13 Dog Friendly Cake Frosting Recipes with Cream Cheese

You can’t go wrong with this timeless combination. Peanut butter is a canine favorite, and when whipped with cream cheese, it creates a rich, decadent, and perfectly pipeable frosting. It’s the go-to for a reason!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain, full-fat or low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup creamy, unsalted, all-natural peanut butter (CRITICAL: check the label to ensure it contains NO XYLITOL)
• 1-2 tablespoons water or plain yogurt (to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

1. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and peanut butter.
3. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Start on a low speed to avoid splatters.
4. If the frosting is too thick to spread, add 1 tablespoon of water or yogurt at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Spread or pipe onto your cooled dog cake or pupcakes immediately.

Verdict: This is the perfect all-rounder frosting for any dog’s celebration. It’s ideal for first-time bakers and guaranteed to be a hit with almost any pup.

Sweet potato adds a beautiful natural orange color, a hint of sweetness, and a boost of vitamins and fiber. This frosting is a healthier option that still feels like a major treat.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato, cooled
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Ensure the cream cheese is softened and the mashed sweet potato is completely cool.
2. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, mashed sweet potato, and optional cinnamon.
3. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and has a uniform orange color.
4. The moisture from the sweet potato should make it a perfect consistency, but you can add a tiny bit of water if needed.
5. Use immediately to frost your dog’s cake.

Verdict: An excellent choice for pet parents looking for a healthier, nutrient-packed frosting. It’s especially great for dogs who enjoy vegetable-based treats.

Perfect for a fall birthday or just because! Pumpkin is fantastic for a dog’s digestive system, and a touch of cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor. It’s a healthy and seasonal delight.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon.
2. Mix on low speed, then increase to medium, until everything is well-combined, smooth, and has a light orange hue.
3. Be careful not to add too much pumpkin, as it can make the frosting too thin.
4. Frost your pup’s treats and watch them enjoy the seasonal flavor.

Verdict: This is a top-tier choice for health-conscious owners. The digestive benefits of pumpkin make it a guilt-free indulgence for your furry friend.

Want a frosting that looks as good as it tastes? A simple blueberry puree swirled into the cream cheese base creates a beautiful purple-and-white marbled effect and adds a dose of healthy antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons blueberries (fresh or frozen and thawed)
• 1 teaspoon water

Instructions:

1. In a small blender or with a fork, mash the blueberries with the water to create a rough puree.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy.
3. Spoon the blueberry puree on top of the cream cheese.
4. Using a knife or spatula, gently fold the puree into the cream cheese 2-3 times to create a swirl effect. Do not overmix, or you’ll lose the marbled look.
5. Carefully spread onto the cake.

Verdict: Perfect for the pet parent who wants to create a visually stunning cake. The health benefits are a fantastic bonus for this fruity, fun frosting.

Bring a taste of the tropics to your dog’s bowl! The combination of strawberry and banana is a classic smoothie flavor for a reason, and it translates perfectly into a creamy, fruity frosting.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 2 ripe strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 of a ripe banana

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, thoroughly mash the strawberries and banana with a fork until they form a smooth paste.
2. Add the softened cream cheese to the fruit paste.
3. Beat with an electric mixer until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and has a lovely light pink color.
4. The natural sugars in the ripe fruit make this a sweet treat without any unhealthy additives.

Verdict: A fantastic summer birthday option. This frosting is for the pup with a sweet tooth who loves fruity flavors.

Inspired by carrot cake, this dog-friendly version is a winner. Finely grated carrot adds texture and nutrients, while a tiny bit of honey (optional) adds a touch of natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons finely grated raw carrot
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, use raw if possible)

Instructions:

1. Make sure the carrot is grated as finely as possible to avoid large chunks in the frosting.
2. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated carrot, and optional honey.
3. Mix well with a spatula or mixer until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. You’ll have a white frosting with lovely orange flecks.
4. Spread on a dog-friendly carrot cake for the full experience!

Verdict: A great choice for a classic ‘carrot cake’ theme. It offers a nice texture and is a healthier alternative to fruit-heavy frostings.

Who says frosting has to be sweet? For the dog that goes crazy for meaty treats, this savory frosting is the ultimate indulgence. The salty, smoky flavor of bacon is irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 1 strip of cooked bacon, cooled and crumbled into very small bits
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of the bacon grease (cooled) for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon until crispy, then let it cool completely on a paper towel. Once cool, crumble it into tiny pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until fluffy.
3. Fold in the crumbled bacon bits and the optional bacon grease. Mix until just combined.
4. This frosting is best on a savory cake, perhaps one made with beef or chicken broth.

Verdict: This is the ‘special occasion’ frosting. It’s not for regular consumption, but for a birthday, it’s a savory dream come true for meat-loving dogs.

The classic pairing of apple and cinnamon is just as delicious for dogs as it is for us. Use unsweetened applesauce to create a smooth, flavorful, and wholesome frosting.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine the softened cream cheese, unsweetened applesauce, and cinnamon in a bowl.
2. Beat with a mixer until smooth and fully incorporated. The applesauce provides moisture and sweetness.
3. Be sure your applesauce has no added sugar or sweeteners.
4. Frost your pup’s treats for a comforting, classic flavor.

Verdict: A wholesome and tasty option that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for any time of year and pairs well with almost any cake base.

