6 Homemade Dog Cake Recipes: Vet-Approved Nutritious Options
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.
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).
The 6 Homemade Dog Cake Recipes
1. Peanut Butter and Applesauce Cake – Dogster Recipe
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 min
Total time
30 min
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
- 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
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.
Prep time
15 min
Cook time
40 min
Total time
1 hr 5 min
Servings
6 slices
Equipment
- 6-cup ring mold
- Bowl
- Sieve
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup whole wheat or white flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F; grease a 6-cup ring mold.
- Beat wet ingredients; stir in carrot, then sifted flour and baking soda.
- Fill mold; bake about 40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then on a rack.
Notes
Serve sparingly. Honey is optional.
Recipe credit: Allrecipes
3. Pumpkin Dog Cake
Pumpkin Dog Cake
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.
Prep time
10 min
Servings
10 slices
Equipment
- Two bowls
- Whisk
- Two 6-inch cake pans
- Knife
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter
- dog treats
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 6-inch cake pans.
- Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and baking powder. Separately mix pumpkin, eggs, applesauce and cake peanut butter; stir in dry ingredients.
- Divide between pans. Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then on a rack.
- Level one layer and spread with a little yogurt; add the second layer. Mix remaining yogurt with frosting peanut butter and spread over cake. Decorate if desired.
Notes
Offer small occasional portions. Omit dog-treat decorations from any slice intended for people.
Recipe credit: Once Upon a Pumpkin
4. Dog-Safe Carrot Cake
Dog-Safe Carrot Cake
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.
Prep time
20 min
Servings
1 small layer cake
Equipment
- Two 4-inch cake tins
- Baking paper
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 45 g ground whole oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 carrot
- 1 medium banana
- 70 g peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 140 g plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (180°C); line two 4-inch cake tins.
- Combine oats and baking powder. Add carrot, banana, cake peanut butter and egg; mix only until combined.
- Divide into tins. Bake about 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean; cool completely.
- Whisk yogurt, frosting peanut butter and cornstarch together; spread between and over layers.
Notes
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. Give only small portions.
Recipe credit: Catherine Zhang
5. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bliss Cake
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bliss Cake
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.
Prep time
10 min
Cook time
18 min
Total time
28 min
Servings
1 6-inch layer cake
Equipment
- Two 6-inch round pans
- Stand mixer or bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F; grease two 6-inch round pans.
- Mix pumpkin, cake peanut butter and oil; beat in eggs. Fold in flour and baking powder.
- Divide into pans. Bake about 18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean; cool completely.
- Whisk yogurt and frosting peanut butter about three minutes until fluffy. Spread between layers and over cake.
Notes
Serve only a small piece as a treat. Keep covered in the refrigerator.
Recipe credit: Broma Bakery
6. Healthy Dog Treats
Healthy Dog Treats
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.
Prep time
25 min
Cook time
25 min
Total time
50 min
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixer with paddle
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 carrot
- 1 zucchini
- 1 cup baby spinach
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F; line a baking sheet.
- Beat pumpkin, peanut butter and eggs. Mix in oats and 2 1/2 cups flour; add more flour gradually until dough is not sticky. Mix in vegetables.
- Knead briefly on a floured surface; roll 1/4 inch thick and cut shapes.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until edges brown. Cool completely.
Notes
Treat size and yield depend on the cutters used. Offer sparingly.
Related reading: Can dogs eat oatmeal
Recipe credit: Damn Delicious
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.
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!
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Wiktory, Shutterstock
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Cassidy is a vet tech and professional pet sitter turned pet writer whose passion is all things animals, both domestic and wild. She’s had a multitude of pets over the years and loves writing about the animal-human bond. She and her husband now live in Wichita with a German Shepherd named Raven, two cats, Lucy & Strudel, and a few backyard chicks.
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