Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

6 Homemade Dog Cake Recipes: Vet-Approved Nutritious Options

Freshly baked carrot cupcakes on a plate

Ready to celebrate your dog? These six delicious dog cake recipes will show the world that you love your dog to the moon and back. The best part is that they’re human-grade, which means you can have a slice as well! Ready to start? Get your whisks and oven mitts ready! Your pooch is going to love these tasty cakes.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Before You Start

When making homemade dog treats it’s your responsibility not to include any ingredients that are healthy for your dog. While our recipes will be suitable for most dogs, some dogs could become unwell from the ingredients used. For example, if your dog has a wheat allergy, don’t use any wheat flour in your recipes. If your dog is lactose intolerant, yogurt could give them an upset stomach. For dogs prone to pancreatitis, you need to stay away from oils and dairy as the fats can trigger pancreatitis.

When selecting ingredients, make sure they don’t contain anything toxic to dogs. Some peanut butter contains Xylitol which can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. Other ingredients to avoid include raisins, nutmeg, chocolate, coffee, and macadamia nuts.

If your recipe includes eggs, you should ensure the mixture is heated to a temperature that will kill any bacteria (165°F).

divider single dog paw oct 2024

The 6 Homemade Dog Cake Recipes

1. Peanut Butter and Applesauce Cake – Dogster Recipe

apple beside peanut butter

Peanut Butter and Applesauce Cake

Did someone say peanut butter and applesauce? Good luck getting a slice when you have to share it with your dog. This mouth-watering dog cake is so easy and simple, you’ll be surprised you're baking a cake in 30 minutes. The added leavening makes it extra fluffy (for a dog cake), and the whipping cream frosting adds a lovely creaminess to the entire dish.
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Equipment

  • 6-inch round cake pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large bowl
  • Large spoon
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Knife

Ingredients
 

  • ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt

Instructions
 

  • Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 6-inch cake pan with parchment paper, then spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Stir the flour, baking soda, baking powder, peanut butter, oil, applesauce, egg, and honey together and then pour it into the pan. Bake the cake for 20 to 30 minutes until browned and cooked through. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

Use the Greek yogurt to frost the cake to your desire. Store the cake in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Image Credit: sheri silver, Unsplash

2. Vanilla and Peanut Butter Doggie Birthday Cake

Vanilla and Peanut Butter Doggie Birthday Cake
Image Credit: allrecipes.
  • Total cook time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ingredients
  • Egg
  • Honey
  • Peanut butter
  • Cooking oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Carrot
  • Flour (white or wheat)
  • Baking soda
Steps
  • 6-cup ring mold
  • Large bowl
  • Large cooking spoon
  • Knife

You won’t find many homemade dog cakes featuring vanilla, but this delicious vanilla and peanut butter cake is the exception. To make this cake into a healthier option, omit the honey and substitute wheat flour. Even the pickiest of babies will scarf this cake down. You can even add half of a banana and 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt for more moisture.


3. Pumpkin Dog Cake

Pumpkin Dog Cake
Image Credit: onceuponapumpkinrd
  • Total cook time: 50 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
  • Oat flour
  • Cinnamon
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Egg
  • Applesauce
  • Peanut butter
  • Plain yogurt
  • Dog treats
Steps
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • (2) 6 inch- cake pans
  • 1 knife

This cake is similar to the first cake mentioned above except with added cinnamon and decorative dog treats on top. If you plan to eat this cake yourself just don’t add the dog treats. This recipe is a “true” birthday cake delight. We recommend making the pumpkin puree at home, which will take more time but that way you can ensure no additional ingredients that could be unhealthy for your dog. Go easy with the cinnamon too, to avoid an upset stomach. But you can have it made and ready to go in under an hour.


4. Dog-Safe Carrot Cake

Dog-Safe Carrot Cake
Image Credit: zhangcatherine
  • Total cook time: 35 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
  • Ground whole oats
  • Baking powder
  • Carrot
  • Banana
  • Peanut butter
  • Egg
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cornstarch
Steps
  • 2 x 4-inch cake tins
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large cooking spoon
  • Knife
  • Rubber spatula

Another no-pumpkin recipe, carrots and bananas are the shining stars of this healthy birthday meal. The sweetness of the banana and carrot combine into a beautifully sweet treat. If your dog doesn’t like carrots, try substituting zucchini instead. This cake is ready to go in about 35 minutes, which is faster than most meals!


5. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bliss Cake

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bliss Cake
Image Credit: bromabakery
  • Total cook time: 1 h 30 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
  • Vegetable oil
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Peanut butter
  • Eggs, flour
  • Baking soda
  • Greek yogurt
  • Peanut butte
Steps
  • 6-inch cake pan
  • Stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife

This cake includes layers and layers of deliciousness! This recipe calls for a stand mixer, but don’t worry if you don’t have one. Just add 10 minutes to this recipe if you plan to do it by hand. One baker used sour cream instead of yogurt for the icing and her dog loved it. The icing won’t look as pretty, but your dog won’t mind.


