Just because they can’t have chocolate doesn’t mean our dogs have to miss out on yummy treats this Easter! Here are three easy recipes that your four-legged friend will love. 

With spring in the air and Easter just around the corner, many of us find ourselves spending extra time in the kitchen whipping up delicious seasonal treats for our families. And there’s no reason your dog should miss out on the goodies! Here’s a selection of Easter recipes that are healthy, delicious and completely dog-friendly.

Pup-friendly hot cross buns 

Everyone loves a hot cross bun, but they’re usually not suitable for dogs! Most recipes contain raisins and sultanas, which are toxic to our canine companions. Slathering them in butter isn’t going to do your pup’s waistline any favors either. This delicious dog-friendly recipe can be shared by the entire family this Easter – four-legged members included.

Makes: 12

Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 350g strong white bread flour (or rice flour if intolerant to wheat), plus extra for dusting
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 20g xylitol-free natural 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)
• 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.

Method

1. 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.)
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C and lightly grease a large baking tray.
5. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Form the pieces into balls, then flatten into bun shapes and place on the prepared baking tray.
6. Now for the fun part! Mix the plain flour with 1-2 tablespoons water, adding it slowly and stirring in until you have a light dough.
7. 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!
8. Once your masterpieces are ready, pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until beautifully golden.
9. 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.
10. Store the buns in an airtight container for up to five days, or freeze for up to three 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.

Dog-friendly Easter egg 

Want to get your pup involved in this year’s egg hunt? Try this quick and easy recipe for doggy Easter eggs!

Ingredients

• 140g of xylitol-free natural peanut butter
• 140g of coconut oil
• Optional extras for crunch: apple chunks or carrot pieces

Equipment 

• Egg-shaped mould

TOP TIP! You could also use a small ice cube tray

Method: 

1. Add the xylitol-free peanut butter and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl
2. 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 two 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!

Easter scrambled eggs 

The main ingredients in this recipe should be easy to find in your kitchen cupboard – eggs! Eggs aren’t just delicious; they’re filled with nutritious protein and “good fats”. So they’re great for us humans, and they’re great for your dog too! And the best part? They can be served at breakfast or dinner time. Because who doesn’t love eating breakfast for dinner?

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• A handful of peas
• A dollop of plain yogurt
• Water

Method

1. Crack an egg into a microwaveable bowl and whisk. Add in a tablespoon or two of water, a handful of peas and stir.
2. Put in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir and put back in for another 30 seconds.
3. Split the scrambled eggs up into two servings, and top with a dollop of yogurt!

TOP TIP! You can swap out peas for any of your dog’s favorite veggies!