A few months ago, I decided to focus on intentional spending. Intentional spending is the practice of deliberately choosing how to allocate your money in alignment with your values, priorities, and long-term financial goals. This time we’re taking it one step further and practicing intentional baking with clean foods. So, in this blog post, we’re talking clean foods and how to bake with them for your dog’s pupcakes and treats.
WHAT ARE CLEAN FOODS & WHY THEY MATTER FOR YOUR PUPCAKES
If you’ve ever considered baking for your dog, clean foods are a great investment. Clean foods are natural, minimally processed, and free from artificial additives, preservatives, refined sugars, and harmful chemicals.
These include everyday items like fresh vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, which don’t have to be expensive. In fact, the recipe for my Vegetable Medley Pupcakes was inspired by clean foods I had leftover in my fridge.
Using clean foods to bake your dog treats ensures you bake are healthier, safer, and more aligned with your dog’s diet. Investing in the right ingredients is not only a smart financial decision but also benefits your dog’s long-term health.
Nutrient-Dense – Organic fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins support your dog’s coat, joint health, and immune system.
Fewer Additives – Natural ingredients reduce the risk of exposing your dog to harmful substances like preservatives and artificial flavors.
Better Digestibility – Clean foods are easier for dogs to digest, reducing gastrointestinal issues and making poop-scooping a bit more pleasant.
Reduced Health Costs – Feeding your dog clean foods can improve their health, leading to fewer vet visits and lower healthcare expenses.
More Enjoyable Treats – Sugar is more likely to enjoy treats made with clean foods, so I’m not wasting money on snacks she doesn’t like.
Enhanced Shelf Life – Clean foods last longer when stored properly, and prepping and freezing fruits, vegetables, and lean meats ensures they stay fresh until I’m ready to bake pupcakes.
HOW TO READ THE LABEL FOR YOUR INGREDIENTS
When baking pupcakes for your dog, understanding how to read food labels is key to ensuring your pet gets the best nutrition. Many store-bought ingredients contain hidden additives and preservatives that aren’t healthy for dogs. Here are a few tips I follow when choosing ingredients for Sugar:
Look for Single-Ingredient Products – Choose products with only one or two ingredients. For example, choose peanut butter that’s 100% peanuts with no added oils, sugars, or salt. For example, I use Crazy Richard’s that is 100% peanuts with no added oils, sugars, or salt. Single-ingredient products are cleaner and safer for your dog, minimizing the risk of unnecessary additives.
Shop the Perimeter – Fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats are usually found on the perimeter of grocery stores. Choose organic or non-GMO options to avoid harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
Avoid Artificial Additives and Preservatives – Stay away from artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Look for “no artificial preservatives” or “all-natural” labels.
Watch for Hidden Sugars – Avoid ingredients with hidden sugars like high-fructose corn syrup or dextrose. Choose products like 100% pumpkin puree with no added sugars.
Check for Added Salt or Sodium – Avoid products with added sodium, especially for items like peanut butter or canned vegetables. Look for “unsalted” or “no added salt” labels.
AND LET’S TALK ABOUT THE BAKING POWDER
I’ve gotten several questions on choosing baking powder for my pupcake recipes. The baking powder is used to help the pupcakes rise. However, it’s important to choose a safe and clean option for your dog. The brand that I use is Rumford Baking Powder as it works for Sugar and her diet. Here are few things to look for when you’re shopping for baking powder.
Aluminum-Free Baking Powder – Many conventional baking powders contain aluminum, which can upset your dog’s stomach. Look for labels that specify “aluminum-free” to avoid any potential issues.
Gluten-Free (if your dog has sensitivities) – If your dog is sensitive to gluten, consider using a gluten-free baking powder. Some baking powders may have trace amounts of gluten, so choosing a gluten-free version can prevent any adverse reactions.
Sodium Content – Some baking powders contain added sodium, which isn’t necessary for your dog. Look for low-sodium or sodium-free options to keep your pupcakes healthy.
Corn-Free Options – If your dog has a sensitivity to corn, avoid baking powders that use cornstarch as a base. Look for varieties that use potato starch or arrowroot instead.
TIPS FOR BUYING YOUR PUPCAKE INGREDIENTS
Every pupcake recipe has three types of ingredients:
Dry Ingredients – Dry ingredients contribute to the structure and the texture of the pupcake. It includes ingredients such as flour, baking powder, spices, and herbs.
Liquid Ingredients – Liquid ingredients, which include water, milk, and oils, contribute to the texture and the consistency of the pupcake batter.
Wet Ingredients – Wet ingredients are moisture-rich components that add moisture and help combine dry ingredients. They create texture and consistency for the pupcake batter. Wet ingredients include fruit, vegetables, eggs, lean meats, and yogurt.
Since most of us (me included) don’t have the time to bake every day, buying ingredients in bulk is always helpful. While upfront cost may be a little higher, it can provide savings over time. That savings can be used for other goals on your financial plan. Buying your ingredients in bulk can provide the following.
Cost Savings – When you buy ingredients in bulk, you often pay a lower price per unit, which can lead to substantial savings over time. This is especially true for pantry staples like flour, oats, and sugar. For the dry and wet ingredients, you can shop sales, prep your ingredients, and store them in the freezer to make sure they stay fresh.
Convenience – Having a well-stocked pantry and freezer means you’re always prepared to bake when inspiration strikes, saving you trips to the store and the associated costs of impulse purchases.
