Why I Choose Healthier Options for Dog Treats and Cakes
Welcome to my dog baking community! I’m Auntie M, and I’m so excited to share my passion for healthy, homemade dog treats and cakes with you. If you love baking for your furry friends or are thinking about starting a business selling dog treats, it’s crucial to opt for healthier ingredients. Almost every “dog cake” on the market is filled with poison, that’s right, sugar is poison! Sugar feeds cancer cells and is something that dogs should have absolutely zero of! Dogs have less than 1/5 the taste buds that humans do, so don’t worry – they don’t know they’re missing out! Not to mention that sugar becomes addictive and activates the same center of the brain as cocaine. Yeah, that’s a no from me…
So why do all of these good hearted bakeries (or maybe even yourself) use these artificial additives that we use in our human baked goods? Because they’re cute! Who doesn’t want a dark red Spiderman cake? Or those frosted cookies that could fall on the floor and still look good as new! Sugar and artificial colorings make the baking world go round. So saying goodbye to them takes a commitment to health that few are willing to do. But you got this far, so let’s keep going!
Whether you’re a professional baker or baking enthusiast, you can probably guess that icing with ingredients like heavy greek yogurt is going to be hard. I won’t sugar-coat it (pun intended), it’s a new concept and does take some things off the table when you’re using natural food colorings. But don’t worry! I have spent over a decade fine tuning how to make cakes and treats that are just as cute as the toxic ones! Sure, they’re soft and have to be refrigerated. Maybe your Santa red is more “vintage” than others, but guess what – dogs can’t see red anyways! Who do we make the cute part for? Us. And by ALL means, do I love being extra on decorating. But it’s not worth losing years WITH them. There’s a way to make everyone happy and I’m here to teach it to you!
My Baking Journey:
Early on in my nutrition journey for my own fur kiddos, I learned how unhealthy all of the commercial treats were on the market. I even took Tater to a 3 Dog Bakery, we were filled with excitement (I had him super hyped), only to find that every treat was filled with sugar, wheat flour, artificial colorings and honestly too hard for me to break in half – let alone for him to eat! (he was a Boston Terrier, they have wonky nubby teeth) So, super bummed out, I had to find a better way. The dog parents in the holistic community pretty much just quit celebrating or giving treats when they find out how unhealthy they are, but I feel that celebrating is what makes life worth living!
So after a decade and a half, I’ve developed proprietary techniques and skills that I am excited to share with the every day baker! I will release one video a week, a tutorial for one cake design, available for purchase and download.
Each class will come with a printable instructional tutorial and stencils/guides needed for the specific design. There is no experience necessary to bake along with me! I do however, have a class just for techniques and basics if you want to expand your skills. I love celebrating every holiday with my dogs, and with each one – comes a new cake! I have a free cake and cookie recipe in the app, or you can purchase my cake & frosting mixes to make it even easier. Plus, don’t forget my coconut “fondant” for purchase for those more elaborate details!
Make sure to follow me on Instagram and share your finished products with me!
Negative Effects of Common Ingredients found in treats and cakes from bakeries and pet stores
Artificial Food Colorings
- Effects: These can cause hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and potential long-term health issues. Our dogs deserve better!
Wheat Flour
- Effects: It’s a common allergen that can lead to digestive problems and inflammation. Let’s keep their tummies happy and healthy.
Cream Cheese
- Effects: High in fat and lactose, it can contribute to obesity and digestive upset. Not ideal for our pups.
Tapioca Powder
- Effects: With low nutritional value, and 85% starch, it can cause spikes in blood sugar. We want steady energy for our dogs.
Yogurt Chips
- Effects: Often filled with added sugars, hydrogenated oils and artificial ingredients, they can lead to digestive issues and weight gain.
Peanut Butter with Sugar and Palm Oil
- Effects: High in unhealthy fats and sugars, and palm oil can cause stomach upset and is environmentally unfriendly.
Applesauce (High in Sugar)
- Effects: Excess sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and dental problems. Plus, sugar feeds cancer! Not what we want for our furry friends.
