven off and let the cookies cool down for a couple of minutes.
Let your dog show you his best tricks and reward him with a freshly baked treat!
How to Store Your Doggie Desserts
Make sure the treats are completely cool before storing them. Then you can put them in a jar or container. Keep in mind that recipes that include fruits and/or vegetables, like the Peanut Butter Banana Pupcake, tend to have a shorter lifespan.
Always inspect the treat you’re about to give your dog before feeding it to him. If it looks soggy, discolored, or moldy, don’t feed it to him and throw the rest.
If you have any leftover cake mix, you can store it in containers and place them in your fridge until you’re ready to bake again. Alternatively, you can store it in your freezer for a longer duration.
Safety Considerations and Tips
Always use dog-friendly ingredients and avoid any harmful additions like chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and excessive sugar. Look out for any symptoms of intolerance or sensitivity, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or itchiness, and if that is the case stop giving the treats to your dog. Although the ingredients in these recipes are safe for dogs, some may have dietary restrictions, so better to be safe than sorry.
These doggie desserts are meant as occasional treats and they don’t replace your pup’s balanced diet. Measure their daily allowance and leave some room for the treats. This is especially important if your dog is already a tad overweight, or if you have a senior dog because they are less active and more prone to gain weight.
For dogs with existing health conditions, for example, heart disease or liver problems, it’s better to check with your vet before introducing any new ingredients, even if it is an occasional treat.
Final Thoughts
Baking can be a great way to bond with your furry friends. While I don’t do it often, when I do, I find it to be a really enjoyable experience.
This month, I decided to set aside some time to surprise my dogs with some delicious treats. And I’m glad I did because it was heartwarming to see how much they appreciated being included in all the Halloween fun. I highly recommend trying it out for yourself, whether you choose to follow one of my recipes or experiment with your dog’s favorite ingredients.
Wishing you and your four-legged friend a happy Halloween!
Byline:
I’m Katherine Ortega, a dog lover with over 10 years of experience in dog boarding and a top-rated dog sitter. Growing up with dogs, I’ve gained experience in caring for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. Senior dogs have a special place in my heart. Find me at www.furryaging.com, where I merge my two passions – writing and pets!
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