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Dog Safe Easter Foods + 5 Easter Recipes for Dogs | Pupford

December 27th, 2023

Filed under Pet Parenting

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Those who celebrate Easter usually do so with a few main traditions: egg hunts, family gatherings, and – most importantly – food.

And with so many of us including our dogs in our Easter celebrations (see exhibit A below), we want to make sure we are including them in a safe way.

Exhibit A:

Unfortunately, one of the most common problems that land dogs in the emergency vet on holidays is the ingestion of toxic food.

With Easter quickly approaching, we want to help families have an egg-celent time, without any-bunny getting sick from eating something dangerous or toxic.

Ok – got the puns out of our system, time to get back to business.

Today we’ll discuss Easter foods that are safe to share with our dogs (and those that are NOT!) as well as a few popular recipes for special Easter meals to share with our four-legged family members.

WHAT EASTER FOODS ARE DOG SAFE?

Easter Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat

There are a good number of foods on your Eater table that are safe to share with your dog – if prepared in a dog-friendly way.

So what can you share with your pooch?

VEGETABLES

Veggies are great to share with your dog because they are low-calorie and full of nutrients. Vegetables likely to make an appearance on your holiday dinner plate that you can share with your dog include:

  • Carrots
  • Cucumbers
  • Celery
  • Zucchini
  • Green beans
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Peas
  • Potatoes/sweet potatoes
  • Squash

Just make sure the vegetables you share with your dog don’t have garlic, onion, scallions, or salt in their seasoning. When in doubt, set some aside for your dog before seasoning.

FRUITS

apples are safe for dogs to eat

Similar to vegetables, fruit can make a great nutrient-packed snack for your dog. Some options we love for sharing:

When it comes to fruit, we want to make sure all skins/membranes/seeds are removed before giving them to our dogs. Additionally, always choose fruit that’s on its own, rather than included in part of a dessert that contains sugar or spices.

For a more in-depth breakdown of produce that you can or can’t share with your dog, check out our article 39 Vegetables and Fruits Dogs Can Eat and Can’t Eat.

MEAT/SEAFOOD

Can’t forget the protein! Meat is a great option to share with your dog, again, so long as it’s prepared in a dog-friendly way.

Both poultry (chicken, turkey, etc) and lean red meat (beef, lamb, etc.) are all typically fine to share with your dog. Choose pieces with no skin, bones, or seasoning.

Seafood like salmon and shrimp is generally safe too – as long as they are prepared in a way that minimizes the risk of foodborne illnesses and don’t have bones or shells.

OTHER FOODS

Side dishes and appetizers, AKA the unsung heroes of holiday dinners, can also sometimes be okay to share with your dog. Dog-safe dishes include:

  • Rice (plain)
  • Pasta (plain)
  • Eggs (scrambled or hard-boiled but NOT deviled)
  • Dairy (such as Greek yogurt and small amounts of cheese)
  • Peanut butter (that does not contain xylitol)

The same rule of thumb from fruits and vegetables applies here too – when in doubt, set some plain or unseasoned food aside for your dog before preparing your dishes.

WHAT FOODS SHOULD YOU AVOID GIVING YOUR DOG?

dogs should not eat chocolate

While there are a number of safe options when it comes to Easter food for your dog, there are also a handful to avoid.

Keep the following foods out of reach of your dog, since they can be toxic and even potentially deadly:

  • Easter candy, especially chocolate
  • Sweets that contain xylitol
  • Alcohol
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Avocados
  • Grapes/raisins
  • Bones and skin
  • Whole nuts and seeds

If you think your dog consumed any of these, contact your vet as soon as possible. If they start to vomit, have diarrhea, or seem disoriented, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

For more examples of common foods your dog can’t eat, and explanations of why, jump over to our article 20 Foods Your Dog Can and Can’t Eat.

And if you’re taking your Easter celebrations outdoors this year, check out BBQ Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat.

5 EASTER RECIPES FOR DOGS

dog easter costumes

A great way to include your dog in your holiday celebration is to make a special treat just for them.

Here are five Easter recipes so you can include your pup in your holiday menu:

1. Dog-friendly Easter Eggs

Easter egg-shaped goodies are a staple. Fill your egg-shaped mold with equal parts peanut butter (xylitol free!) and coconut oil.

Mix in whatever add-ins you want (grated carrots, apple chunks, or Greek yogurt swirls would be great options) and pop in the freezer while you prep the rest of your menu.

Tip – ice cube trays work great for this recipe too if you don’t have a festive mold.

Related: Dog Easter Egg Hunt Ideas

2. Peeps for Pups

This dog-safe version closely resembles the marshmallow classic we all know and love, with a fruity, dog-safe twist.

Combine one and a half cups of frozen strawberries, one tablespoon of peanut butter, a quarter cup of Greek yogurt, and two-thirds cup of water in a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour the mixture into bunny shape molds (a quick Google search for “Peep molds” will point you in the right direction) and freeze until hard.

For an added bonus, dip a toothpick into blackberry jam to draw eyes on your Peeps!

3. Carrot Pupcakes

Pupcakes are a great option for your dog-friendly dessert table (or breakfast, we don’t judge). Steps for making this sweet treat:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Mix 1 teaspoon of baking powder with 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey
  • Add ½ cup buckwheat or whole wheat flour, ¼ cup coconut oil, ½ cup water, and an egg to the bowl
  • Add ½ cup grated carrot and combine
  • Add mixture to mini cupcake pan and bake for 15-20 mins
  • Once cool, combine Greek yogurt and coconut oil to create an icing
  • Top each cupcake with icing and garnish with more grated carrot

4. Easter Cookies

These Easter egg-inspired dog biscuits make the perfect addition to an Easter basket or egg hunt.

Here’s how to make them:

  • Whisk two eggs in a bowl and set them aside
  • Combine 1 ¼ cups rice flour and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and add to the eggs
  • Gradually add in ¼ cup whole wheat flour until the dough is no longer sticky
  • Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness and chill for 20 minutes
  • Use an oval cookie cutter to create egg shapes and place them on lined baking sheets
  • Freeze for 30 minutes to prevent spreading
  • Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 minutes

For more festive fun, decorate your biscuits with icing made of Greek yogurt and coconut oil, fruit toppings, or natural food coloring.

5. Pastel Pupsicles

Easter is all about pastel colors and Spring vibes.

Mix up a pupsicle using Greek yogurt as the base and blend it with some fun ingredients to create nutritious and tasty pastel treats. You can use:

  • Beetroot powder or beet juice
  • Turmeric
  • Spirulina
  • Spinach

Or get creative with whatever dog-friendly ingredients you have on hand!

Then simply pour the mixture into your mold of choice and freeze solid.

Which of these tasty recipes is on your menu for Easter? Let us know in the comments and be sure to share pictures and tag us!

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