Milk Solids
- Effects: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, leading to digestive issues like diarrhea and gas. We can do better!
Sugars, Sprinkles and Fondant
- Effects: High sugar content can cause obesity, diabetes, and dental problems. Plus, sugar feeds cancer! Our pups don’t need this.
Almond Flour
- Effects: Contains higher fat content, can be hard to digest, and some dogs are allergic to nuts. Let’s keep it safe.
Beneficial Reasons for Using Healthier Ingredients in your treats and cakes
Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
- Benefits: High in protein, probiotics for digestive health, and low in fat. Perfect for our dogs.
Oat Flour
- Benefits: Gluten-free, high in fiber, heart healthy, and gentle on the digestive system. Ideal for baking.
Carob Powder
- Benefits: A safe chocolate alternative, rich in vitamins and minerals, and aids in digestion. Yum!
Flaxseed Meal
- Benefits: High in omega-3 fatty acids, promotes healthy skin and coat, and supports cardiovascular health. So good!
Goat Milk
- Benefits: Easier to digest than cow’s milk, rich in nutrients, and supports the immune system. A great choice.
Coconut Flour
- Benefits: Gluten-free, high in fiber, and promotes healthy digestion and stable blood sugar levels. Fantastic!
Why Learn to Use These Ingredients?
Baking with healthier ingredients can be more challenging, and it requires specific techniques to get the best results. That’s where my classes come in. I’ll guide you on how to master these ingredients, ensuring your dog treats and cakes are not only delicious but also nutritious.
Join My Classes
- Weekly Cake Designs: Learn how to make stunning and healthy cakes for dogs.
- Beginner Tips & Techniques: Perfect if you’re just starting out in dog baking.
- Professional Guidance: Whether you’re a professional baker or a home cook, my classes cater to all skill levels.
By choosing healthier ingredients and learning the correct techniques, you can create treats that contribute to the well-being of dogs while standing out in the market as a provider of premium, health-conscious dog treats. Join my classes today and embark on a journey of baking excellence that will delight both dogs and their owners!
With love, Auntie M
About the Instructor
Melanie Fox, Certified Canine Natural Nutritionist & Canine Baker of 16 years
On the forefront of the healthy dog food and treat industry, Melanie developed her own recipes from scratch to ensure that they were good enough for her own dogs to eat. Her efforts include avoiding all sweeteners to avoid cancerous causing carcinogens, catering to dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies, and making sure they were healthy enough for ALL dogs to enjoy!
“Giving treats and celebrating with cakes is the way we connect with our pups. But it shouldn’t end in an upset tummy or sacrifice years to come with your dog. My mission is to eradicate cancers in our beloved furbabies through education and providing fresh and healthy treats and cakes is to prolong their time here with us.”
Melanie Fox, CCN, CSANN, CSAH, CSAN
Pioneer of Healthy Dog Cakes & Treats
“I found that most of the gluten free recipes I tried were hard, dense, and difficult for the dogs to eat. Plus, they looked gross and I didn’t really get any delight from serving them!
As an avid baker my whole life, I knew there had to be a better way to make healthy cakes that smelled and had the texture of a human cake. After all, there is no dog food or human food, it’s just food!
After years of trial and error I finally perfected my recipes and then set on to find a way to reach new levels of cute in my designs. I wasn’t willing to accept sacrificing adorableness for health. And while it’s not easy, it can be done! I’m excited to teach and share my knowledge to help you succeed and spread my mission of healthy cakes and treats for dogs all around the world!”
Auntie M
Benefits of Downloading My Cake and Treat Courses
- Download and Watch Anytime
Download the video tutorials and watch them as many times as you want (no rights to publish or share). Perfect for learning at your own pace and revisiting techniques whenever you need a refresher. - Detailed Printable Instructions
Each tutorial comes with detailed instructions that you can print out. This makes it easy to follow along and ensures you don’t miss any steps. - Exclusive Stencils and Graphics
Get access to exclusive stencils, graphics, and other printables depending on the design. These tools make it simple to create professional-looking treats and cakes.
