Make Your Own Gourmet Dog Treats: Pupcakes!

Peanut Butter Pupcakes? Most people consider their pets to be a “bone-a-fide” part of their family. They are taken care of and pampered just like any other member of the family. Some people even go so far as to spend a little extra on gourmet dog treats instead of buying the run-of-the-mill commercial dog biscuits.

Gourmet dog treats probably don’t make much difference as far as the dog is concerned, but it makes people feel good to know that their pets are special enough that they’re willing to spend extra on them. 

Gourmet dog treats can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. A good way to save money on gourmet dog treats is to make your own from home. It’s easy and rewarding for your dog.

Peanut Butter Pupcakes

You can make dog biscuits using the same fine ingredients that you would use for your own baking. One popular blog recipe for biscuits calls for 2 cups of flour, a half cup of dry, nonfat milk, a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 10 ounces of chopped spinach, a cup of softened margarine, and 2 cloves of crushed garlic. 

EEK!!

Garlic is BAD for dogs, toxic even! We talk a little about it in our 7 Healthy Treats For Dogs Article and give you a free printable good/bad sheet.

This is where our Pupcakes come in!

What are Pupcakes?

Pupcakes are cupcakes that are safe for dogs to eat. This recipe will make you six of these babies. You can actually freeze them to pull out a few at a time and frost them after they thaw out.

We use both banana and peanut butter in our pupcakes

The flavor combo is one we all love and the health benefits are amazing.

Get your FREE printable dog treat labels!

That being said, I wanted to make sure you saw our custom printable labels for your doggie treat jars – it is a fun FREEBIE we have for you.

Are bananas good for dogs?

All experts agree – bananas are an excellent treat for dogs and all parts can be enjoyed! That is what makes these such a great base in this recipe.

What does Peanut Butter do for dogs?

Most peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat, and in moderation peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin.

That being said, it is high in fat. Use it in moderation to prevent a paunchy pooch! DOgs also have a tougher time digesting fat – it can lead to unpleasant dietary reactions like vomiting and diarrhea.

It can also cause pancreatitis. 

That doesn’t mean you should never give it to your dog – just stick to natural peanut butter and limit how much your dole out at one time.

Peanut Butter Banana Pupcakes Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 egg
• ½ cups oat flour
• ¼ cup wheat flour
• 1 ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1/8 c coconut oil (melted)
• ¼ C plus 2 T water
• ¼ heaping Cup Carob chips (No chocolate for dogs!)

 Supplies Needed

• Bowl for mixing
• Microwave safe bowl for melting oil
• Cupcake/muffin tins
• Measuring spoon for dishing out the batter

Instructions for Pupcakes Cupcakes

Cut the banana into pieces and mash them.

Melt the coconut oil for about 50 seconds in a microwave safe bowl. Add to the bananas and mix well.

Add the peanut butter and mix well.

Add the honey and mix well.

Add the egg and mix well.

Add both of the flours and mix well.

Add the Baking powder and mix well.

Add the water and mix well.

Add the carob chips and mix well.

Grease your muffin tins or use baking cup liners.

Fill cups ¾ full using a ⅓ cup measuring cup to scoop the batter into the wells.

Bake 23 minutes at 350 degrees.

Let them completely cool before trying to frost. 

Did you know I have an Etsy Store coming for Aussies and Service Dog fun things?

Pupcakes Decorating

Seriously, who doesn’t love a decorated cupcake? If dogs are like toddlers in intelligence and temperament, they must love all the fun fancy stuff too!

We have a safe frosting recipe for your pooch and simple ways to top it off. It frosts (lightly) 6 pupcakes and leaves you a little extra for a few other doggie treats.

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Pupcakes Frosting for Dogs

Pupcakes Frosting Ingredients

• 4 oz fat-free cream cheese softened
• ¼ Cup Natural Peanut Butter  (do not use sugar-free)
• A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt (approximately a tablespoon)
• Treats for décor optional
• Sprinkles optional – we like these dog safe ones: India Tree Nature’s Colors Carnival Sprinkles, 6 Ounce: AmazonSmile: Grocery & Gourmet Food

Supplies Needed

• Bowl for mixing
• Fork for mashing
• Spoon for mixing
• AmazonSmile: Wilton 16-inch Disposable Decorating Bags Set, 4-Pack: Kitchen & Dining
• Frosting tip (Small hole) AmazonSmile: Wilton, 55-Piece Cake Supply Master Decorating Tip Set: Food Decorating Tools: Kitchen & Dining

Pupcakes Frosting Instructions

Put softened cream cheese into a bowl. Mash the cream cheese

Add peanut butter to the cream cheese and mix

Add a bit of yogurt if needed to soften the mixture so it’s not really stiff. Be careful not to add too much as it will make your frosting too soft. That means it melts down into one big pile instead of looking pretty.

If you are going to use a pastry bag cut the tip off and position the tip into the bag. If not frost with a knife.

Fold the top of the bag over.

Scoop frosting into the bag.

Twist the bag until the frosting hits the tip.

Start frosting the pupcakes in a circular motion. — You can frost them with a knife if you would like to do that instead of dealing with a pastry bag.

Add décor to your cupcakes if desired. I used bacon strips and on one cupcake I added dog friendly sprinkles. I liked them better without the sprinkles though.

Other articles you may find interesting:

• Can Dogs Eat Spam? A Clear and Knowledgeable Answer
• The Science Behind Migraine Detection: Canine Sensory Abilities Explored
• Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets? Expert Advice on Feeding Your Furry Friend
• The Role of Service Dogs in Migraine Management: A Comprehensive Guide
• Can Dogs Eat Barley? A Clear and Neutral Answer