Carob And Pumpkin Dog Cake Recipe

by Amy Tokic

Published: October 10th, 2014

I feel really bad because I’m not going to Trick or Treat with Oscar for Halloween (I’ll be hanging with other pet bloggers at Barkworld). To make up for the fact that I feel like a horrible dog mom, I’m going to bake my way into Oscar’s good books again with this Carob And Pumpkin Dog Cake Recipe. And I think it worked, because when I told Oscar I wouldn’t be around, he totally ignored me and ate his cake. Problem solved – I’m back to being #1 Dog Mom (well, at least to Oscar).

Carob And Pumpkin Dog Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 egg

1/3 cup peanut butter

2/3 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix)

¼ cup carob chips

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup water

1/8 cup almond milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake in a small, greased flour pan. I used two silicone Halloween molds that made 12 small cakes.
Mix together peanut butter, egg, flour, pumpkin, baking soda, cinnamon, oil and water in a large. Stir until well combined.
In a small saucepan, heat almond milk on medium-high heat. Once it starts to steam, turn off burner. Stir in carob chips until melted. Add carob mixture to batter.
Pour batter into pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool and frost. I used K9 Cakery’s Fido Friendly Greek Royal Yogurt Icing (it was my first time using it and I can’t wait to use it on dog cookies!)

You can make this dog cake recipe without the carob, but Oscar loves the added sweetness, and I liked that it made the cakes a little darker in color – which helped the icing really stand out. Are you going to make this recipe for Halloween? I want to see pictures! Post them under the comments section on this post or on our Facebook page.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

More by Amy Tokic

BARK Air Introduces a New Flight Tailored for Dogs

View Article

Soft Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

Who doesn’t love soft and chewy cookies? Our senior dogs do, which is why we made this Soft Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe.

Cherry Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

When you want to bake up a treat that’s easy and healthy, these homemade dog treats check all the right boxes.

Bacon and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

When all else fails… BACON! Let’s get one thing straight – I know that bacon isn’t an everyday food. As a bacon connoisseur, I limit my pork intake to a couple times a year, on special occasions… or when I’m stopping at a greasy diner and I just got to get my nom nom on! The same goes for Oscar. He’s a lover of bacon, but I rarely add this delectable tidbit into his bowl. He gets it as a treat – or even better, as a Bacon and Pumpkin Dog Treat! This dog cookie has a little sizzle and a lot of taste. With pumpkin puree and peanut butter thrown into the mix, it’s like a 5-course breakfast packed into convenient treat form. Bacon and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

What I love about dog treat recipes is that you can add two totally different kinds of ingredients, yet have them coming out really tasty – well, for dogs that is. In the Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe, a flavorful combination turns out to be a new favorite. A doggy favorite – peanut butter – is mixed with a digestible favorite – pureed pumpkin – to give us this beggable treat. Add in a touch of cinnamon (it’s an anti-inflammatory, among other things) and honey, and this sweet cookie will have your pups wagging for more. Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe Makes 30-40 cookies Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour 2 eggs 1 cup canned pumpkin 4 tablespoons peanut butter 1/2 tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).Combine flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon in a bowl. If needed, add water, but the dough needs to be dry and stiff.Roll dough into a 1/4-inch-thickness and cut with cookie cutter.Bake for 30 minutes and let cool on racks. As always, we’d love to hear how the Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe turned out for you. Please leave your comments and suggestions in the comment section below, or post your pictures on our Facebook page.

Beautiful Blueberry and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

Blueberries remind me of warmer weather – and I could sure go for some of that right now. But that’s not going to happen (unless I hop on a plane to the Dominican), so this Beautiful Blueberry and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe will have to do… for now. The blueberries add a little sweetness to this homemade dog cookie, while the pumpkin adds some welcome digestive benefits. And because it happens to be winter, I used frozen blueberries instead of fresh and the treats turned out just fine. Beautiful Blueberry and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe Makes about 25-30 medium-sized cookies Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling) 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup ground pumpkin seeds (unsalted) 1/3 cup blueberries * Water as needed Directions: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.In a blender or food processor, grind the pumpkin seed finely. Empty grounds into bowl, and then add blueberries. Grind to a pulp.Blend together the applesauce, pumpkin and blueberries. Once the applesauce and pumpkin are well combined, stir in the flour and pumpkin seed meal. Knead into a stiff dough, add water if necessary.Roll out on a floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters.Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheets.Bake for 30 minutes and let cool. Refrigerate or freeze in Ziploc bags or airtight containers Is your dog partial to blueberries? What is his favorite fruit? Let us know so we can come up with a recipe that incorporates it into a treat!