Reduced Packaging Waste – Buying in bulk reduces the amount of packaging you consume, which is better for the environment and can sometimes lead to additional savings.
STORING YOUR INGREDIENTS & MAINTAINING YOUR INGREDIENTS
The key to buying in bulk is to make sure you have room to properly store your investment. Not storing your ingredients properly can cause your ingredients to go bad or get damaged, which can be a waste of money. Here are a few tips to store your ingredients.
Use Airtight Containers – Store ingredients in airtight containers to keep them fresh and protect them from pests. Glass jars, plastic containers, and vacuum-sealed bags are excellent options.
Keep Cool, Dry Environment – Dry ingredients should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and moisture can cause ingredients to spoil more quickly, so be sure to keep your pantry organized and free from humidity.
Label and Rotate Ingredients – Always label your containers with the purchase date and make a habit of using older ingredients first. This practice, known as “first in, first out,” helps prevent spoilage and ensures you’re always using the freshest ingredients.
Freeze Your Ingredients – Extend the shelf life of wet and liquid ingredients like milk, yogurt, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats by freezing them in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Pre-measure ingredients to save time when baking—just thaw and use. If using lean meat, make sure the meat is cooked before adding to the batter.
BAKING GOURMET PUPCAKES ON A BUDGET
I love baking for Sugar. And believe me. Sugar loves to sample every last pupcake recipe I bake. I’ve learned there are several ways you can bake gourmet with clean foods and ingredients for your dog while sticking to your budget. Here are a few tips I’ve learned.
Buy Seasonal Produce – Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season options. For example, pumpkins and sweet potatoes are abundant in the fall and can be used in a variety of dog-friendly recipes. Freeze any excess produce to use later in the year.
Visit Farmers’ Markets – Farmers’ markets often offer fresh, local produce at lower prices than grocery stores. Plus, buying directly from farmers supports local businesses and reduces your carbon footprint.
Make Your Own Flour – I’ve never tried this. However, you can make oat or rice flour at home using a blender or food processor. Just blend the oats for 30-60 seconds until fine, sift for a smoother texture, and store in an airtight container for up to a month.
Substitute Expensive Ingredients – Certain expensive ingredients can be swapped out for more affordable options without sacrificing quality. For example, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for eggs in many recipes, which is not only cost-effective but also adds moisture and sweetness to your pupcakes.
Use Overripe Produce – Overripe bananas, apples, and carrots that are too soft for snacking are perfect for baking. Instead of throwing them out, incorporate them into your pupcake recipes to add natural sweetness and moisture.
Repurpose Ingredients – Leftover foods from other recipes, like cooked quinoa or steamed broccoli, can be added to your dog’s treats to enhance flavor and nutrition. Hence, the inspiration behind these Vegetable Medley Pupcakes. Get creative with your leftovers to reduce waste and save money.
TURNING YOUR PUPCAKES INTO EXTRA DOUGH
If you have a few extra ingredients leftover, don’t be afraid to use them. Baking pupcakes is not just a fun activity to do with your dog, but I’s also a great side hustle. Here are 3 ways you can turn those high-quality ingredients and turn them into a custom order side hustle
Cater For Dog Parties – A dog party is a social event organized to celebrate a special occasion, such as a dog’s birthday or gotcha day. Dogs and their families gather to enjoy treats, games, and activities to celebrate the special occasion. Dog parties need pupcakes. So, to all the new and experienced home bakers out there, dog parties are a great opportunity to start your side hustle.
Make Barkcuterie Boards – A barkcuterie board is an assortment of dog-friendly snacks, bites, and treats artistically arranged on a board or platter. Think charcuterie board with a dog-friendly twist. Creating and selling barkcuterie boards is a great way to earn some extra dough.
Bake for Special Occasions – Market your custom pupcakes specifically for dog birthdays, gotcha days, and holidays, offering personalized designs, flavors, and packaging. You can provide options for adding the dog’s name, age, or favorite theme, making each order unique and tailored to the occasion.
KEEP IT CUTE & CLEAN
Investing in quality ingredients is not only a smart financial decision, but it’s also a healthy decision. It gives you a chance to control what your dog eats. Not only do clean foods contribute to better health outcomes for your dog, but they also provide long-term savings by reducing waste and preventing health issues. By reading the label, buying in bulk, storing ingredients properly, and using budget-friendly hacks, you can maximize the return on your investment and ensure that your dog enjoys the best treats possible.
We’d love to hear your pupcake story. What’s your favorite dog-friendly baking ingredient? Stay connected and share your pupcake stories with us @pupcakesugar.
Check out our pupcake recipe eBook, Sugar’s Dish: My Start from Scratch Story & 10 “Easy As Pupcake” Recipes to Try at Home. This eBook includes the Vegetable Medley Pupcake recipe and 9 other beginner pupcake recipes for you to try at home with your dog.
You’ll also get a chance to step into Sugar’s world. I love my dog, Sugar, and her daily shenanigans make me laugh. So, I created an illustrated character inspired by her and her love of pupcakes. Sugar’s character is a “pupcakepreneur” that owns and operates her own pupcakery called Pupcake Sugar. It’s a tongue twister, but it’s amazing what you can create when you let your imagination lead the way.
Also, sign up for the Pupcake Sugar mailing list to get Sugar’s favorite birthday pupcake recipe to try at home with your dog. It’s great for dog moms who are new to baking dog treats.
