Easy Easter Dog-Friendly Recipes to Try This Year!

With Easter approaching quickly, you may already be thinking about the perfect way to treat your dog this year, especially because they can't eat chocolate! 
However, just because they can't join in on the egg action, doesn't mean they have to miss out on some yummy treats over the easter period. 
With this in mind, the recipe team at tails.com have shared a selection of Easter recipes that are healthy, delicious and completely dog-friendly. Purrfect for spoiling your furry friend!

1. Sean's Pup-Friendly Hot Cross Buns 

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, which all of the family at Easter can share.
 

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 a dough is formed. (This could 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 200°C (fan)/ gas 7 and lightly grease a large baking tray. 

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. Now for the fun bit! 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 beautifully golden. 

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

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

TOP TIP! 

Serve these up to the whole family, so your dog doesn't feel left out at Easter but do take care with portion control; these are a one-off indulgence, and we advise you to reduce the amount you give your dog for dinner that day. 
 

2. Dog-friendly Easter Egg

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

The smell of you making them will have your dog sniffing out where that delicious scent is coming from and hoping it's for them.
 

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!