7 Viral Dog Friendly Raindrop Cake Recipes (Agar Agar)

This is the quintessential dog-friendly raindrop cake. It’s beautiful, packed with antioxidants from the berries, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect starting point for your journey into canine molecular gastronomy! Blueberries and strawberries are not only safe for dogs but are also loaded with vitamins and fiber, making this a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
• A small handful of fresh blueberries
• 1-2 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Instructions:

1. Place your berries into your spherical or dome-shaped molds. Arrange them in a pattern you find pleasing.
2. In a small saucepan, whisk the agar-agar powder into the filtered water until it’s fully dissolved. Make sure there are no clumps.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking continuously. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes. This step is crucial for activating the agar-agar.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. You don’t want to pour boiling water onto your fruit.
5. Carefully and slowly pour the agar-agar mixture into your molds over the berries.
6. Let the molds cool to room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator to set completely. This usually takes about 1-2 hours.
7. Once firm, gently demold the cakes onto a plate and serve!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is perfect for pet parents who are new to making raindrop cakes and want to create something beautiful and healthy for their pup. It’s a great choice for a special occasion like a birthday or ‘gotcha’ day photo-op!

What dog can resist the allure of peanut butter? This recipe isn’t perfectly clear like the classic version, but it creates a dreamy, swirled effect that’s just as captivating. The protein punch from the peanut butter makes it a more substantial treat. Crucial Note: ALWAYS use a peanut butter that is free of xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
• 1 tablespoon of xylitol-free, all-natural creamy peanut butter

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter with 2-3 tablespoons of hot water to thin it out into a pourable consistency. Set aside.
2. In a saucepan, whisk the agar-agar powder into the remaining water until dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes, whisking constantly.
4. Remove from the heat and let it cool for just a minute or two.
5. Pour the clear agar-agar mixture into your molds, filling them about three-quarters full.
6. Gently drizzle the thinned peanut butter into the molds. You can use a toothpick to create elegant swirls.
7. Let them cool at room temperature before transferring to the fridge to set for 1-2 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate recipe for the picky eater or the peanut butter fanatic. If your dog turns their nose up at subtle fruity flavors, the rich scent and taste of this cake will win them over instantly.

On a hot day, nothing beats a refreshing treat. This raindrop cake is the ultimate canine cooler. Cucumber is incredibly hydrating (it’s 96% water!) and mint is a well-known breath freshener. It’s a spa day in a wobbly, edible form for your pup!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
• A few thin slices of cucumber, skin on
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Press the thin cucumber slices against the sides of your molds. Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves at the bottom.
2. Whisk the agar-agar powder into the water in a saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes while whisking.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly for a few minutes.
5. Gently pour the agar-agar liquid into the molds over the cucumber and mint.
6. Cool at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until fully set.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect treat for a hot summer day or for any dog that could use a little help with their doggy breath. It’s also a great low-calorie option for pups who are watching their weight.

Give your dog a boost of wellness with this vibrant, golden-hued cake. Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, which is great for vision, and turmeric is a celebrated anti-inflammatory powerhouse, making it fantastic for joint health, especially in senior dogs. The shredded carrot gives this cake a lovely texture and a beautiful, sunny appearance.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
• 2 tablespoons finely shredded raw carrot
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk the agar-agar powder and turmeric into the water. Ensure the turmeric is well-distributed to avoid clumping.
2. Stir in the finely shredded carrot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes to activate the agar and slightly soften the carrots.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Pour the golden mixture into your molds. The carrot shreds will be suspended throughout.
7. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to set.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is an excellent choice for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues. It’s a tasty way to incorporate beneficial supplements like turmeric into their diet. The slight sweetness from the carrot makes it very palatable.

When autumn leaves start to fall, even our dogs deserve a taste of the season! This pumpkin spice version is perfect for digestive health. Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs, packed with fiber that helps regulate their digestive system. A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and has anti-inflammatory properties of its own. Just ensure you’re using pure pumpkin purée, not sweetened pie filling!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
• 2 tablespoons pure pumpkin purée
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk the agar-agar powder and cinnamon into the water.
2. Whisk in the pumpkin purée until the mixture is smooth and has a uniform orange color.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking to prevent it from sticking.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Let the mixture cool down for about 5 minutes. It will be thicker than the clear recipes.
6. Pour into your molds and smooth the top.
7. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until completely firm. This version may take slightly longer to set due to the pumpkin.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for the fall season or for any dog that experiences occasional tummy upset. It’s a functional treat that tastes like a special indulgence, making it a win-win for pets and their parents.

This recipe is a fantastic tummy soother and a treat your dog will love. Unsweetened applesauce provides natural sweetness and fiber, while ginger is renowned for its ability to aid digestion and soothe nausea. The combination creates a zesty, comforting treat that’s great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1/4 tsp freshly grated)

Instructions:

1. Combine water, agar-agar powder, and ginger in a saucepan. Whisk thoroughly.
2. Stir in the unsweetened applesauce.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring.
4. Let it cool slightly before pouring into molds. The mixture will be slightly cloudy.
5. Place in the refrigerator to set for 1-2 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for dogs with sensitive digestion or those who get car sick. The gentle, soothing properties of ginger combined with the familiar taste of apple make this a go-to functional treat.

