Inspired by the amateur bakers getting floury in The Great British Bake Off, we've decided to put together a masterclass on pet-friendly cakes. We're talking a signature bake, a technical challenge, and a showstopper all in one! OK, maybe not quite that far, we're talking about the delicious treats to include and the naughty no no's you absolutely need to steer clear of.
So, whether you’re treating your cat to an evening banquet or throwing a bash for your dog's birthday, these recipe ideas will make sure they have the most delicious day ever.
Birthday Cake for Dogs
Whip up one of these dog cake recipes and your furry guests will be howling for joy. If you’re using a new flavour, just make sure to give your pup a taster ahead of the big day to make sure it hits the spot. Don’t forget to double check ingredients just in case there might be something they’re allergic to in there. Make this dog birthday cake one to remember and snap some pictures of your paw-fect special treat!
Dog-Friendly Foods to Include
Cooked pumpkin is a delicious treat for canines and perfect for a dog-friendly cake recipe. It tastes new and exciting, and it’s packed with vitamins, calcium and iron too. Try making this pumpkin dog cake or these pumpkin and banana dog cupcakes or switch it up and fill a piping bag with some mashed sweet potato for some more interactive fun!
Go nuts with peanut butter and add a sweet kick to your dog-friendly cake. Just make sure it doesn’t include Xylitol, an artificial sweetener. Check the label carefully as this is not good for your dog and will require a trip to the VET, which is no fun on your birthday. We love the idea of a peanut butter and carrot cake and Bow-Wow brownies which make dog treats look boring in comparison.
For something more savoury, you could use cooked chicken, salmon, carrots, and green beans in your cake mix - four flavoursome, friendly ingredients which your dogs will love. The Omega 3 acids in salmon in particular will make the birthday boy or girl’s coat look sleek and glossy.
Dog Birthday Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 eggs
- 120g xylitol free peanut butter (spread or pure)
- 65ml oil (canola, vegetable)
- 165ml milk (or water)
- 100g honey or maple syrup (or apple sauce or skip it)
- 2 large carrots (shredded)
- 300g whole wheat / wholemeal flour (or white flour)
- 2 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
Dog-friendly fluffy frosting (whipped potato yogurt):
- 600 - 700g potatoes , peeled, cut into chunks
- 150 - 200g yogurt (plain unsweetened) or water
Instructions
Cake:
- Preheat oven to 180˚C (160˚C fan).
- Grease and line the base of 2 x 20cm/8" cake pans.
- Whisk together eggs, peanut butter, oil, honey and milk (little peanut butter lumps ok).
- Stir in carrots. Then add flour and baking soda, stir until just combined (over-mixing = hard cake = sad birthday pooch).
- Divide batter between the cake pans, spread and smooth surface.
- Bake 25 minutes or until skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool on racks. Frost per below.
Doggie Fluffy Frosting:
- Boil, steam or microwave potato until very soft.
- Whip potato and yoghurt with an electric whisk until fluffy and smooth as possible (won't go 100% smooth) - about 1 1/2 minutes on medium speed.
- Use water as needed to loosen frosting to soft spreadable consistency (like human buttercream frosting!). Use while warm (it "sets" when it cools).
Frosting:
- Spread 1/4 frosting on one cake.
- Top with other cake. Frost tops and sides with remaining frosting, reserving some to pipe decorations if desired.
NOTE: Make sure to serve cake in moderation to prevent gastroenteritis (vomiting/diarrhoea) and unwanted weight gain!
Foods to Avoid
There are a number of foods which you should avoid giving to your dog, including:
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Sugary sweets
- Apple seeds
- Grapes
View our list of 15 human foods you shouldn’t share with your 15 human foods you shouldn’t share with your dog.
If your pup does snaffle any of these forbidden items, take them down to your local vet as soon as you can for a check-up.
Once you’ve sorted the cake, check out our guide to throwing your dog a throwing your dog a birthday party for some more celebration inspiration.
Birthday Cake for Cats
They might not be the biggest party animals, but we can guarantee that a delicious cat cake recipe will put a smile on their feline faces. Throw out the cat treats this year and learn which ingredients will make them purr by trying some of our favourite recipes.
Cat-Friendly Foods to Include
When it comes to impressing your mog, the fishier the better. So cooked salmon and fish oil are both great additions. Try making this easy cheesy tuna cake.
Other tasty ingredients which you can include are cooked chicken and spinach. Cooked pumpkin or pumpkin puree is another tasty option, full of vitamins and great for keeping your kitty’s digestion system healthy.
Garnish with a sprig of catnip for extra brownie points with your fluffball. This herb is a natural mood booster for cats and the perfect treat on their special day.
Cat Tuna Birthday Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/2 can of tuna
- 2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons of shredded or grated cheese, use fresh cheese -- do not use the pre-shredded in the bag
- Defrosted shrimp, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180˚C (160˚C fan).
- Break up tuna in a medium bowl.
- Lightly whisk the egg in a separate bowl, then combine with tuna.
- Add in flour and cheese. Stir to combine.
- Scoop batter into cupcake tin or silicone cups.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Top with shrimp or animal-safe peanut butter
NOTE: Make sure to serve cake in moderation to prevent gastroenteritis (vomiting/diarrhoea) and unwanted weight gain!
Foods to Avoid
Avoid these human foods when making your cat birthday cake - nobody wants an upset tummy on their birthday. If your cat eats any of these foods, book an appointment with your local vet straight away:
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Dairy (some cats can become lactose intolerant when they’re adults)
- Raw meat and fish
- Tinned tuna
- Grapes
- Onions
While cats can eat tinned tuna, they can’t eat any tuna in brine or oil as this could cause health issues. Additionally, ensure there’s no additives, or additional salt and seasonings. Tuna should not make up more than 10% of your cat’s diet.
So when it comes to the light of your life's birthday, get your pinny on, dig out your whisk, break out the flour, and baking could become your new hobby. So with a little bit of love and a little bit of care mix until combined to give your fluffy friend a birthday to remember!
But if you're not necessarily that way inclined, your furry friend will probably be just as happy with a bowl of mashed potato... As long as you're there too, of course!
Everypaw Pet Insurance
Everypaw's Pet Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pet will be well looked after.