Homemade Carrot Cake for Dogs (Peanut Butter Icing)

carrot cake for dogs

If your dogs are anything like mine, they love a good homemade special treat. The classic carrot cake has been a very popular treat loved by people for many years. Unfortunately, a regular carrot cake is not good for your dog’s health due to their high sugar level and unhealthy ingredients. If you are on the hunt for a carrot cake for dogs- you’re in luck!

This simple recipe includes dog-friendly ingredients that will whip into a delicious treat for your precious pup. Prepare this dog-friendly cake the next time you have a special occasion such as your pup’s birthday, adoption day, or any other special day of the year.

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Why Make a Carrot Cake for Dogs?

  • When baking a dog-friendly carrot cake, you use ingredients that are safe and healthy for dogs. By avoiding harmful substances like chocolate, xylitol, raisins, and grapes, you ensure the treat is safe for your pet to enjoy.
  • Sharing treats with your dog can strengthen your bond and create happy moments together. Dogs enjoy special treats just like we do, and seeing their excitement can be a joyous experience for any pet owner.
  • While it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet for your dog, an occasional homemade treat can add variety and excitement to their meals. It’s a way to add something special to their routine without compromising their overall health.

Feeding Instructions

Remember that while homemade treats can be a tasty addition to your dog’s diet, they should be given in moderation (occasional treat) and as part of a balanced and appropriate meal plan. If you have any concerns in terms of nutrition/your dog’s diet, health, or any specific dietary restrictions, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. Small amounts at a time is always best.

Homemade Dog-Friendly Carrot Cake Recipe

a dog eating a dog-friendly cake

Equipment:

  1. Grater: To grate the carrots finely for the dog cake batter.
  2. Mixing Bowls: Medium bowl for mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them.
  3. Whisk or Electric Mixer: To beat the wet ingredients together until well combined and achieve a smooth batter.
  4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
  5. Round Cake Pans or Rectangular Baking Dish: For baking the cake. You can also use cupcake molds or muffin pan/muffin tin for individual servings. I used this adorable cake mold in this specific recipe. Who doesn’t love a good themed cake?! Check it out here. 
  6. Oven
  7. Spatula or Butter Knife: For spreading the frosting over the cake or cupcakes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium-sized fresh carrots)
  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan or a rectangular baking dish. You can also use cake mold/cupcake molds for individual servings.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, coconut oil, and peanut butter until well combined.
  3. Gradually add the oat flour and baking soda to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is well combined and forms a thick batter.
  4. Fold in the grated carrots into the batter until evenly distributed.
  5. Pour the batter into the greased pan or divide it among the cupcake molds.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes for a full cake or 20 minutes for cupcakes. Keep a close eye on it, as baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the cake.
  7. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
  8. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting and serving to your dog.

Carrot Cake for Dogs

A dog-friendly version of the classical carrot cake

Equipment

  • Grater
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk or Electric Mixer
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Round Cake Pans or Rectangular Baking Dish
  • Oven
  • Spatula or Butter Knife

Materials

  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium-sized fresh carrots)
  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan or a rectangular baking dish. You can also use cupcake molds for individual servings.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, coconut oil, and peanut butter until well combined.
  • Gradually add the oat flour and baking soda to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is well combined and forms a thick batter.
  • Fold in the grated carrots into the batter until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the batter into the greased pan or divide it among the cupcake molds.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes for a full cake or 20 minutes for cupcakes. Keep a close eye on it, as baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the cake.
  • To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting and serving to your dog.

dog friendly carrot cake

Homemade Dog-Friendly Frosting

Human carrot cakes typically use a cream cheese frosting. This is NOT advised as it can cause your dog to have an upset stomach/serious gastrointestinal discomfort. Instead, make this super easy yogurt frosting with two simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt and peanut butter.
  2. Stir the mixture thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. The peanut butter will add flavor, and the Greek yogurt will provide a creamy texture.
  3. Taste the frosting to ensure the sweetness is suitable for your dog’s palate. If needed, you can add a little honey for extra sweetness, but be cautious about not using too much.
  4. Once your freshly baked carrot cake has cooled completely, you can spread this frosting over the top of the cake. Spread the frosting on the sides of the cake if desired. If you made cupcakes, you can frost them individually.
  5. Optionally, you can decorate the cake or cupcakes with additional grated carrots or small dog-friendly treats to make it even more appealing to your furry friend.
  6. Serve the frosted carrot cake to your dog and watch them enjoy this special homemade treat!

Dog-Friendly Carrot Cake Frosting

A dog-friendly frosting

Equipment

  • 1 Large Bowl
  • 1 Mixing Spatula

Materials

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt and peanut butter.
  • Stir the mixture thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. The peanut butter will add flavor, and the Greek yogurt will provide a creamy texture.
  • Taste the frosting to ensure the sweetness is suitable for your dog’s palate. If needed, you can add a little honey for extra sweetness, but be cautious about not using too much.
  • Once your freshly baked carrot cake has cooled completely, you can spread this frosting over the top of the cake. Spread the frosting on the sides of the cake if desired. If you made cupcakes, you can frost them individually.
  • Optionally, you can decorate the cake or cupcakes with additional grated carrots or small dog-friendly treats to make it even more appealing to your furry friend.
  • Serve the frosted carrot cake to your dog and watch them enjoy this special homemade treat!

How to Store a Carrot Cake for Dogs

Allow the carrot cake to cool completely before storing it. Leaving it out to cool ensures that condensation doesn’t form inside the storage container, which could lead to mold or spoilage. Place the cake or its individual portions in an airtight container. This will help keep the cake fresh, prevent it from drying out, and protect it from absorbing odors from the surroundings. For short-term storage (up to 4-5 days), store the airtight container in the refrigerator.

How Long will the Carrot Cake for Dogs Last?

Always use your best judgment when it comes to the freshness and safety of the cake. If you notice any signs of spoilage, mold, or an off smell, it’s best to discard the cake and make a fresh batch for your dog’s health and safety.

Generally…

  1. At Room Temperature: If left at room temperature, the cake can stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days. However, it’s essential to monitor the cake and check for any signs of spoilage, especially during warmer weather.
  2. Refrigerated: If stored in the refrigerator, the cake can last for up to 4 to 5 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.
  3. Frozen: To extend the shelf life, you can also freeze the carrot cake. When properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, it can last for up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving it to your dog.

As you can see, carrot cake for dogs can be the perfect treat! If you happen to be making this special cake for a pup’s birthday or gotcha day, check out our post on dog birthday Instagram captions here to go along with any adorable pictures you take of your dog eating their carrot birthday cake.

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