- Health-Forward Ingredients
I always use health-forward ingredients in my recipes, so you never have to worry about the safety or nutrition of what you’re feeding your dog. Peace of mind with every bite! - Tailored for Every Dog
My courses cater to dogs of all ages, sizes, and even those with sensitive stomachs, allergies, and diseases like pancreatitis and diabetes. You can bake with confidence, knowing the recipes are safe and beneficial. - Learn Unique, Elaborate Designs
Discover how to create elaborate, one-of-a-kind designs from the original creator. Stand out with unique treats and cakes that showcase your skills and creativity.
Elevate Your Baking. Sign Up Today!
Enhance Your Pet’s Health with My Premier Holistic Wellness Session
While most pets will see great improvement by just switching their diet to fresh, homemade food, that’s just the start of the holistic wellness journey. Every single pet has a pathology that will show symptoms with age, some more severe, showing signs earlier than others.
My Alternative Health Assessment will utilize Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal remedies, supplements and other alternative modalities to work alongside your Veterinarian’s treatment. My aim is not to discredit the use of Western Medicine, rather to aid it in addressing other issues, and methodologies that it cannot.
As a pet parent of over 20+ years myself, I know how frustrating it can be when a vet visit doesn’t solve your furbaby’s issues and can’t give you answers to symptoms disrupting their quality of life. This led me on my own journey of learning to help my own dogs and now I have over 200 case studies of improved ailments, ranging from mast cell tumors to chronic kidney stones, and everything in between.
The most extraordinary thing about alternative medicine, is that it has the opportunity to aid your dog from different angles than conventional medicine. By treating the whole animal with natural remedies, not just treating the symptoms, we can repair their quality of life to a happy, healthy, symptom free state. All the while avoiding harmful side effects and dependencies.
Who is this Consult for?
Any pet parent concerned about their dog living a long and quality life!
I discovered alternative treatments well into my first dog Tater’s middle-age, and as he aged, I really regretted that I didn’t find it sooner. Since then, I’ve implemented the alternative methods in these assessments on my dogs from day one. As early as 8 weeks of age, commercial diets can cause puppies to show signs of dampness (a TCM ailment), proving that it’s never too early to start your dog on their holistic health journey.
Even a dog who appears perfectly healthy, might have things lurking beneath the surface that can be redirected early on in order to avoid later health issues, and heartache on your part. A holistic treatment is always best as a preventative first, so I recommend starting early (when they will require less herbs and supplements) rather than waiting until you get a cancer diagnosis, because it gets harder to undo the damage farther down the line.
With that said, it’s usually the worse off cases that I see and deal with the most, so if your furbaby is in bad shape, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to help and get your dog on the right plan to give you the most time you can have together, and not just time, but quality time. I also aim to educate during these consults, so we can work towards a healthier future together to ease their, and your, stress and suffering.
Things this consultation can help with:
- Seizures
- Allergies
- Mobility Issues
- Arthritis
- Asthma/Trachea Issues
- Stomach Issues
- Heart Issues
- and So Many More!
What You Will Receive With My Consult:
- 1 hour Zoom Consultation with 4 follow-ups: 3 emails (each a week apart) and 1 – 30 minute Zoom to discuss Assessment.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, herbal combinations and acupressure to administer at home
- Supplemental Support (i.e. mushroom tinctures, joint support, etc.)
- Diet Recommendations (specialty diets/mineral supplements will only be created with additional diet consult add-on)
- Activity Recommendations (Physical therapy, Acupressure, exercise, etc.)
Your Guide to the Alternative Health Consultation:
- Book Your Session – After purchasing your session, you will be emailed a Prerequisite Form. Here you will be asked numerous questions about your pet’s current conditions, photos and vet records. Use this to provide as much information as you possibly can, so that our Zoom call is streamlined and you gain the most from it.
- Your Zoom is Scheduled – Within 24hrs of receiving your completed form, you will receive your specified Zoom call date/time (one of your requested date/times). If I have any additional questions or info required, I will contact you via email prior to the meeting.
