Dogs are not just pets; they are family members who deserve to be celebrated Creating personalised edible cards for your dog or puppy is a fun an unique way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, adoption anniversaries, or simply a a token of love. These edible treats are safed for dogs and can be customised with your pet’s favourite flavours. Here’s how to create these special cards.
1. Choose Safe and Dog-Friendly Ingredients:
The first step is to select ingredients that are safe and healthy for dogs. Avoid chocolate, xylitol, grapes, onions, and anything else that is harmful to dogs. Good options include peanut butter (without xylitol), whole wheat flour, oats, pumpkin, apples, and carrots. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure about certain ingredients.
2. Decide on a Base for the Card:
The base of the card can be made from a simple dog biscuit dough A basic recipe could include whole wheat flour oats and unsweetened applesauce or pureed pumpkin Roll out the dough and cut it into a rectangle or you desired card shape
3. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dough:
Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature around 180°C (350°F) Roll out your dough on and floured surface the about ¼ inch thickness Cut into your desired shape using a knife or cookie cutters
4. Add a Personal Touch:
Before baking, you can personalise your card. Use small cookie cutters to create shapes or letters to spell out your dog’s name or a message. You could also use a skewer or toothpick to hand-write a message or draw a simple design.
5. Bake the Edible Card:
Place your shaped dough on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes and until the edges are golden brown The baking time will depend on the size and thickness of your card
6. Let it Cool:
Once baked, let the card cool completely. This is important as serving hot food to your dog can be harmful.
7. Decorate Your Card:
To decorate, use dog-friendly ingredients You can make a simple icing by mixing flour with water or unsweetened yogurt Food colouring is not recommended as it ma contain ingredients that are not safed for dogs. Use the icing to add details or stick on decorations you made with the extra dough
8. Use Natural Colourings for Decoration:
If you want to add colour to your card, use natural, dog-safe ingredients. Beet juice can create a pink hue, while spinach juice can be used for green. These can be mixed with your icing or dough for a splash of colour.
9. Keep it Simple and Safe:
Remember that dogs do not need elaborate or heavily flavoured treats. The gesture itself is what counts, so keep the card simple and safe for your dog to enjoy.
10. Present it to Your Dog:
Present the edible card to your dog on their special day. Ensure that it’s given as a treat and not as a meal replacement. Monitor your dog while they enjoy it to ensure they don’t eat it too quickly or choke on any larger pieces.
11. Consider Storage:
If you’re not serving the card immediately, store it in an airtight container. Remember that homemade dog treats do not contain preservatives, so they won’t last as long as store-bought treats.
12. Share the Moment:
Don’t forget to capture the moment your dog receives their edible card. These memories are precious and make for wonderful stories to share with family and friends.
13. Customise for Dietary Needs:
If your dog has specific dietary needs or allergies, customise the ingredients accordingly. There are many alternative ingredients that can be used to make sure your dog enjoys their treat without any health risks.
In conclusion, making a personalised edible card for your dog or puppy is a thoughtful way to show your love and appreciation. It’s a creative and fun activity that results in a special treat your furry friend will surely enjoy. Always prioritise safety by choosing dog-friendly ingredients and keep decorations simple and digestible. This homemade gesture is a wonderful way to celebrate your pet’s milestones and strengthen the bond you share.