Who says treats have to be sweet? For the dog with a more refined, savory palate, this bone broth raindrop cake is a home run. It’s incredibly hydrating and packed with nutrients like collagen, which is great for joints, skin, and coat. This is the ultimate treat for recovery, hydration, or just because your dog deserves the best.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups low-sodium, dog-safe bone broth (no onions or garlic)
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
• Optional: A few tiny pieces of cooked, shredded chicken or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. If using, place the shredded chicken or parsley in the bottom of your molds.
2. In a saucepan, pour in the bone broth and whisk in the agar-agar powder until it is completely dissolved.
3. Bring the broth to a boil over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes to ensure the agar is fully activated.
5. Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes.
6. Carefully pour the warm broth into the molds.
7. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm. The final product will have the color of your bone broth.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This savory jiggle cake is perfect for active dogs needing extra hydration, senior dogs needing joint support, or any pup that prefers meaty flavors over sweet ones. It’s a fantastic way to turn their hydration into a fun and delicious treat.

Feeling inspired? Making these treats is more of a science experiment than a baking project, and getting it right is part of the fun! Here are some key things to keep in mind.

What is Agar-Agar?

Agar-agar, or just ‘agar,’ is a gelatinous substance derived from red seaweed. It’s a staple in many Asian cuisines and is a fantastic vegan substitute for gelatin. For our dogs, it’s a perfect choice because it’s plant-based, flavorless, and sets more firmly than gelatin, even at room temperature. It’s also a good source of fiber, manganese, magnesium, and iron. Always use the powder form for these recipes, as it dissolves most easily.

Choosing Dog-Safe Ingredients

The beauty of these cakes is their simplicity, which means every ingredient counts. Always stick to fruits, vegetables, and flavorings that are 100% safe for dogs.

• Good Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, apples (no seeds), watermelon (no seeds), mango, cantaloupe.
• Good Veggies: Carrots, cucumber, pumpkin, sweet potato (cooked).
• Flavorings to Avoid: Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters), macadamia nuts, and excessive salt or sugar.

When in doubt, a quick search or a call to your vet is always the best course of action.

Tips for a Crystal-Clear Cake

If you’re aiming for that classic, see-through look, here are a few pro tips:

1. Use Filtered Water: Tap water can have minerals and impurities that make the final cake cloudy. Filtered or distilled water gives you the best clarity.
2. Don’t Skip the Simmer: Boiling and then simmering the agar-agar mixture for a full 2 minutes is essential to fully activate its gelling properties.
3. Skim the Foam: Sometimes a little foam can form on top of the mixture while it’s simmering. Gently skim this off with a spoon before pouring.
4. Pour Slowly: Pouring the liquid slowly into the mold helps prevent the formation of air bubbles that can get trapped and cloud the view.

Molds and Tools

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment. The most important item is a mold. Specialty spherical or hemispherical silicone molds work best for the classic ‘raindrop’ shape. You can find these online or in kitchen supply stores. However, you can also use small bowls, ramekins, or even a muffin tin in a pinch! A small whisk and a saucepan are all the other tools you really need to get started.

Have a few more questions? We’ve got you covered. Here are some common queries about making these jiggly treats for your furry friend.

1. Is agar-agar really safe for all dogs?

Yes, in moderation, agar-agar is considered safe for dogs. It’s essentially a flavorless, indigestible fiber. Because of its high fiber content, giving your dog too much could potentially lead to mild digestive upset like gas or loose stools. The small amount used in these single-serving recipes is perfectly fine for most dogs as an occasional treat. As with any new food, it’s a good idea to start with a small portion to see how your dog tolerates it.

2. How should I store these raindrop cakes and how long do they last?

These cakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because they are mostly water and contain fresh ingredients, they don’t have a long shelf life. They are best served within 2-3 days. After that, they may start to weep or lose their firm texture.

3. Can I use sweeteners like honey or maple syrup?

While small amounts of honey or pure maple syrup are not toxic to dogs, we recommend avoiding them in these recipes. Dogs don’t need added sugars in their diet, and the natural sweetness from ingredients like fruit or pumpkin is usually more than enough to make the treat appealing. Sticking to whole-food ingredients is always the healthiest option for your pup.

4. My cake isn’t clear! What did I do wrong?

Don’t worry, this is a common issue! The most likely culprits are using tap water instead of filtered water, not letting the agar-agar mixture simmer long enough to fully dissolve and activate, or using ingredients that naturally make the mixture cloudy (like peanut butter or pumpkin). For the clearest result, stick to the Classic Berry or Cucumber & Mint recipes and follow the ‘Tips for a Crystal-Clear Cake’ in our guide above.