DIY Apple, Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Cake with a Cream Cheese Swirl

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Surely, you love your dog and want the best for their food, am I right? Although, pet treats from the stores might sometimes be “not good enough” for your dog. They might be loaded with strange ingredients that you cannot even pronounce.

Most of the time, these pets can have some digestive issues or allergies caused by these treats. So, what if it were possible to prepare a healthy and tasty snack just for your dog at home? One that would be filled with all the right things and would smell great?

Truly, you are capable of this. I’m going to show you the process to make a dog cake of both taste and nutrition.

Recipe Overview

• This DIY Apple, Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Cake is perfect for celebrations or just a special snack.
• It’s loaded with natural ingredients that support digestion and provide essential nutrients.
• It’s also great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Serving Size: One 6-inch cake (can be sliced into 8-12 servings)

Ingredients List

• Whole Wheat Flour (or Oat Flour for gluten-free): 1 ½ cups, estimated cost $0.50
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: ½ cup, estimated cost $0.30
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, estimated cost $0.05
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, estimated cost $0.05
• Unsweetened Applesauce: ½ cup, estimated cost $0.40
• Pumpkin Puree (100% pure, not pie filling): ½ cup, estimated cost $0.60
• Large Egg: 1, estimated cost $0.20
• Olive Oil (or Coconut Oil): ¼ cup, estimated cost $0.50
• Plain Greek Yogurt (optional, for swirl base): 2 tablespoons, estimated cost $0.20
• Honey (optional, for swirl base): 1 tablespoon, estimated cost $0.15
• For the Cream Cheese Swirl (optional):
• Low-Fat Cream Cheese (plain): 4 oz, softened, estimated cost $2.00
• Plain Greek Yogurt: 2 tablespoons, estimated cost $0.20
• Total Estimated Cost: $5.15

Suitable Substitutions:

• You can use oat flour instead of whole wheat flour if your dog has a gluten sensitivity.
• Chicken broth can be used in place of some applesauce or pumpkin puree for a savory twist.
• If you don’t have olive oil, coconut oil works well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 6-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and cinnamon.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, pumpkin puree, egg, and olive oil until well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• Stir everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
• Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan.
• For the optional Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt until smooth.
• Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture onto the cake batter.
• Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter. This makes a pretty design.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
• Make sure the cake is fully cooled before letting your dog enjoy it.

Feeding Guidelines

• This cake is a treat, not a meal replacement.
• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Offer a small slice, about 1/8 of the cake, as an occasional treat.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Give 1/4 of the cake, divided into a few servings.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): You can offer up to 1/2 of the cake over a couple of days.
• For active dogs, you might give a slightly larger portion. Less active dogs need smaller amounts.
• Puppies should have very small pieces. Senior dogs might prefer softer, warmed pieces.
• Always check with your vet before making big changes to your dog’s diet. This is especially true if your dog has health issues.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Whole Wheat Flour: Provides complex carbohydrates for energy and some fiber.
• Oats: Great source of soluble fiber, which helps with digestion and can lower cholesterol. They’re also good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Applesauce: A natural source of vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber. Make sure it’s unsweetened.
• Pumpkin Puree: Packed with fiber, which helps keep digestion regular. It’s also good for upset stomachs.
• Egg: Offers a complete protein source, essential for muscle health and overall wellness.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats and antioxidants, good for skin and coat health.
• Cream Cheese & Greek Yogurt: Provide probiotics and calcium for healthy bones and gut flora. Make sure they are plain and low-fat.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage, up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• To reheat, you can warm a slice slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes it extra appealing.
• Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
• You can serve it plain or mix small pieces with your dog’s regular kibble for an added treat.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree?

No, you should not use pumpkin pie filling. It contains added sugars and spices, which are not good for dogs. Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree.

My dog has allergies. What can I substitute for the wheat flour?

If your dog has a wheat allergy or is gluten-sensitive, you can easily substitute whole wheat flour with oat flour. You can even grind your own oats into flour.

Is the cream cheese swirl necessary?

No, the cream cheese swirl is completely optional. The cake is delicious on its own. It just adds a nice touch and some extra flavor and probiotics.

How can I make sure my dog won’t overeat this cake?

This cake is a treat. So, make sure to give it in moderation. Cut it into appropriate serving sizes based on your dog’s weight and activity level. And always count it as part of their daily caloric intake.

Can I add other fruits or vegetables?

Yes, you can! Small amounts of dog-safe fruits like blueberries or carrots, finely grated, can be a great addition. Make sure any additions are safe for dogs before including them.

Wrapping Up

There you have it—a special, homemade cake that’s sure to make your dog’s day. It’s easy to make and packed with goodness. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!