Charcuterie boards, overflowing with a variety of colors, textures and flavors, are always an enjoyable food experience. But while you’re having fun with your grazing platter, someone else is wishing they could join the festivities. It’s time to let your loyal companion join the party with the ultimutt barkuterie board! The best part? You probably already have everything you need in your refrigerator or pantry. We’ve also included two easy-to-make treat recipes that’ll earn you lots of licks (on and after the board).
Choosing the right foods for your board
When gathering your selection, remember that you don’t need large amounts of any single item. The goal with a barkuterie board is to offer a balanced variety of protein, fruits and just-for-fun goodies. Here are some suggestions for your platter:
- Apple slices
- Bananas (peeled)
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Carrot sticks
- Cauliflower
- Cheese
- Cooked chicken (without bones)
- Cucumber
- Dehydrated fruit slices
- Dehydrated sweet potatoes
- Dog treats
- Dried meats or fish (unseasoned)
- Green beans
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Mango
- Peanut butter
- Pineapple
- Popcorn
- Raspberries
- Raw marrow bones
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Yogurt with a honey drizzle
Items to leave out
Be careful as some popular charcuterie board items may be toxic to dogs. Here’s a short list of foods that are unsafe and should be avoided:
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Olives
- Deli meats (the high level of sodium and other preservatives could be harmful or upset your pet’s stomach)
- Walnuts, macadamia nuts or brazil nuts
- Anything covered in chocolate
Though almonds and peanuts aren’t toxic, they can be a choking hazard to some. Use your best judgement when choosing items and always be sure to check before adding anything you’re unsure of.
Building your board
Try using tiny sprigs of herbs for a pawsitively picturesque platter. The following herbs are dog-friendly:
- Basil
- Chamomile
- Cilantro
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
To arrange your board, place the larger items first. Next, organize collections of medium-sized foods, such as chucks of chicken, carrot sticks, hard-boiled egg halves and apple slices, in different areas around the board. Finally, fill the empty spaces with the smaller items. Try using peanut butter or yogurt to hold some of the goodies in place. If you have a cookie cutter, use it on slices of cheese for added cuteness.
As with anything, moderation is key. A barkuterie board is a fun treat for special occasions but shouldn’t take the place of your pet’s daily nutritious meal. Bone appétit!
Applelicious Gummies
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup apple juice unsweetened
- 2 packets gelatin* unflavored
- 1/4 cup applesauce unsweetened
- Sprinkle of cinnamon optional
- Sprinkle of ginger optional
Instructions
-
In small saucepan, pour apple juice. Sprinkle gelatin over juice; let sit 4-5 minutes.
-
Over low heat, gently stir continuously until gelatin is completely dissolved.
-
Remove from heat. Stir in applesauce and spices.
-
Slowly fill each mold cavity.
Recipe Notes
Shelf-life & Storage
Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Do not freeze.
*This is NOT Jell-O.
Add the ingredients to your cart and order now!
Blueberry & Banana Truffles (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1 banana very ripe
- 1/3 cup blueberries fresh or thawed from frozen
- 2 Tbsp. coconut oil warmed to liquid
- 2-1/2 Tbsp. flax ground
- Unsweetened coconut flakes for coating optional
Instructions
-
In mini-chopper, purée banana and blueberries.
-
In small bowl, mix fruit puree with flax, coconut oil and coconut flour until thoroughly combined.
-
Roll into bite-sized balls. Coat with coconut flakes, leave plain or do both, if desired.
-
Cover with plastic wrap or place in airtight container; refrigerate for several hours until firm.
Recipe Notes
Shelf-life & Storage
Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months. If your pup doesn’t have dental issues, there’s no reason you can’t give him a frozen treat.
Add the ingredients to your cart and order now!