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!
Not only do I recommend and prescribe TCM herbs, there are a number of supplements that I recommend every dog be on for optimal health. Below you can find usages, benefits and dosages for each. For helpful tips on giving supplements to your dogs, check out the tutorial videos in my app!
Dosage and Usage Guidelines:
Dosages are for average issues, if the issues are more dire, double the dose. For maintenance treatment, you can half the dose.
PROBIO:
It will also eradicate tear stains and any UTI issues too!
MAINTENANCE DOSAGE: 1/8 tsp per 10lbs once a day with food.
SEVERE YEAST OVERGROWTH (OR INITIAL DOSE): 1/2 tsp twice a day.
Keep in mind that it usually takes about 6 months to balance the microbiome when it’s in a state of longterm imbalance. However, it’s much easier to keep it there once balanced and you can then reduce to a maintenance dosage.
MARSHMALLOW ROOT:
Marshmallow root is great for draining dampness, dogs with stomach issues and combating the damp seasons. I recommend it at a maintenance dose for all dogs.
MAINTENANCE DOSAGE: 1/2 tsp per 15lbs once a day with food.
For dogs with severe dampness (skin, respiratory, etc.) double the dose, and give twice daily.
KRILL OIL:
Krill oil is my go to choice for Omega 3’s. It’s less prone to contamination and easier for the body to absorb! Benefits include: cardiovascular health, cognitive support, joint health, gut health and more.
Dosage: 1 tablet per 20lbs once daily. (make a small incision in tab with scissors or knife and squeeze onto food)
CBD W/CBN COOKIE AND TINCTURE:
It’s widely known that the use of CBD is safe and beneficial for our four legged companions. Our CBD with CBN tincture is made in house with 99.9% pure CBD and CBN, ensuring their effectiveness and the most bang for the buck!
Choose from: CBD Cookies (size 10lb/25lb/50lb dosage), or our Auntie M’s CBD with CBN
We recommend the cookies for anxiety and stress, and the tincture to aid with inflammation and chronic conditions.
CBD/N TINCTURE: (1oz – 300 drops)
Internal Use:
Give 1 drop per pound of weight for regular use. For injured pets or more advanced inflammation, give up to 2 drops per pound.
Topical Use:
- Rub a generous amount on the targeted area 3 times daily.
- Uses: cysts, lipomas, growths, hotspots
CBD Cookies:
Our best selling Dog Fish & Animal Crackers with the power of CBD! Use them to alleviate pain and inflammation, or to calm a stressed puppy. With 99.9% pure, locally manufactured, CBD powder they are sure to ease your dog’s anxiety and pain. Choose the cookie based on your dog’s size, or get Chicken Dust or Awesome Filling to dose as needed!
Give treat 30 minutes before you want it to take affect, last up to four hours
30mg per pkg, dosing recommendations:
Dog Fish: Best for up to 10lbs or small doses
Regular dose: 1 fish/10 lbs Strong Dose: 2 fish/ 10lbs
Animal Crackers: Best for 25lbs
Regular dose: 1 animal/ 25lbs Strong Dose: 2 animals / 25lbs
Hungry Hippos: 50lbs and over
Regular dose: 1 hippo/ 50lbs Strong Dose: 2 hippos / 50lbs
GREEN LIPPED MUSSEL:
Great for inflammation of any kind, whether it be an injury or muscle pain due to aging, arthritis, etc. This combined with CBD will quell any and all inflammation in the body. I highly recommend it for every dog (and human!).
Give 1/2 capsule per 10 lbs, twice daily for regular use. For injured pets or more advanced inflammation, give up to 1 capsule per 10lbs twice daily.
CHINESE MUGWORT (ARTEMISIA):
I recommend this herb for dogs who have stagnation and circulation issues. It can aid with dogs who have hind limb weakness.
Dosage: 1/8 tsp per 20lbs once daily.
Please note that exact dosages can only be determined with a full consultation. These supplements are generally used to treat the issues stated above, however, depending on your animal and their imbalances, they might resonate for a different combination of supplements and herbs. If you do not see improvement with this herb, please consider a consultation for improved results.