How Can I Reduce My Dog's Environmental Pawprint?

In today’s day and age, with the climate and environment at great risk, we want to do anything we can to minimize our own carbon footprint and the damage we do to Mother Nature. Of course, our pets also have an environmental impact – and eco-conscious pet parents are always on the lookout for simple ways to reduce their pet’s carbon footprint (or pawprint if we’re being precise). Luckily, there are a lot of small but important steps that you can take in order to make your pet’s lifestyle and care much more eco-friendly without compromising the quality of life they are used to. Here's where to start if you want to become a more eco-friendly, sustainable dog owner!5 Ways You Can Reduce Your Dog's Environmental PawprintCaring for your pet can be challenging, and that’s no secret. However, the things that make it easier are not often very good for the environment, and can make your pet’s environmental pawprint significant. Luckily, it does not take too much of a change to turn that completely around and start improving that environmental impact, day by day. What follows are just a few of the basic steps you can take as a caring and responsible owner.#1 Be Responsible About Your Pet’s Waste Disposal:

Are Collagen Chews Good for Dogs?

Are you searching for a tasty treat to keep your pup occupied? Have you heard the warnings made by experts about the potential dangers of rawhide chews and are struggling to find a healthy alternative for your dog? A newer type of dog chew is gaining popularity in the pet world, beloved both by pets and their parents alike. Let’s discuss the benefits of collagen chews and why this would be a great option for your dog. What Are Collagen Chews? Before we get into the benefits, we’ll start with the basics. What exactly is a collagen chew? Like rawhide, a collagen chew is a dried animal product. However, it is made from the inner layer of a cow's skin instead of the hide. This may seem like a minor difference, but it makes the product much easier to digest, making it safer for pet parents concerned about the risk of obstructions associated with rawhide. Collagen chew products are available in various forms, including flat chews, sticks, traditional bone shapes, and rings. Each variation of the chew ranges in size, thickness, and, therefore, chew difficulty level. Do Vets Recommend Collagen Sticks? Yes! Many veterinarians recommend collagen chews as a healthy alternative to rawhide. This healthy and natural chew option offers many health benefits, including joint issues and dry skin. Most collagen chews are made from all-natural ingredients and are free from fillers, artificial colors, and artificial flavors, making them a healthy replacement for your dog’s favorite rawhide bones.Is Collagen Better Than Rawhide? While both collagen chews and rawhides are long-lasting chew options, collagen chews address many of the health concerns related to rawhide. If your dog loves rawhide chews, this is a great alternative. Like rawhides, collagen chews are long-lasting. However, if your dog swallows a portion of the chew, its digestibility makes it less likely that you will find yourself at an emergency vet paying for surgery to remove an obstruction.

How Often Should I Feed My Fish?

Keeping aquarium fish is such a rewarding experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to do so – there are many things to know about these wonderful creatures, and caring for them can require a lot of patience and plenty of learning. Of course, it all starts with the basic stuff, and it doesn’t get more basic than feeding your pet! A common question by pet fish owners is related to feeding frequency, as their aquatic friends can’t really let them know when they are hungry. So, without further ado, here’s how often should you feed your fish depending on their unique characteristics.How Often Should I Feed My Fish?There are a lot of factors that will determine the feeding schedule you have for the inhabitants of your saltwater or freshwater aquarium. The frequency of feeding your fish depends on the type of fish, their age, and the specific conditions of your tank. Adult tropical fish are most commonly fed once or twice a day. You can feed them a small amount of food that they can consume within a few minutes. Cold-water adult fish, on the other hand, such as  goldfish, can be fed two or three times a day. In any case, be cautious not to overfeed as it can lead to water quality issues.Young fish, however, may require more frequent feeding, at least three times a day, because they are still growing rapidly. Of course, some specific types of fish have equally specific dietary requirements. Research the particular needs of the species you are keeping to ensure you are providing the right type and amount of food. Your local pet fish store can also provide guidelines, as can your vet. When you are feeding your fish, it is important to stick around and observe them, at least initially. Paying attention to your fish during feeding can provide you with plenty of information. If they consume all the food quickly, you can consider increasing the amount slightly. If there is uneaten food after a few minutes, you may be overfeeding. Try to find that perfect balance. Another thing to consider is the so-called “fasting day”. This means not giving your fish any food for a period of 24 hours – and don’t worry, this won’t harm them. It's a good idea to incorporate a fasting day into the weekly routine. This helps mimic their natural feeding patterns and allows their digestive systems to rest. Most aquarists fast their fish for one day of the week, which is more than enough for your fish to reap the benefits.How Much Food Should I Give My Fish?A good rule of thumb is to always give less food than you think your fish need – and add more additionally throughout multiple feedings during the day if needed. Remember that overfeeding can lead to poor water quality as uneaten food breaks down and produces waste. It's crucial to maintain a balance and not exceed the recommended amount. In such cases, it is good to have a  special aquarium water quality monitor, which can tell you the key information about the water in the tank. Additionally, some fish species are more active during certain times of the day, so adjusting feeding times to coincide with their natural behavior can be beneficial.