- Your Assessment is Created – Within 3 business days of your Zoom call, your pet’s custom plan will be created and a follow up zoom will be scheduled to go over it. The follow-up call will only be 30 minutes, to make sure the plan as a whole is comprehended so that it may be implemented ASAP. Please Note: Some herbal supplements you will be able to purchase on your own, others will be invoiced and ordered through me as they aren’t available to the general public. Pricing and order information will be sent with your Assessment.
- Follow-Up Assessment & Communications – Once the Alternative Health Assessment is implemented, we will have three weekly check-in emails, to reassess any changes and improvements and adjustments in the plan. (These follow-ups are included in the initial consultation price)
- Additional Costs & Follow-Ups – Budget is important for us all these days, which is why I want you to be aware of all costs associated for you to maximize your benefit from ongoing holistic care and alternative treatments. This consultation fee is for the initial assessment (this is a one time fee if you continue ongoing follow-ups within at least 6 months; If more than 6 mos has transpired, a new full assessment will need to be conducted) and follow-ups as described above. Additional follow-ups, reviewing herb/supplement dosages and/or new modalities, will be at a cost of $50 per email and $179 per zoom call. Costs associated with supplements, food and herbs will vary. Depending on the condition of your dog, you can use the estimated scale below. Please see the Food Cost Comparison page for an estimate on homemade food & Mineral Mix.
Estimated supplement/herb costs per month:
Small Dog – $50 – $200
Medium Dog – $75 – $350
Large Dog – $100 – $400
XL Dog – $150 – $500
*These are not guarantees, only rough estimates based on previous clients. An estimate cannot be given until a full assessment has been completed.
Add-On Diet Consultation & Coaching
To receive the maximum benefit, and for my most difficult cases. I recommend the well rounded addition of Diet Consultation and Coaching. These add-on features will give a 40% discount for these consultations at the initial booking only!
- Add On Dietary Consultation – This will give you a specified dietary consultation as well as a custom built recipe (recommended ingredients to do/do not feed) and a custom mineral mix (made custom for purchase), if required. The custom recipe will be structured for home cooking, and will also be available custom made for purchase, if you prefer. (no additional zoom calls or emails will be added for this, but each topic will be addressed and the time will be extended if needed)
- Add On Pet Parent Coaching – Many times we don’t realize how as parents, we can be contributing to issues that our pets are exhibiting. This add-on will give you additional recommendations and guidance for how you can make changes on your end to reduce exposure to toxins, stressors and add engagement activities to aid in your dog’s ongoing health. (no additional zoom calls or emails will be added for this, but each topic will be addressed and the time will be extended if needed)
- Add On Dietary Consult & Pet Parent Coaching – The most comprehensive approach and what I recommend for any dog in dire shape or for the most proactive pet parents. You will receive a full report for diet/alternative treatments and coaching to guide you to making the best environment and daily experience for your pet to support their mental and physical health! (no additional zoom calls or emails will be added for this, but each topic will be addressed and the time will be extended if needed)
Melanie Fox is a beloved Certified Small Animal Naturopath, Herbalist, and Holistic Nutritionist, with over 16 years of experience. Running her own dog rescue for 9 years, she fostered, cared for and cured rescue dogs of all breeds and sizes, compiling over 200 case studies. She created the food and treat line Homegrown Hounds to share her love of spoiling while advocating for healthy options. Her mission is to change the health trajectory of the pet industry to health forward and conscious products available to everyone.
Any suggested herbal remedies are not given to replace or interfere with current veterinarian treatments of the animal. Alternative Animal Health Assessment is meant to integrate and enhance your current treatment and to aid in the overall health of your dog. I am not a veterinarian, and none of this information should be construed as veterinary advice. It is important that you are working directly with a local veterinarian for a physical assessment and medical treatment, if required. No changes or outcomes can be guaranteed and all levels of improvement will depend on the accuracy of information provided, state of the animal’s condition, and administration and adherence to the suggested program.