If you want to cut down on the fat and calories from the cream cheese, mixing it with plain Greek yogurt is the perfect solution. It creates a lighter, tangier frosting that’s also packed with probiotics.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whip the softened cream cheese first until it’s smooth.
2. Gradually add the Greek yogurt, mixing continuously until you have a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. This frosting will be a bit softer than a full cream cheese version, so it’s better for spreading than for intricate piping.
4. Chill for 10-15 minutes before using to help it firm up.

Verdict: The best option for dogs on a diet or for pet parents who want a lighter, probiotic-rich topping. It’s simple, healthy, and effective.

A little bit of unsweetened shredded coconut can add a wonderful texture and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor. Coconut oil is also great for a dog’s skin and coat, making this a beautiful and beneficial treat.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon finely shredded, unsweetened coconut
• 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil (optional, for coat health)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Stir in the shredded coconut and the optional melted (but cooled) coconut oil.
3. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
4. The frosting will have a slightly nubby texture from the coconut shreds.

Verdict: A great choice for adding a little something extra to your frosting. The skin and coat benefits of coconut are a welcome bonus to this tasty, textured topping.

Give your dog’s frosting an anti-inflammatory boost! Turmeric is known for its health benefits, particularly for joint health. A tiny amount can turn the frosting a beautiful golden yellow.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• A tiny pinch of black pepper (helps with turmeric absorption)

Instructions:

1. Combine the softened cream cheese, turmeric, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly until the frosting is a uniform, vibrant yellow color. Be aware that turmeric can stain, so be careful with your counters and utensils!
3. The flavor is very subtle and earthy, so most dogs won’t even notice it.

Verdict: This is the ultimate frosting for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues. It turns a fun treat into something that’s actively beneficial for their health.

Another savory option, this one is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for a dog’s skin and coat. Use high-quality canned salmon or even just a pump of salmon oil.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon canned salmon (in water, no salt added), drained and flaked
• OR: 1/2 teaspoon of high-quality salmon oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Thoroughly mix in the flaked salmon or the salmon oil until it is evenly incorporated.
3. The frosting will have a light pink hue and a distinct fishy smell that dogs adore.
4. Best used on a savory cake.

Verdict: If you want to give your dog a treat that will make their coat shine, this is it. It might not smell great to you, but your dog will think it’s the best thing ever.

When you’re short on time or ingredients, this two-ingredient recipe is a lifesaver. It’s simple, slightly sweet, and provides that classic frosting look with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese, softened
• 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey

Instructions:

1. Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until it is light and airy.
2. Drizzle in the honey and continue to beat until it is fully mixed in.
3. Taste a tiny bit to ensure it’s not too sweet (it shouldn’t be).
4. That’s it! You’re ready to frost.

Verdict: The perfect frosting for when you need a quick, no-fuss topping. It gets the job done and gives your dog a simple, tasty treat.

Whipping up a tasty frosting is fun, but your dog’s safety is priority number one. Not all ingredients are created equal in the canine world. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid when making homemade treats.

Choosing Your Base:

• Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat or low-fat plain cream cheese. Avoid flavored versions (like chive or strawberry) as they contain sugars, onions, or other harmful ingredients. If your dog is sensitive to dairy, use these recipes as a very small treat.
• Yogurt: If using yogurt, it must be plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. It contains less lactose than regular yogurt and has beneficial probiotics.

Safe & Healthy Mix-Ins:

• Peanut Butter: This is a big one. NEVER use peanut butter that contains XYLITOL. This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs. Always read the label and choose an all-natural brand where the only ingredients are peanuts and maybe salt.
• Fruits & Veggies: Most are great! Pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas are all excellent choices. Always introduce new foods in small amounts.
• Meats & Fish: Cooked, unseasoned bacon, canned salmon (in water), and high-quality fish oils are fantastic for savory, high-value treats.

Ingredients to AVOID at All Costs:

• Xylitol: Found in sugar-free products, some peanut butters, and baked goods. It is a poison to dogs.
• Chocolate: All types of chocolate are toxic to dogs.
• Grapes & Raisins: These can cause kidney failure.
• Macadamia Nuts: Highly toxic to canines.
• Onion & Garlic: Can damage red blood cells.
• Excessive Sugar & Salt: Dogs don’t need them, and they can lead to health problems just like in humans.

When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian before introducing a new food into your dog’s diet. A little bit of caution ensures that celebration time remains happy and safe for everyone!

How much frosting can my dog have?

Treats, including frosted cakes, should follow the 10% rule. This means they should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For most of these frostings, a tablespoon or two on a small pupcake is plenty for a medium-sized dog. Always serve in moderation.

How do I store leftover dog cake and frosting?

Because these frostings are dairy-based and contain no preservatives, they must be refrigerated. Store any leftover cake or frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices or pupcakes for a longer-lasting treat.

Can I use regular human frosting for my dog?

Absolutely not. Human frosting is loaded with sugar, which is unhealthy for dogs and can cause digestive upset. Worse, ‘sugar-free’ versions often contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic and can be fatal to dogs even in small amounts. Always use a recipe specifically designed for dogs.

My dog is lactose intolerant. Are there any alternatives?

While many dogs handle cream cheese in small amounts, some are sensitive. You can look for lactose-free cream cheese as a direct substitute. Alternatively, you could create a frosting by whipping a base of coconut cream (the thick part from a can of chilled coconut milk) with peanut butter or fruit puree. Always test with a very small amount first.