Your dog’s birthday is here, and you feel like doing something for him, but not by giving him a piece of your own, unhealthy, and sweetened cake (please, no way). Well, how about baking your dog a sweet potato and Oatmeal Dog Cake made from all-natural ingredients and nothing else? Interested? Let us find out together.
Why bother making a homemade dog cake?
I understand, valid question. There are premade treats for dogs because it’s convenient. However, it’s actually quite rewarding to know exactly what you’re putting in your dog’s system. It removes any doubt about what it is that your dog is consuming at an insane pace.
A homemade dog cake using sweet potatoes and oats puts you firmly in charge. But when it comes to dogs, appearance really does not matter to them one bit! Dogs only care about the taste, and you will definitely see that with this cake. FYI, if your dog dislikes it, he or she could be a food critic in disguise.
What makes this cake healthy for dogs?
Everything that goes into this dish serves a purpose. We’re not just adding things together in a haphazard fashion, hoping that it all works out; it’s really a healthy meal.
The power of sweet potato
Moreover, it is great for feeding to your dog since it is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber. The ingredient used in making the cake makes it sweet without using any sugar since the dogs like this taste.
Oat flour the unsung hero
Another alternative for flour used in making biscuits for dogs is oat flour, which can be obtained from grinding rolled oats. The good thing about using oat flour is that it is easy to digest and very rich in fiber, but the best thing about using this kind of flour is that it will not make your product heavier.
Peanut butter and Greek yogurt frosting
Here’s where the fun starts. The frosting is made up of two components, both of which are Greek yogurt and peanut butter. That’s all there is. It is creamy, high-protein, and dogs will absolutely adore it. According to me, it is one of the best choices for dog cake frosting out there.
One of the most essential considerations to take into account when buying peanut butter is that one should always buy the kind that does not contain sugar or any additives in addition to peanuts. Certain types of peanut butter have an ingredient called xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Ingredients you’ll need
These amounts will yield two 6-inch diameter round cakes. Would you like to bake a 4-layer impressive cake, just like the one for Cooper’s birthday? All you have to do is double the recipe!
Dry ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- ¾ tsp baking soda
Wet ingredients
- 1 egg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup sweet potato puree
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- ⅛ cup coconut oil
Frosting
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
Never use these
- Xylitol (toxic!)
- Chocolate
- Grapes or raisins
- Onions
- Avocado
How to make a sweet potato oatmeal dog cake step by step
It’s a plus that this is a simple recipe even for beginners. You don’t have to be an expert on making pastries for you to prepare this dish.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease two 6-inch round cake pans.
- Combine oat flour and baking soda in a small bowl and stir together.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients egg, applesauce, sweet potato puree, peanut butter, and coconut oil until fully combined.
- Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture in ¼-cup additions, whisking between each addition.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and flip onto a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.
- Whisk together Greek yogurt and peanut butter for the frosting. Refrigerate until cakes are ready.
- Level each cake layer with a serrated knife, then stack with frosting between each layer. Spread remaining frosting on top.
Fruits and veggies dogs can (and can’t) eat
Have you ever wondered how it is possible for some foods to be safe for your dog while others have you racing to the veterinarian? There actually is a reason, as some substances that pose no problem for people are highly toxic to canines. Below is a brief list from the American Kennel Club.
Safe for dogs
- Apples, pears, mangoes, blueberries great for fiber and vitamins
- Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin beta-carotene powerhouses
- Green beans, cucumbers, peas (avoid canned peas) low-calorie and crunchy
Fine in moderation
- Bananas, broccoli, cantaloupe, celery, cranberries, peaches, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, spinach
Keep these away from your dog
- Asparagus, avocado, cherries, grapes, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and anything with xylitol
Tips for building and serving the cake
You do not need any professional skills to decorate cakes for this; your dog will never criticize your slicing skills. However, there are some minor factors that can help you with this process.
- Level your layers. Use a long serrated knife to shave off the domed top of each cake so they stack evenly.
- Chill the frosting first. This keeps it from sliding around when you build the layers.
- Serve in small portions. Even healthy dog treats are best given in moderation, especially the first time. Every dog’s stomach is different.
- Skip the candles. Unless you enjoy watching your dog try to eat a burning object. 🙂
Can other dogs eat this cake too?
This is definitely not a one-dog recipe. Everything in this recipe is dog-friendly and easy. It is also wheat-free because it includes oat flour. This means that it can be used by dogs who have some intolerance for wheat.
However, when introducing new foods, do so slowly. This is especially important if your dog suffers from any allergies or illness, which should first be consulted with your veterinarian prior to the party
Final thoughts
There are so many great things you can do to make your dog’s birthday memorable, but making him/her a sweet potato and oatmeal dog cake is surely one of the best things you can do. It’s super easy to make, it’s full of nutrients, and it’s definitely going to make your dog go crazy with happiness! Just imagine how much your dog is going to love this cake, with just peanut butter and Greek yogurt frosting.
