Dog-Friendly Delight: How to Make a Pumpkin Cake for Your Pup

If you’re a dog owner, you know that your pet deserves the best treats and food. And what better way to celebrate a special occasion than with a homemade pumpkin cake? Not only is it a delicious and healthy option, but it’s also easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Whether it’s your dog’s birthday or you just want to spoil them, making a pumpkin cake is a great way to show your love. Plus, pumpkin is a great ingredient for dogs as it’s high in fiber and vitamins. You can even customize the cake to your dog’s tastes by adding peanut butter or other dog-friendly ingredients.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making a pumpkin cake for your pet. From selecting the right ingredients to baking and decorating the cake, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make a delicious and healthy treat that your dog will love. So grab your apron and let’s get started!

Ingredients

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. This recipe requires a mix of dry and wet ingredients.

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1-2 tablespoons of local honey
• 3/4 cup pure pumpkin pureé

Make sure to use natural peanut butter without xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. Also, be sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie mix.

Instructions

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, gather all the ingredients needed for the cake. You will need flour, baking soda, peanut butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and water. Make sure to use natural peanut butter without xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs. Also, make sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix.

Baking

In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix well. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until well combined. Grease a cake pan with vegetable oil and pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serving

Once the cake is done, let it cool completely before serving. You can frost the cake with cream cheese and peanut butter frosting and decorate it with dog treats. It’s important to remember that this cake is a treat and should only be given to your dog in moderation. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips and Precautions

When making a pumpkin cake for your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure their safety and enjoyment.

• Use only natural ingredients and avoid any artificial sweeteners or additives.
• Always check with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog’s diet.
• Be mindful of portion sizes and don’t overfeed your dog, as too much cake can upset their stomach.
• Consider any food allergies your dog may have and adjust the recipe accordingly.
• When serving the cake, be sure to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking hazards.

By following these tips and precautions, you can ensure that your pet will enjoy a delicious and safe pumpkin cake.

FAQ

Why Is Pumpkin Good For Dogs?

If your dog has a sensitive tummy or has trouble going to the bathroom, it could benefit from a little bit of pumpkin. Pumpkin is a very healthy source of fiber that can help get things moving, and settle any restlessness happening in your dog’s stomach. Pumpkins also have high water content, which dogs can always use. 

It is also really easy for dogs to digest pumpkin, so you can rest assured that your dog’s stomach won’t turn when they eat it. Plus, it’s delicious, so your dog will most likely lap it up. 

What Is The Best Type Of Pumpkin To Use To Feed My Dog?

Opt for pumpkin puree in a can with little to no additives or ingredients. This is the easiest to work with, is inexpensive, and your dog will love it. Try to avoid any pumpkin puree with salt or sugar. 

My Dog Loves Peanut Butter; Does It Mix Well With Pumpkin?

Pumpkin and peanut butter often go together for dogs, making them a satisfying and sweet treat. The Dog Bakery has a recipe for a cake that takes:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup peanut butter (go natural; no xylitol)
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl, starting with the dry ingredients. Flour your pan and oil it up, then pour the mixture inside. Bake the cake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. You can mix ⅔ cup of pumpkin puree and 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to make some icing for the cake. 

Are There Pumpkin Cakes With Dog-Friendly Vegetables?

The Modern Cookery has a recipe for Pumpkin Carrot Cupcakes that calls for:

• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt

Mix up all of the ingredients and pour the mixed batter into muffin tins. Bake the muffins in a 350-degree oven for 35-40 minutes. If you want, you can make a frosting with ½ cup of Greek yogurt, 2 ounces of peanut butter, and ½ tablespoon of maple syrup.

Are There Recipes Without Nuts?

Many dog recipes have peanut butter in them, as peanut butter is adored by many pups. It is easy to make them a pumpkin-based cake or cupcake without any nut products, however. 

For example, The Mindful Hapa has a recipe for pumpkin banana cupcakes. You mix half a cup of mashed banana, ½ cup pumpkin puree, one large egg, and two tablespoons of melted coconut oil in a bowl. Next, stir in ¾ cup of flour (regular or oat; your choice),¼ cup of rolled oats, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder.

Next, you simply add the mixture to your muffin tins, which can be lined with coconut oil, and cook them at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes. The recipe also gives you an option for dog-friendly frosting if you choose. 

Are There Any Recipes That Don’t Require Baking?

The Dog Bakery also has a recipe for a no-bake dog food cake with pumpkin as an ingredient. All you have to do is take one and a half cups of their favorite kibble, ¼ cup of pumpkin puree, and 3 tablespoons of peanut butter and put it all into a food processor. 

Once the mixture is crumbly but moist, form it into cupcake tins, a cake pan, or whatever container you have. Make a quick frosting if you choose, and serve it to your pup. 

Are There Recipes With No Flour? My Dog Is Sensitive

Rover has a pumpkin cake recipe that uses 2 cups of oat flour, or rolled oats blended into a food processor. Mix this with one teaspoon of baking soda, then add ½ cup non-fat yogurt, ½ cup pureed pumpkin, and vanilla (optional). Mix it all, then add 1/2 cup water and 2 eggs and mix again. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. 

You can make a frosting to go on top with dog-safe peanut butter and cream cheese. 

Isn’t It Easier To Just Buy My Dog Pumpkin Treats?

Since it’s so well-known just how good pumpkin is for dogs, you’ll most likely find pumpkin treats, cookies, and sweets for your dog in most pet food stores. However, you don’t necessarily know what is in these foods. If the ingredients are listed, you might notice unnecessary additives. 

When you make your dog homemade treats, such as cakes, you can control what you are putting in their food. What’s more, you can even enjoy many of these things yourself. Some of the recipes you can find are tasty enough that you might not be able to resist. 

How Much Pumpkin Is Okay For My Dog?

Every dog is different, but if your dog hasn’t tried pumpkin before, consider letting them try a small amount before making them a cake. If they like it, let them have small pieces of cake at a time. 

Just like with most foods, if your dog eats too much, it could end up upsetting its tummy. 

Are There Any Vet Recommendations For How Much Pumpkin Is Okay For A Dog?

Merck Veterinary Manual recommends between one to four tablespoons of pumpkin for a dog who has an upset stomach or diarrhea or is constipated. This could be a good rule of thumb to follow when trying to decide how much pumpkin cake to let your dog enjoy. Keep in mind the other ingredients in the cake as well.