Scientists Finally Identify Mystery Dog Illness Sweeping America

If you are a dog owner in the United States, you have likely already seen the news reports about the mystery illness responsible for the deaths of several dogs, prompting veterinary professionals to caution pet parents about taking their pets out to public spaces. But we may finally be able to spot the light at the end of the tunnel… Dr. David Needle, pathology section chief at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, reported that scientists have finally identified the cause of the illness. While this doesn’t mean that life for our dogs can return to normal immediately, it does mean that they are one step closer to finding a cure and moving past this nightmare. The research article has yet to be published, but the team is sharing their initial findings to provide hope for pet parents and the veterinary community. The pathogen responsible for the mystery respiratory illness is described as “a funky bacterium.” “It’s smaller than a normal bacterium in its size and in the size of its genome,” explained Needle. “Long story short, it’s a weird bacterium that can be tough to find and sequence.” Searching for the cause of this illness wasn’t easy for researchers. Initially, there were no known bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens, meaning they were searching blind. However, after testing 30 samples from New Hampshire, genetic material from an atypical bacterial species was discovered. The next step in understanding the cause of the illness and working towards a cure (and possible preventative) is to compare these findings to samples from dogs in other states to verify that it is, in fact, the same pathogen in all reported instances. States with possible cases of the disease include: CaliforniaColoradoFlorida Georgia IdahoIllinois IndianaMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireOregonPennsylvania Rhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne challenge faced by veterinarians is the fact there is no test to confirm that all reported cases are, in fact, the same illness. What Are the Warning Signs?Common symptoms resemble respiratory infections like canine influenza and kennel cough, conditions usually seen in higher numbers at this time of year. Luckily for the human members of our family, there are currently no reports of the illness being transferred to humans. Veterinarians recommend watching out for the following symptoms: Coughing or sneezing WheezingDifficulty breathingNasal or eye dischargeDehydration Loss of appetite Weight loss FeverLethargyHow Can You Keep Your Dog Safe? Until a cure has been identified, dog parents are encouraged to focus on preventative measures. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are current, protecting them against known respiratory problems. Avoid public spaces like dog parks, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments where dogs may be exposed to the illness. If you must go to a public space, steer clear of shared food and water dishes. Your dog will be just as happy to spend this time playing with you as they would with another dog!If you notice any signs of respiratory trouble or illness, don’t panic. Contact your veterinarian to share your concerns and make an appointment.

This Special Camera Reveals How Our Pets See the World Around Them

Have you ever wondered how your pet  sees the world around them? We all know that the eyes of dogs, cats, and all other animals are not the same as ours, and they often see the world in a very different way. While all we could do is imagine and theorize up until now, thanks to a new breakthrough in technology we will be able to take a peek through the eyes of animals!Scientists have  invented a special camera that uses a unique combination of state-of-the-art hardware and software, in order to create videos and images that show us exactly how certain animals see. For example, with this latest tech, you will be able to see the vivid world of colors that are seen through the eyes of birds and bees. One of the recent demonstrations revealed how a UV-sensitive vision of a bird renders an orange sulfur butterfly - the result is more than striking, as it doesn’t look like anything related to human vision.

10 Foods That Are Bad for Dogs

View Gallery

Hypothermia in Cats: What You Should Know

Hypothermia puts your cat’s health at risk, and if not treated in time, can be fatal. So, it’s wise to know even just the basics about hypothermia so you can recognize the symptoms and get your cat the help they need right away. Here’s a short guide to get you started.

