Many pet owners like to celebrate their furry friends’ birthdays. Dogs are no exception! While dogs may not fully understand the concept of birthdays, they definitely enjoy all the fuss and special treats. Dog birthday cakes have become increasingly popular for pet owners who want to make their pup’s big day extra special. But do pets at home bakeries actually make doggy birthday cakes? Let’s take a closer look.
Do major pet store chains sell dog birthday cakes?
The two largest pet supply chains in the United States are PetSmart and Petco. Both offer bakery options for pet parents, but their selections differ.
PetSmart has an in-store PetsHotel division that offers a “Birthday Package” upgrade. This includes a cake flavored like chicken, rice, and yogurt along with a goody bag of toys and treats. However, these cakes are only available for dogs staying at the PetsHotel overnight.
Petco does not currently sell made-to-order dog birthday cakes at their locations. They offer dog-friendly “Pup Cakes” (essentially unfrosted cupcakes) that come in peanut butter and carob flavors. But these are more generic treats rather than customized cakes.
So while the major chains offer some birthday options, neither provides made-to-order dog birthday cakes for regular customers.
Where can I buy a specialty dog birthday cake?
For pet owners who want a customized doggy birthday cake, there are a few specialty bakery options:
- Local pet bakeries: Many independent pet bakeries will make custom cakes with edible decorations and flavors like carob, pumpkin, peanut butter, etc. However, locations are limited.
- Specialty online shops: Online companies like BonBonBarkery.com and ThreeDogBakery.com ship dog cakes nationwide. They offer various flavors, shapes, and decorations.
- Regular bakeries: Some human bakeries will make dog-friendly cakes with ingredients that are safe for dogs. Options are limited but call local bakeries to inquire.
- DIY: Pet owners can bake and decorate cakes at home too. Recipes and guidelines are readily available online.
So while the big chains don’t offer specialty options, customers can find custom dog cakes through local or online pet bakeries. The DIY route is also a popular option.
What ingredients and flavors are used in dog birthday cakes?
Dog cakes typically contain ingredients that are safe and appetizing for dogs. Here are some common options:
- Flours: Whole wheat or all-purpose flours are often used as the base.
- Binders: Eggs or yogurt help hold the cake together.
- Flavors: Peanut butter, carob, bacon, pumpkin, liver, cheese, applesauce, etc. add palatable flavor.
- Sweeteners: Honey, molasses, or mashed bananas give a sweet taste.
- Frosting: Greek yogurt or peanut butter are used instead of sugary frosting.
Dog cake recipes avoid ingredients like chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, onion, and garlic, which can be toxic for dogs. Custom cakes may even incorporate a dog’s favorite treats or kibble into the baking process!
Are dog birthday cakes actually enjoyed by dogs?
While dogs don’t care about birthday rituals, they definitely enjoy food and treats! Dog birthday cakes are formulated to be tasty and appealing for a dog’s palate. The flavors and aromas entice them to eat.
Some key signs that a dog is enjoying a birthday cake include:
- Inhaling the food rather than nibbling
- Returning repeatedly to the empty plate afterwards
- Wagging tail
- Excited or content facial expressions
Additionally, the personalization and extra attention from their human on their “big day” stimulates and enriches dogs. So dog birthday cakes are about far more than just the cake itself!
Things to consider when buying or making a dog birthday cake
If you want to buy or make a birthday cake for your canine companion, here are some tips:
- Select pet-safe ingredients – consult your veterinarian if unsure
- Avoid excessive salt, fat, and sugars
- Go easy on decorations like candles, flowers, or plastic toys that could become choking hazards
- Make sure any bakery you use follows food handling standards and cleans thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination
- Introduce new foods slowly in case of allergies or digestive upset
- Adjust cake sizes based on your dog’s age, health, and diet
- Supervise your dog so they don’t gobble the cake too quickly
Making smart choices ensures you can celebrate safely and avoid overindulging your pup!
Fun alternatives to store-bought cakes
While custom cakes are great for special occasions, pet owners can get creative with homemade birthday fun any time of year:
- “Pupcakes” – cupcakes made from dog-safe ingredients like whole wheat flour, pumpkin, and Greek yogurt
- Frozen treats – blend Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and bananas for a healthy “ice cream”
- “Cake” from their diet – mix wet food into the kibble or use muffin tins to give their meal a cake shape
- Treat “candles” – use a dab of peanut butter to “glue” milk bones into a candle shape
With a little imagination, you can come up with endless birthday cake alternatives to spoil your dog with!
Conclusion
While you won’t find made-to-order specialty dog cakes at major pet store chains, customized options are available through local bakeries, online shops, or DIY. Dog birthday cakes use pet-safe ingredients tailored to their tastes and nutrition. Dogs who enjoy food are likely to savor these special treats! With some safety precautions, you can feel good about baking or buying a personalized cake to make your dog’s birthday paw-ty complete.