Dog Care

Dog Birthday Cake Recipe

Celebrating your pup’s birthday is a perfect way to show just how much you love them. Whether it’s their first, fifth or fifteenth birthday, making a dog birthday cake adds a personal and tasty touch to the day. Forget store-bought treats—these easy-to-make recipes for homemade cakes for dogs are healthy, dog-safe, and absolutely tail-wagging good. Let the dog birthday party begin!

Puppy care conversations with Dr Fiona Hendrie, Veterinary Surgeon

Learn how to make a simple and delicious homemade birthday cake for your puppy's next birthday.

Can Dogs Eat Cake?

This is one of the first questions many owners ask: Can dogs eat cake?
The answer depends on the cake. Traditional cakes made for humans are not safe for dogs. Ingredients like chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and certain frostings can be harmful. However, with the right recipe, you can create a dog-friendly icing or frosting on the cake that’s both safe and delicious.

Safe Frosting Options for Dogs

Skip the sugary toppings and choose frosting for dogs with natural, safe ingredients. Here are some ideas:
•   Dog-Friendly Icing: Blend plain yogurt with unsweetened apple sauce for a creamy and safe topping.
•    Peanut Butter Frosting: Use unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter mixed with a small amount of yogurt.
•    Mashed Potato Icing: A savoury option perfect for dogs who love something different.
These options ensure your dog's birthday cake is celebratory and gentle on their stomach.

What Ingredients Are Good for Dogs?

When baking for your pup, using dog-safe ingredients is crucial. Here are some healthy and tasty options to include in your dog cake recipes:
•    Apple: Yes, apple is good for dogs, but remember to remove the seeds and core as they can be harmful.
•    Pumpkin: Packed with fibre and vitamins, pumpkin is good for dogs and adds a rich flavour to cakes.
•    Peanut Butter: A favourite among dogs, peanut butter is good for dogs if it’s unsweetened and free of xylitol.
•    Bananas: Sweet and full of potassium, banana is good for dogs and adds natural sweetness to recipes.
•    Carrots: Not only are carrots good for dogs, but they’re also crunchy, nutritious, and perfect for grating into cakes.
These ingredients ensure your dog's birthday cake recipe is both nutritious and delicious.

Homemade Cake for Dogs

Making a homemade cake for dogs is simpler than you might think. Here are four easy and nutritious recipes to try, featuring ingredients your pup will love.

Carrot Cake for Dogs

Carrots are naturally sweet and packed with vitamins, making them an excellent addition to a dog carrot cake recipe.

Ingredients:

•    1 cup grated carrots
•    1 cup wholemeal flour
•    1 egg
•    1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
•    1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1.    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.    Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
3.    Pour the batter into a greased cake tin.
4.    Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
5.    Let cool, then top with dog-safe frosting.

Peanut Butter Cake for Dogs

For pups who can’t get enough peanut butter, this peanut butter cake for dogs is a must-try.

Ingredients:

•    1/2 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
•    1/2 cup plain yogurt
•    1 cup oat flour
•    1 egg
•    1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1.    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.    Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
3.    Pour the batter into a greased cake tin or silicone mould.
4.    Bake for 20-30 minutes, then let cool.
5.    Frost with a peanut butter yogurt mixture for extra flavour.

Banana Cake for Dogs

Bananas make this banana cake for dogs moist, sweet, and irresistible.

Ingredients:

•    1 ripe banana, mashed
•    1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
•    1 egg
•    1 cup wholemeal flour
•    1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1.    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.    Mash the banana and mix it with the other ingredients.
3.    Pour the batter into a greased pan.
4.    Bake for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
5.    Let cool and garnish with banana slices.

Pumpkin Cake for Dogs

Full of fibre and flavour, this pumpkin cake for dogs is a great way to spoil your pup.

Ingredients:

•    1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
•    1 cup whole wheat flour
•    1 egg
•    1/4 cup plain yogurt
•    1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1.    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.    Mix all the ingredients together until smooth.
3.    Pour the batter into a greased pan.
4.    Bake for 20-25 minutes.
5.    Let cool and frost with a pumpkin-yogurt mixture.

Dog Birthday Party Ideas

No dog birthday party is complete without fun activities and treats. Along with your homemade dog birthday cake, consider these dog birthday ideas:
•    Pup Party Favors: Send each guest home with a bag of dog birthday treats.
•    Decorations: Use pet-safe balloons and banners to set the scene.
•    Games: Plan activities like fetch contests or obstacle courses to keep the pups entertained.
Your party can be as simple or elaborate as you like, but a dog-friendly cake is always the highlight.

FAQ

Is Honey Okay for Dogs?
Yes, honey is safe for dogs in small amounts. It’s a natural sweetener that can be used sparingly in dog cake recipes, but avoid giving too much as it’s high in sugar.
Can Dogs Eat Icing?
Most traditional icing is unsuitable for dogs due to sugar and artificial ingredients. Instead, use dog-friendly icing options like yogurt, cream cheese, or mashed potatoes for a safe and tasty topping.

Can Dogs Eat Vanilla?
Natural vanilla flavouring is generally safe for dogs in small amounts but avoid vanilla extract containing alcohol. Always check the ingredient label to ensure safety.

PET-0045-2025