Peanut Butter Carrot Cake for Dogs

We attended last night's Cruces Canines fundraising event for the Humane Society of Southern New Mexico at Andele's Dog House last night. The theme was dog birthday party and so a local bakery provided a - what looked like - delicious cake for the pups.

Marybeth from Si Italian Bistro & Bakery created this treat. Enjoy the recipe!

Naturally sweet, colorful and flavorful, this cake is simple and easy to make. Great for fall.

1 cup flower

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup organic peanut butter

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup shredded carrots

1 tsp vanilla

1/3 cup honey

1 egg

cottage cheese

Mix flour and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into greased 8" round cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cool. Puree chottage cheese in blender for icing. Decorate with more peanut butter and carrots.

Hints:

• Frosting ideas: cream cheese, peanut butter, yogurt, Neufchatel cheese or cottage cheese make great icings. Stiffen icing with meringue powder, which is basically powdered egg whites.

• Dogs shouldn't have as much cake as people eat. A bite or two will thrill dogs at your party, and will avoid tummy upset later. Any unfamilar dog food can cause digestive upset.

• Use organic peanut butter, rather than major brands. It has fewer trans fats and is better for your dog.

• If your dog is allergic to wheat, replace with rice flour.

• Nuts are often not broken down during digestion, so be sure to chop nuts well when using them in recipes.

• Carob, a dog-safe chocolate substitute, can be purchased in powdered form or as carob chips at many grocery or health food stores.

• For candles, use rawhide chews, Milk Bones or purchase bone-shaped candles to add the finishing touch to your masterpiece.