6. Healthy Dog Treats

Healthy Dog Treats
Image Credit: damndelicious
  • Total cook time: 50 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ingredients
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Peanut butter
  • Egg
  • Old-fashioned oats
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Carrot
  • Zucchini
  • Baby spinach
Steps
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Electric mixer with paddle attachment
  • Large bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutters

This ultra-healthy dog treat recipe is the go-to if your dog has to watch what they eat. A fiber-rich option, this recipe includes baby spinach with carrot and zucchini for the ultimate health snack.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Go Easy on the Calories

Remember that cakes are for celebrations, not for everyday consumption. When you offer dog cake as a treat, follow the 10% rule. The 10% means that of your dog’s daily caloric intake, only 10% should come from treats. It’s hard to determine how many calories are in each recipe, so try a homemade recipe calorie calculator to help you out.

Also, if you need veterinary advice over your dog’s nutrition, we recommend speaking with a vet.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Conclusion

Who doesn’t want to celebrate their pup’s special day? Really, some of us are looking for an excuse to start baking. Why not bake for the most eager member of your family? Plus, you can try a piece of the desert. It’s the only dog food you’ll ever enjoy!


Featured Image Credit: Wiktory, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.


How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Recipe Rating





Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Feeding Your Maltipoo: A Vet-Approved Guide

Maltipoos (a mix between a Miniature or Toy Poodle and a Maltese) are a popular breed due to their absolute adorableness and extreme...

My Neighbor Is Complaining About My Dog Barking: Things to Do Next

Dogs bark; that’s a fact. However, there may be times when your dog barks too much, so much so that it annoys your...

Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: The Differences (With Pictures)

Australian Labradoodles are a mixed breed from Australia. They’re a mix of several dogs, including Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, Curly Coated Retrievers, Poodles, and...

What Kind of Music Does a Dog Like? Vet Approved Facts & Top Genres

If you are a music fan and a dog owner, you’ve probably noticed your pet reacting to the music you’re rocking out to,...

More related

Borborygmi in Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Causes & Care Guide

The word “borborygmi” is the technical way of describing the gurgling sound coming from your gastrointestinal (GI) system. It’s embarrassing when it happens...

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Shar-Pei? 2026 Price Guide

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed with an ancient pedigree and a unique appearance that has captured the hearts of many. While reserved...

8 Common Husky Health Problems: Vet-Approved Things to Watch For

Breed-specific conditions are a huge concern for dog parents with purebred dogs like Siberian Huskies. Choosing a reputable breeder is important in preventing...

How to Teach a Dog to Lie Down: Step-by-Step Guide

There are a few basic commands that every dog should know. After learning to sit, the next step is often teaching your dog...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Have Peppermint? Vet-Verified Safety Facts & FAQ

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) makes an appearance in so many things we eat and drink, particularly around the holidays! But many also use peppermint for its homeopathic uses, of which there are a number of potential benefits to humans. But can...

peppermint plants

Which Nuts Are Bad for Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Safe & Toxic Options

Keeping our animals healthy is a top concern for us pet owners, and the foods that they eat often present the biggest danger. For example, many people worry about nuts because there are several kinds, and some are safe for...

a bowl of assorted nuts

Can Dogs Eat Plums? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

While choosing and preparing fruits and vegetables for your canine friend, it’s essential to be mindful of specific options that may not suit them. For example, you might be curious whether plums are safe for dogs. While dogs can eat...

Can Dogs Eat Plums

Can Dogs Eat Agave? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Agave nectar (or agave syrup) is a sweeter-than-sugar sweetener derived from the agave plant. Since honey is sometimes recommended for dogs, you might wonder if you can offer Fido a teaspoon or tablespoon of your agave syrup. While agave syrup...

Can Dogs Eat Agave

Can Dogs Eat Hot Sauce? Vet-Verified Health Facts

Some people like their food to be extra spicy, with hot sauces being a $1.65 billion market in the United States. Of course, not everyone likes the heat. That includes your dog. Wild or domestic canines don’t encounter this taste...

Can Dogs Eat Hot Sauce

Can Dogs Eat Cream of Wheat? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

The grain-free diet craze is dying down among pet owners, leading some to wonder if dogs can eat grain products like Cream of Wheat. While it’s best to avoid table food for your dog and stick to a balanced commercial...

Can Dogs Eat Cream of Wheat

Does Canned Dog Food Need to Be Refrigerated? Vet Approved Health & Safety Tips

Sometimes, our dog doesn’t eat all their food, or we forget to put it away after we open the can. We’ve also seen great deals we can’t pass up and purchase in bulk. How do you store both closed and...

jack russell looking for food in the fridge

7 Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls to Gain Muscle in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

As pet owners, we all want our companions to thrive and give them the best we can give them when it comes to their nutrition. If you own a Pitbull, you understand that public perception has missed the mark, and...

pitbull eating