Dog Christmas Cake
Celebrate the holidays with a Dog Christmas Cake! This festive, gluten-free dog-safe cake is packed with delicious dog friendly ingredients like fruits and spices for a great taste and is sure to make tails wag. We iced ours with yogurt and coconut but that’s entirely optional.
My dogs enjoyed this cake and it could be used for a doggie birthday cake too. I think that the yogurt frosting was a bit hit too!
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Why Traditional Christmas Cake is Bad for Dogs
Traditional Christmas cakes are harmful to dogs because they often contain toxic ingredients like raisins, currants, sultanas, alcohol, and chocolate. These cakes are also high in sugar and fat, which can cause obesity, pancreatitis, or other health issues. Additionally, spices like nutmeg and artificial sweeteners like xylitol are dangerous, while certain nuts and preservatives can upset a dog’s stomach. To keep your pet safe, avoid regular Christmas cakes and instead opt for dog-friendly alternatives made with safe, natural ingredients. Always serve treats in moderation.
Ingredients
Grab your ingredients and get baking!
- Banana: Naturally sweet and full of potassium, it adds flavor and moisture.
- Cranberries: A festive addition that is rich in antioxidants; use fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries.
- Blueberries: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, they are great for overall dog health.
- Carrot: Gives the cake moisture.
- Apple: Adds crunch and a touch of natural sweetness; be sure to remove the seeds and core.
- Cinnamon: A safe spice for dogs in small amounts, providing a warm holiday flavor.
- Ginger: Gentle on your dog’s stomach and great for digestion.
- Eggs: Provide protein and help bind the ingredients together.
- Almond flour: Is grain-free and reasonably safe for dogs in moderation.
- Brown Rice flour: Another gluten-free choice that gives the cake structure.
- Coconut oil: Adds healthy fats and keeps the cake moist.
- Optional Frosting: We used Greek yogurt and unsweetened coconut for the frosting.
How To Make A Dog Christmas Cake
As with all our baked treats, we do not use any baking powder. It is unsafe in large amounts, and we simply don’t want to use it, regardless of any small amount.
We used an 8 inch spring form tin to bake the cake but a large loaf tin could be used. It might take longer to bake.
Mash the banana and add the eggs.
Stir in the carrots, apples and coconut oil.
Add the flours and spices. Stir well.
Stir in the berries.
Spoon into a prepared cake tin.
Bake until firm.
Recipe Tips
This cake is a treat, so serve it in moderation. Too much at once can upset your dog’s stomach.
If cranberries or blueberries are unavailable, consider using dog-safe alternatives like strawberries or unsweetened pumpkin puree.
We use a mix of dog friendly flours, being brown rice flour and almond flour but you can use just the one type such as oat flour.
Storage Instruction
Cool Completely First
Once baked, let the cake cool fully — ideally on a wire rack — before storing. This helps prevent condensation and moisture build-up, which could lead to spoilage.
Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)
Transfer cooled slices into an airtight container once cold and store in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
Freezing (Long-Term Storage)
- Slice the cake into dog-appropriate portions before freezing — this makes them easier to thaw only what you need.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then place into a freezer-safe, airtight container or resealable bag. This helps prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date so you know when it was frozen. The cake should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- When ready to serve, defrost in the refrigerator (or at room temperature if safe). Avoid microwaving, as hot spots could form.
Checking for Spoilage / Safety
- Before serving refrigerated or defrosted cake, inspect it: look for any unusual texture (e.g., sogginess), moisture inside the container, or odd smells.
- Discard any portion that looks moldy or off. Homemade treats don’t usually have preservatives, so they can spoil more quickly if not stored carefully.
- It’s also good practice to rotate your cake slices (first in, first out) so older portions are used first.
Freezer Storage Best Practices
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers designed to minimize air exposure.
- If possible, vacuum-seal portions for best long-term preservation.
- Try to flash-freeze portions on a tray first (so they don’t stick together), before transferring to storage bags.
How Many Servings in Dog Christmas Cake?
The number of servings for your dog-friendly Christmas cake will depend on the size of your dog and how large you cut the slices. As a guideline:
- Small Dogs: Cut the cake into 16-20 small portions.
- Medium Dogs: Cut the cake into 10-12 medium portions.
- Large Dogs: Cut the cake into 6-8 larger portions.
Always serve in moderation, as this cake is a treat and not a meal replacement. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — but only if it’s made exactly as per the recipe. Many traditional Christmas cakes are not safe for dogs, because they contain toxic ingredients like raisins, currants, or alcohol.
However, even dog-safe cakes should be given in moderation, especially during the holidays, to avoid upsetting your dog’s tummy or adding too many extra calories
Yes, you can swap in alternative dog-safe flours (like oat flour) — but make sure they are suitable for your dog’s dietary needs. If you change flours, the texture may differ, so adjust liquid as needed.
Definitely. For dogs with food sensitivities:
* You can replace nut-based flour (e.g., almond) with a grain-free alternative or oat flour.
* You can omit or reduce any fruit your dog might react to.
* Always consult your vet if you’re unsure about substituting ingredients, especially for dogs with known allergies or health conditions.
es, in principle — but:
For puppies, make sure you’re feeding a portion appropriate to their size and calorie needs. Their digestive systems are more sensitive, so start with a very small amount.
For senior dogs, check with your vet, especially if they have health issues (e.g. diabetes, kidney problems). As always, treats should complement, not replace, their regular diet.
More Homemade Christmas Dog Treats
You dog may enjoy these other Christmas dog treat recipes:
Dog Christmas Cake
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Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 apple, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cup rice flour
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 8inch spring form cake tin with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the banana. Add the eggs, coconut oil and water, whisking until well combined.
- Stir in the grated carrot and chopped apple..
- Add the flours and spices and stir until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in the cranberries and blueberries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Frosting is optional. We use Greek yogurt and top with unsweetened coconut.
- Slice into small portions appropriate for your dog's size. Refrigerate any leftovers and use within 3-4 days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.