Anyone who loves to eat cupcakes should know what December 15th is. This day is recognized as an unofficial national holiday called National Cupcake Day. There may be some confusion to the real date since there are those that point out the holiday is actually on June 14th. But, many choose to celebrate this occasion on December 15th.
Cupcakes were originally called the 1-2-3-4 cakes simply because it is easier to remember its ingredients that way: 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs. They also add in a cup of milk and a teaspoon of baking soda. When baked, they turn into a single-serve cake that makes it convenient to share and serve at parties.
Today, there are already a number of cupcake varieties available in the market, but did you know that there are special cupcakes for dogs?
Are Cupcakes Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Generally speaking, cupcakes are not safe for dogs to eat. There are some cupcakes that contain ingredients that are harmful or toxic to your loyal friend. The most common cupcake ingredients that are harmful to dogs include butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and dairy. Oftentimes, cupcakes contain chocolate, as well, which is known to be toxic for dogs to consume.
The big reason why ordinary cupcakes are not recommended for dogs is because they contain huge amounts of sugar. If consumed in large quantities, they may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. When fed immoderately, they can also cause dogs to gain unhealthy weight and become overweight or obese, which can lead to more serious health problems.
Never Give Frosting or Toppings
Another ingredient that can be very dangerous to your dog is the sugar substitute called xylitol. It is commonly found in toppings or frosting, especially in store-bought ones. If your dog accidentally consumes a cupcake with xylitol, make sure to bring your dog to a veterinarian immediately.
What About Pupcakes?
You may have seen a trend where pet owners give their dogs a cupcake to celebrate their birthday. These cupcakes, called pupcakes, are intended for dogs. They are usually made with a dog-safe recipe that’s free from all the dangerous ingredients you’d typically find in a human cupcake. You’ll find a number of pupcake options that you can choose for your dog to enjoy on a special day in his life.
Here are a few pupcake flavors that you can bake on your own:
Peanut Butter Pupcakes
Peanut butter is an ingredient that is safe for dogs. Just make sure that it does not contain any xylitol or chocolate. Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fat and protein that will fuel your dog. You can combine peanut butter and a small amount of cream cheese for your dog to enjoy.
Applesauce and Cheese Cupcake
Another flavor that you can use for your dog cupcake is applesauce and cheddar cheese. These two ingredients are safe for your dog to consume. The end result of the cupcake is a creamy flavor that balances itself with the sweet taste from the applesauce.
Banana and Oatmeal Cupcake
You will never go wrong with banana and oatmeal. And this is always a bestseller for dogs. All you need is a banana, Oatmeal Muffin mix, two eggs, evaporated milk, and some dog food. After baking this, your dog will finish it all up in a few seconds.
Carrot and Banana Cupcake
You can also combine bananas with carrots and some applesauce in a cupcake recipe. This is a great way your dog can enjoy the flavor and still get the nutrients of the ingredients you used.
There are plenty of other ingredients you can use for your pupcake. The important thing is that you choose ingredients that are safe for your dog to consume. This way, your dog will get to enjoy his pupcake and get the nutrients that it provides to him.
How do you plan to celebrate National Cupcake Day?
