Does your dog deserve a special treat on their birthday or gotcha day? This Apple Cheddar Dog Cake with Yogurt Frosting is the perfect way to celebrate.
Made with simple, dog safe ingredients, this cake is a savory and slightly sweet option that your pup will love.
It is designed to be a fun, occasional meal topper or a standalone treat, not a replacement for their regular diet. Let us show you how to bake a cake that is all about your furry friend.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make this dog friendly cake. Make sure all ingredients are plain and unsalted.
For the cake:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum free)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened applesauce or water (if needed for consistency)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
For the yogurt frosting:
- 1/2 cup plain, full fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened peanut butter (xylitol free)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect dog cake.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 6 inch round cake pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and baking powder.
- Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, egg, melted coconut oil, and grated cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
Do not overmix. If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or more applesauce to loosen it.
- Transfer to the pan. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the frosting. In a small bowl, stir together the plain Greek yogurt and peanut butter until smooth.
- Frost and serve. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the yogurt frosting on top. Grate a little extra cheddar cheese over the top as a garnish. Serve immediately to your dog.
Keeping It Fresh
This cake is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers.
Place any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days.
The yogurt frosting may soften over time, so it is best to add the frosting just before serving if you are saving slices.
You can also freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and add the frosting afterward.
Portion guidance: This cake is a treat, not a meal. For small dogs, serve a slice about the size of a small cookie. For medium dogs, a slice about 2 inches wide is plenty.
Large dogs can enjoy a slice up to 4 inches wide. Always adjust based on your dog’s size and activity level.
Benefits of This Recipe
This recipe offers several practical benefits for your dog’s diet. The whole wheat flour provides fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
Apples are a good source of vitamins A and C, plus they add natural sweetness your dog will enjoy.
Cheddar cheese offers protein and calcium, but it is used in moderation to keep fat levels reasonable. Greek yogurt adds probiotics, which can aid in gut health.
Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein. This cake is a balanced, occasional treat that fits into a dog’s overall meal plan when served in proper portions.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Avoid common mistakes when preparing this cake for your dog. Do not use any sweeteners.
Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Always check your peanut butter label to ensure it is xylitol free.
Also, never add sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners to the cake or frosting. Avoid unsafe add ins.
Do not include chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, or any seasonings like salt or spices. The recipe is intentionally plain to be safe and easy on your dog’s stomach. Watch the cheese portion.
While cheddar is safe, too much cheese can cause digestive upset or contribute to weight gain. Stick to the amounts listed.
This cake is a treat, so do not feed the entire cake to your dog in one sitting. Monitor for allergies. Some dogs are sensitive to dairy or wheat.
If your dog has never had cheese or yogurt, start with a very small piece and watch for any signs of intolerance, like loose stools or itching.
FAQs
How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the frosting separate if possible. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months.
How much of this cake can my dog eat?
This cake is a treat, so it should not replace meals.
For a small dog, a slice the size of a small cookie is plenty. For a medium dog, a 2 inch slice works. For large dogs, a 4 inch slice is fine.
Is cheddar cheese safe for dogs?
Yes, plain cheddar cheese is safe for dogs in moderation. It is high in fat and calories, so only use the amount listed in the recipe. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so watch for any signs of stomach upset after serving.
Can I use low fat yogurt?
Yes, you can use plain low fat or nonfat Greek yogurt.
Full fat yogurt provides more creamy texture, but low fat works fine. Just ensure the yogurt is plain and unsweetened. Avoid any yogurt with artificial sweeteners or fruit flavorings.
What if my dog has allergies?
If your dog is allergic to wheat, substitute oat flour or coconut flour.
For dairy allergies, skip the cheese and use a dairy free yogurt alternative, like coconut milk yogurt (unsweetened). Always check ingredient labels carefully.