A New Survey Shows Both Pets and Owners Feel Separation Anxiety

When you really love spending time with your pet, and vice versa, it is only natural that you feel sad when you are apart. For pets, this is often manifested as the dreaded  separation anxiety, which can cause a lot of issues both for them and their owners alike. While you know you are coming back from work – unlike your pooch – so you won’t feel as stressed about the time you spend away from your pet, that doesn’t mean that it won’t affect your mental health. The latest  survey from PetMed Express only proves that separation has an effect both on dogs and their pawrents.The results of this survey were recently released after being conducted by OnePoll, and they show us that pet parents – unsurprisingly – while out away for work or chores, will deeply miss their four-legged friends back at home. And, interestingly, the poll shows that the strain only got worse after the owners had to return to their offices after the Covid pandemic and the time they spent in their homes. "This research confirms what we already know: People love their pets and prioritize being with them," said Matt Hulett, President and CEO of PetMeds. "What's eye-opening is how many pet parents feel their own sense of separation anxiety and loneliness when they're away from their pets – a concept that underscores the pivotal role our pets play in our lives."The results indicate that 4 in 10 pet parents said that they would rather accept a lower salary and work from home, just so they could be closer to their furry friends. It is a sad truth and an everyday occurrence that owners have to endure the commute and long work hours and yearn for the company of their pets all the while. PetMeds claims that pet parents begin to miss their pets just 37 minutes after being apart, on average. Furthermore, the results show that on average they find themselves thinking about their pets about 13 times per day. Here are some other stats included:44% expressed worry about their pets experiencing separation anxiety52% have felt an increase in their own separation anxiety in the past two years42% said they have observed a change in their pet's mental health and behavior in the past two years48% said their pets follow them to the door and look sad when they leave63% would like more support and guidance in understanding their pet's health and behavior70% would try pet telehealth servicesWhat about you? How do you cope with being separated from your cherished four-legged friend?

Top 10 Best Indoor Dogs

View Gallery

Senior Leaves $2.8 Million Estate to Pets, Not Kids

What do you need to consider when planning the future care of your pets?

Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?

Sometimes, dogs can behave straight out quirky. The range of their weird behaviors varies from chasing their tail and scooting on their but, to “pawing” or “digging” food, which sort of looks like they’re burying their kibble but they’re not really doing anything. Have you ever seen your pooch trying to fake bury his food by pawing at it? Don’t worry, the behavior might look odd at the very least, but it’s not a reason for concern. Here’s what dogs that dig, bury, or paw their food are trying to tell you with this behavior.Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?Dogs may exhibit pawing or digging behavior around their food bowl for various reasons, and the interpretation can depend on the individual dog. By closely observing your dog's specific actions and considering these factors, you may gain a better understanding of why they engage in pawing behavior. Keep in mind that individual differences among dogs can lead to variations in behavior, and what holds true for one dog may not necessarily apply to another. Still, there are some common explanations that hold true for most situations when “pawing” is in question.Too Much Food Served:In the wild, dogs might use their paws to cover or bury their food to protect it from other animals or to save it for later. This behavior could be a residual instinct from their ancestors – if they eat a bit and then paw at their bowl before leaving the meal, it means that they are trying to stash the surplus away for later. Try downsizing their portions to see if the behavior goes away. Scent Marking: Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and pawing at the food bowl might be a way for them to mark the area with their scent. This could be a territorial behavior and might be seen in households where there are several dogs present. Excitement or Anticipation: Dogs might get excited about mealtime, and pawing at the bowl could be a way of expressing anticipation or eagerness for their food. This is especially true if they are eagerly pawing the ground even before the food has been served. These dogs can often be voracious eaters as well, so to prevent them from snarfing up their food in seconds, try utilizing a  slow feeder for dogs to promote a more appropriate pace of eating and prevent bloat and other digestive issues due to lack of chewing and fast eating.

Study Finds Differences in Pain Sensitivity Between Dog Breeds

Although you might think that all dogs experience pain the same, it turns out that different dog breeds have varying levels of pain sensitivity.

Are Hamsters Good Pets for Kids?

Final Thoughts: Hamsters and ChildrenAre hamsters good pets for kids? The short answer is, “maybe.” There are several key factors to consider when deciding if a hamster will be an excellent addition to your family, including the space needed for their habitat, their independent personalities, your child’s interest in a bet, the work (and finances) required to care for your new hamster, and the availability of a veterinarian that will accept small animals.If your child is ready for a pet, but a hamster doesn’t quite check all the boxes on your new pet wishlist, there are many other options, including guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and some species of birds. Don’t rush this decision. Take time to research and find the best fit for your family before committing to your future furry (or feathered) family member.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Top stories

Carob And Pumpkin Dog Cake Recipe

BARK Air Introduces a New Flight Tailored for Dogs

According to ASPCA, These Are The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023

Top stories

Carob And Pumpkin Dog Cake Recipe

Related articles