This is our go-to birthday batter: grated carrot and unsweetened applesauce in a whole wheat cake. Bake it as a 6-inch layer or a tray of pupcakes for a dog party.
For other flavors, try the peanut butter dog cake or swap the applesauce for pumpkin.
Why your dog will love this
- One batter, two sizes
- Naturally sweet from apple and carrot
- Freezes well for gotcha days
Ingredient notes
- Whole wheat flour Safe
Fine baked into treats unless your dog has a wheat allergy.
- Baking soda Caution
Safe in the small amounts used in baking. Large amounts are harmful.
- Carrots, finely grated Safe
Raw or cooked. Cut to a safe size to prevent choking.
- Unsweetened applesauce Safe
Remove the core and seeds. Unsweetened applesauce is fine.
- Eggs Safe
Serve fully cooked.
- Dog icing or plain Greek yogurt Caution
Plain and unsweetened only, with no xylitol. Some dogs are lactose intolerant.
Homemade Dog Birthday Cakes (Carrot Apple Pupcake)
Carrot apple cake batter for one 6-inch layer or 12 pupcakes.
- 6 of 7 ingredients safety-checked, 4 marked safe
- Peanut-free
- Contains: Wheat, Egg, Dairy
Ingredients
Makes 12 pupcakes
- SafeFine baked into treats unless your dog has a wheat allergy. Safe amount: As part of baked treats.
- CautionSafe in the small amounts used in baking. Large amounts are harmful. Safe amount: Up to 1 tsp per batch.
- SafeRaw or cooked. Cut to a safe size to prevent choking. Safe amount: A few pieces.
- SafeRemove the core and seeds. Unsweetened applesauce is fine. Safe amount: A few slices or 1–2 tbsp applesauce.
- SafeServe fully cooked. Safe amount: Treat-size portions.
- CautionPlain and unsweetened only, with no xylitol. Some dogs are lactose intolerant. Safe amount: 1–2 tbsp for a medium dog.
Equipment
- Muffin pan
- Box grater
Instructions
-
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan or grease a 6-inch pan.
-
Whisk the eggs, applesauce and water. Stir in the carrots.
-
Fold in the flour and baking soda.
-
Bake pupcakes until springy, or a 6-inch cake for 30 minutes.
-
Cool completely and top with icing.
Tips for success
- Squeeze excess juice from grated carrot so the batter does not turn gummy.
- Fill muffin cups two-thirds full for nicely domed pupcakes.
- Bake pupcakes the day before and frost on the party day.
Nutrition per pupcake
- Calories
- 85 kcal
- Protein
- 2.6 g
- Fat
- 1.5 g
- Fiber
- 2.0 g
- Carbs
- 15 g
Storage
- Fridge 4 days
- Freezer 60 days
How much to serve
One pupcake for a medium dog, half for a small dog.
| Small dog (10 lb) | up to 0.50 pupcake a day |
|---|---|
| Medium dog (30 lb) | up to 1 pupcake a day |
| Large dog (60 lb) | up to 1.50 pupcakes a day |
Last updated September 26, 2026.
How to make Homemade Dog Birthday Cakes
Homemade Dog Birthday Cakes takes about 35 minutes from start to finish and makes 12 pupcakes. It is an easy recipe. You will need a muffin pan and box grater. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.
Ingredients and why they are here
You need 7 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for dogs.
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour: Fine baked into treats unless your dog has a wheat allergy.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Safe in the small amounts used in baking. Large amounts are harmful.
- 1 cup carrots, finely grated: Raw or cooked. Cut to a safe size to prevent choking.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Remove the core and seeds. Unsweetened applesauce is fine.
- 2 large eggs: Serve fully cooked.
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup dog icing or plain Greek yogurt: Plain and unsweetened only, with no xylitol. Some dogs are lactose intolerant.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan or grease a 6-inch pan.
- Whisk the eggs, applesauce and water. Stir in the carrots.
- Fold in the flour and baking soda.
- Bake pupcakes until springy, or a 6-inch cake for 30 minutes. Allow about 20 minutes.
- Cool completely and top with icing.
Tips for success
- Squeeze excess juice from grated carrot so the batter does not turn gummy.
- Fill muffin cups two-thirds full for nicely domed pupcakes.
- Bake pupcakes the day before and frost on the party day.
How to store it
Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.
How much to serve
One pupcake for a medium dog, half for a small dog. Each pupcake has about 85 calories. Treats and toppers should stay under 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories, so cut back their regular food a little on days you serve extra.
Swaps and variations
No whole wheat flour? Use oat flour. No unsweetened applesauce? Use plain pumpkin purée. Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.
Why dogs love it
One batter, two sizes. Naturally sweet from apple and carrot. Freezes well for gotcha days.
Feeding tips for dogs
Introduce any new food slowly, starting with a small piece, and wait a day to see how your dog’s stomach handles it. Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis, kidney disease or diabetes may need changes, so check with your vet first. Keep fresh water out, especially with dry or salty-tasting treats, and count every treat toward the daily allowance so meals stay balanced.
Safety notes
Baking Powder & Soda: Safe in the small amounts used in baking. Large amounts are harmful. Yogurt: Plain and unsweetened only, with no xylitol. Some dogs are lactose intolerant. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your dog. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What can dogs not have in birthday cake?
Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and regular frosting with sugar.
Can I freeze pupcakes?
Yes, unfrosted, for up to 2 months.
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