I’m a cool dog mom. So cool that my dog, Sugar, not only gets homemade pupcakes for a treat, but she also gets them on her own Barkcuterie Board.
What’s a barkcuterie board? In this blog post, I’m going to tell you. I’m also sharing what’s going on my Pupcake Aroma Therapy themed barkcuterie board for barkcuterie board beginners along with seven reasons to create one.
WHAT IS A BARKCUTERIE BOARD
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. There are several benefits to making a barkcuterie board. Your dog not only gets to enjoy some amazing treats, but you also get to monitor the treats your dog eats.
And yes. Creating a barkcuterie board is a mindfulness practice. So, it’s also a great way to practice self-care and spend time with the dog you love.
PERFECT PUPCAKE FOR BARKCUTERIE BOARD BEGINNERS
In our world, pupcakes are the main attraction for every barkcuterie board. Cinnamon Oatmeal Pupcakes are perfect for barkcuterie board newbies who also love a little pupcake aroma therapy. The cinnamon and oatmeal are a great combination will smell like heaven to your dog’s nose.
PUPCAKE BARKCUTERIE PAIRINGS
Homemade pupcakes are a great main attraction to your barkcuterie board. But there would be no barkcuterie board without the perfect pairing. So, this holiday season I decided to stick with the pupcake aroma theme. Below are my pairings for the Cinnamon Oatmeal Pupcakes.
Popcorn – Popcorn is one of those scents that catches your attention every time. They’re also a fun treat for dogs (in moderation, of course). I popped my popcorn on top of the stove. To make, pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of popcorn kernels into a 4-quart pan. Cover the pan leaving the lid slightly ajar and place over medium heat. Shake the pan frequently while heating. When popping slows, remove the pan from the heat. Store popcorn in a plastic container to help it stay fresh.
Sweet Potato Fries – Use one large, sweet potato/yam. Peel the skin off the sweet potato. Cut the sweet potato into sticks ¼ to ½ inch wide and 3 inches long. Toss the sweet cut sweet potato in 3 tablespoons of olive oil and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Place them in an air fryer 10 minutes at 370° F. You can also bake them in the oven for 10 minutes at 400° F.
Apple Slices – Sugar loves a crunchy apple for a treat. Plus, apples go great with cinnamon and oatmeal. So, I added this sweet treat to the board to give it a sweet crunch.
Cranberries – Cranberries add a little color to your board. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of cranberries into a cut. I used a 1.7-ounce plastic salad dressing container.
Rosemary (for Garnish) – Rosemary has an amazing scent. Since my theme pupcake aroma therapy, I decided to add some rosemary herb leaves for garnish. It also adds another nice pop of color for presentation.
REASONS TO CREATE A BARKCUTERIE BOARD
Barkcuterie boards are one of the million ways to show any dog that their loved. But there are several other reasons why creating a barkcuterie board is a good activity, even if you don’t have a dog.
Celebrating Milestones – Barkcuterie boards are a great way to celebrate some of your dog’s milestones. Whether it’s your dog’s birthday, Gotcha Day, successfully learning a new trick, a barkcuterie board is a creative way to celebrate.
Social Event – Barkcuterie boards are a perfect centerpiece if you’re hosting a dog social event. Barkcuterie boards are a great artistic addition to the dog food table at puppy playdates, parties, and other dog-friendly social gatherings will make a nice artistic addition.
Training Rewards – A barkcuterie board can serve as a great reward system when you’re training your dog. It’s a great way to change up the treats you use while you’re training your dog.
Charitable Donations – A barkcuterie board may be a great donation to a local animal shelter to serve as a special treat for the dogs living in the shelter. It may also be a nice donation to raffle off for a community fundraiser. You can auction the barkcuterie board to raise money for your organization.
Business Promotion – A barkcuterie board is a great way to promote your business. You can use it to attract pet parents, even if you don’t have a pet business. It’s also a great way to create content for your website or social media page to show off your expertise and creativity.
Gift Idea – A barkcuterie board is a thoughtful gift for dog parents in your life. Especially to celebrate those milestones, such as becoming a new dog parent, holiday, or dog’s special occasion.
Artistic Outlet – Even if you’re not a pet parent, a barkcuterie board can form as a form of creative expression and a chance to embrace your feminine energy. It’s a moment you can use to practice mindfulness and being in the moment. You can sell, gift, or donate the barkcuterie board when you’re done.
Creating a barkcuterie board is a great way to bond with your dog. It’s also a great way to unwind, even if you’re not a dog mom. Are you creating any barkcuterie board this holiday season? We’d love to see it. Share your barkcuterie boards with us @pupcakesugar.
Also, check out our recipe eBook, SUGAR’S DISH: My Start from Scratch Story & Ten “Easy As Pupcake” Recipes to Try at Home for pupcake recipes to try for your next barkcuterie board, including the Cinnamon Oatmeal Pupcakes mentioned in this post.
