Pet parents love to include their dogs in holiday celebrations and that includes special treats. Traditional Easter treats for humans can be deadly for dogs, but we can whip up safe treats in our kitchen. They make fantastic gifts and fundraisers too!

The following Easter recipes are safe for healthy dogs to have as an occasional treat, but you should always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your furry friend. If your dog struggles with their weight, offset the treats by reducing other food or treats on that day.

Dog-Friendly Easter Eggs

Peanut Butter Egg Recipe for Dogs

If you’re planning a good old-fashioned Easter egg hunt around your home and garden this year and want to get your pups involved, we’ve put together this quick & easy recipe for doggy Easter eggs!

Ingredients

140g of xylitol-free peanut butter
140g of coconut oil
Optional extras for crunch: Good Dog Treats, apple chunks, carrot pieces

Equipment

Egg-shaped mould or small ice cube tray

Method

1. Add the xylitol-free peanut butter and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Then microwave for 45 seconds or until completely melted.

3. Stir the mixture to get rid of any lumps, then pour it into the egg mould or ice cube tray until nearly full.

4. Add any optional extras into the moulds now as a crunchy surprise for your pooch!

5. Put the moulds or trays in the fridge for 2 hours or until the eggs have hardened.

6. When your eggs have solidified, take one out and give it to your dog as a treat… or make them their own Easter egg hunt!

Sean’s Pup-Friendly Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Dogs

Everyone loves a hot cross bun, but they’re not suitable for dogs! Recipes contain raisins, sultanas, citrus zest and nutmeg – all toxic to our canine companions. Slathering them in butter isn’t going to do your pup’s waistline any favours either. Here’s a delicious dog-friendly recipe that the whole family can share at Easter.

Ingredients

350g strong white bread flour (or rice flour if intolerant to wheat), plus extra for dusting
1 tsp ground cinnamon
20g xylitol-free peanut butter
1 tbsp honey, plus optional extra to glaze
2 tsp fast-action dried yeast
1 egg
150ml lactose-free milk
1 small carrot, washed and grated
80g dried cranberries
Olive oil, for greasing
50g plain flour (or rice flour)

Method

1. Sift the bread flour and cinnamon into a bowl. Add the peanut butter and rub together with your fingertips to create a mixture resembling breadcrumbs. Make a well in the centre of your breadcrumb mix and add the honey and yeast.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together for about 1 minute. Pour the egg and milk mixture into the well, folding and mixing until dough is formed (this can also be done in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook).

3. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and stretchy, then knead in the grated carrot and cranberries. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and leave in a warm place to rise for an hour.

4. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it on a floured surface, before shaping into a ball again. Return to the bowl and leave to rise for another 30 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F.

6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Form the pieces into balls, then flatten into bun shapes and place on the prepared baking tray.

7. Mix the plain flour with 11⁄2–2 tablespoons water, adding it slowly and stirring in until you have a light dough.

8. Roll small pieces of the dough into ribbons and create traditional crosses on top of the buns. Or try rolling dots and decorating the buns with paw prints!

9. Once your masterpieces are ready, pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.

10. An optional extra touch is to lightly glaze the surface of the buns with some honey before they cool.

Store the buns in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

TIP: Serve these hot cross buns to the whole family so your dog doesn’t feel left out at Easter.

The above recipes are published with permission from Tails.com.

These dog-friendly Easter treat recipes are sure to bring more joy to your family celebration! How do you celebrate Easter with your dog? Please share in the comments below.

You may also be interested in reading:

How to Add Natural Holiday Color To Homemade Pet Treats

Natural Dog Treat Recipe – Seasonal Seaweedies

2 thoughts on “Easter Treat Recipes for Your Dog

  1. Ah! I wish I’d come across this post sooner. This year, for Easter, we just ended up order treats from PetCareRx. But I’m definitely saving these ideas for next year.

  2. So excited to try these for my dogsitting clients, they get only the best from me and they’re totally children to their parents. I love them so much <3

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