If I make a plate, we family. Especially, during the holiday season. If you haven’t guessed it by now, baking for me is more than just copying the recipe. It’s experiencing the love, togetherness, and the stories behind it.
So, there’s no way I’m going to let Sugar miss out on her own holiday plate. So, in this blog post I’m sharing the benefits of making your dog a plate and, most importantly, what’s on Sugar’s plate for the holiday dinner.
BENEFITS OF CREATING A PLATE
Before I got a dog, there’s no way I thought that I’d be giving my dog real food. But then I met Sugar. She made it clear in the very beginning that kibble was not an option for her menu. Talk about a dog that knows what she wants. She refused. So, I gave in and gave her human food.
Now, do I cook for Sugar every day? No, thanks to PetPlate. However, during the holiday season I will make her a special meal just like the rest of people in my house. And now I realize that there a few benefits to making Sugar her own plate for the holidays.
Creates Joy
Sugar gets excited when I give her a plate with her special holiday meal. Not only does she find joy when I give Sugar her food, but she gets excited when she smells it cooking in the kitchen. As I often say, we can find joy in the little things. Watching her excitement brings me joy too.
Healthier Treats
Giving Sugar food that I prepared means I know exactly what ingredients are in the dish. This way I know that anything I give her aligns with her dietary needs as opposed to sneaking her scraps, which makes for a healthier dining experience.
Establishes Traditions
Every family has their own holiday traditions. And Sugar is family. Making a holiday dish for Sugar gives us another way to include her in our holiday traditions. It’s also a fun way to continue to bond with her and create memories.
Reduces Risk
Making Sugar a plate also allows her to have fun eating her treats without the risk of eating any harmful ingredients. A lot of holiday dishes have ingredients that are harmful to dogs. So, creating a special dish for Sugar eliminates the risk of her eating any food that’s unsafe.
Shows Love
Baking and cooking is a love language. Making Sugar her own plate is another way I can show love in affection to her during the holiday season. And, like most dogs when you show them love, they love you back.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
As you can see, making your dog a plate is a fun way to add extra joy to your home during the holiday season. But, before you start putting your favorite recipes on your dog’s holiday plate, there are a few ingredients that you should avoid. Here’s a list of some of the ingredients and foods could be toxic and unsafe for your dog.
- Chocolate
- Grapes & Raisins
- Onions
- Garlic
- Alcohol
- Mushrooms
- Avocado
- Macadamia Nuts
- Xylitol
- Nutmeg
Note that this list doesn’t include all the foods that may be unsafe or toxic for your dog. Also, note that you want to make sure that you understand dietary constraints. While some foods may generally not be toxic, they may not work for your dog’s diet or allergies. It’s best to consult your vet for any questions regarding your dog’s dietary constraints.
LET’S GET TO THESE PUPCAKES
Pupcakes are a great way to give your dog their own taste of the food on your holiday menu without your dog wishing for food to fall from someone’s plate. In fact, Sugar has her own special plate for her pupcakes. There are a lot of ways to incorporate pupcakes into your holiday festivities. Here are five.
Appetizers
Serve your pupcakes to your dog as an appetizer for your dog. While your family is gathering for dinner, your dog can enjoy a pupcake appetizer during the meal.
Side Dish
Add a pupcake to your dog’s holiday meal as a side-dish. It’ll make the meal more festive for your dog and gives your dog’s meal a little extra variety.
Interactive Family Activities
Use pupcake decorating as a holiday family fun activity. Find creative ways to incorporate fun fruits, vegetables, treats, and other ingredients to customize a pupcake to your dog’s diet. Not only will your dog get some delicious treats, but your whole family will have fun bonding over the activity.
Gift Exchange
Give a pupcake (or two) a dog as a gift. So, while your friends and family are opening their gifts, your dog will get a delicious present too. It’s also a cool way to add your dog to the gift-giving tradition for you and your family.
Dessert Time
Holiday food is more than just the meal. It’s the desserts. After dinner is over, give your dog a pupcake as dessert. This way your dog gets a chance to experience the joys of holiday desserts with the family as well.
THE PERFECT PUPCAKE SIDE DISH
Speaking of side dishes, let’s talk about Sugar’s holiday plate. This holiday’s meal’s main attraction are these Mac & Cheese Pupcakes straight from Pupcake Soul: Recipes to Celebrate Us and a Few Love Stories to Go with Them recipe eBook. Along with turkey, sweet potato pudding, collard greens, and black-eyed peas adjusted to Sugar’s palette.
Fixing a plate is all about love. And, that love includes Sugar. That’s why she’s always included in our family holiday tradition. Because she’s more than a dog, she’s family. How do you include your dog in your holiday tradition? We’d love to hear your story. Share your pupcake culture stories with us @pupcakesugar.
For recipes in this article, check out our eBook, Pupcake Soul: Recipes to Celebrate Us and a Few Love Stories to Go with Them. It’s the perfect group of recipes for your dog’s holiday meal.
