No, I’d strongly not recommend cake for your pup. Cake contains harmful ingredients that are not safe.
Why You Should Not Feed Your Dog “Human” Cake
Okay, we all know that cakes are made for human consumption and our bodies are very different from theirs, so what may seem safe for us is life-threatening for them. Here’s a look at some of the dangerous ingredients you need to be aware of:
Chocolate and Caffeine: These meals contain methylxanthines which are toxic to pups. Chocolate, in particular, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and even death in severe cases.
Grapes and Raisins: Although, I do not know the exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins but even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Some of the symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite
Other Toxic Ingredients: Other ingredients like Macadamia nuts can affect your dog’s digestive and nervous systems, causing vomiting, weakness, and tremors. That’s not all, I’ve also discovered that Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many baked goods, also causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. Nutmeg too, a spice used in some cakes, can cause seizures, tremors, and central nervous system issues in dogs.
The good news, there are cakes just for dogs!
While human cakes are off-limits for our furry friends, there are plenty of safe alternatives available. These doggy cakes are made with ingredients that are not only harmless but also nutritious for them
Where To Get Doggy Cakes? You can find dog cakes at many pet stores, and bakeries that cater to pets, or even order them online from specialty dog bakeries. These cakes have dog-friendly ingredients like whole wheat flour, peanut butter, carrots, and yogurt.
How to make a dog-friendly cake in 4 simple steps
Wanna make your own doggy cake for your pup? Here’s a simple recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, and 1 egg.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once cooled frost with a safe “frosting” made from plain yogurt or mashed bananas.
Ingredients to feed your dogs in moderation
While you should avoid some human food ingredients altogether, certain ingredients can be included in moderation for your dog’s treats, as long as they don’t have any specific allergies.
Dairy Products: Dogs generally have a hard time digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products and it leads to gas, bloating, and digestive upset. However, many dogs can tolerate small amounts of lactose-free dairy products, such as plain yogurt or cheese.
Gluten: While gluten intolerance is not as common in dogs as it is in humans, some dogs may be allergic to gluten or wheat. If your dog exhibits signs of digestive issues after consuming these treats, stop feeding them and go for alternatives instead.
Safe Ingredients
When it comes to dog treats, here’s a look at some of the safe ingredients you can use:
Carrot Cake: Carrots are a great source of vitamins and fiber. So you can go ahead and make carrot cake using whole wheat flour, grated carrots, and a small amount of unsweetened applesauce or peanut butter as a binder.
Apples & Peanut Butter: Both apples and peanuts are a perfect ingredient for your dog’s cake . Apples provide fiber and vitamins, while peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can cake kill dogs? Yes, sure some ingredients found in human cakes are fatal for dogs if they eat in large amounts.
- Can dogs eat cake with icing? No, I’d not recommend cake with icing for dogs . Most icings contain large amounts of sugar, dairy products, and other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.
- Can dogs eat cake without icing? Yes, sure plain cake without icing is less dangerous than iced cake, but it still likely contains ingredients like sugar, butter, and chocolate that are unhealthy for them, so you have to be careful.
- Can dogs eat strawberry cake? While strawberries themselves are safe for dogs, a strawberry cake would still contain other concerning ingredients like sugar, dairy, and chocolate, making it not healthy.
- Can dogs eat vanilla cake? No, please do not give your dogs vanilla cakes. Even without chocolate, they still contain large amounts of sugar, butter, and other fats that can lead to pancreatitis and obesity in dogs.
- Can dogs eat sponge cake? Oh well, sponge cakes are still made with unhealthy ingredients like sugar, eggs, and butter which makes them unsuitable for dogs.
- Can dogs eat tres leches cake? Absolutely not. Tres leches cake is soaked in three types of milk and it contains large amounts of sugar and fat, and may also contain alcohol, all of which are extremely dangerous for dogs.
Final words
What you should take away from our guide is that human cakes are not safe for our pups due to the presence of chocolate, xylitol, raisins, sugar, and fat.
However, there are other alternatives available, you’ve got lots of pet stores that offer doggy cakes and you can also make it for them at home yourself
Remember to consult your vet before you introduce any new foods or treats to your dog’s diet. They are in a better position to guide you on your dog’s needs, or allergies.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Rolls? Safety Guide & Alternatives
