An Easter Recipe Your Dog Can Actually Eat—Plus What to Keep Off the Menu
- Vickie Foster
- 16 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Easter hazards come hopping along for your dog this time of year. Those little egg shaped chocolates are toxic for pooches and can make them very sick or even be fatal. Other types of candy or gum, especially sugar-free products can be toxic if they contain Xylitol. This additive can cause a dog's blood sugar to quickly drop to dangerous levels and larger amounts can also cause liver failure. Signs of Xylitol poisoning include your dog appearing weak, lethargic, collapsing or developing seizures. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested Xylitol.
Another unexpected danger lies in seasonal hot cross buns. These yummy rolls usually contain raisins, currants and other dried fruits that are toxic to your furry friends. They can also lead to liver damage. Just one of these dried fruits can be toxic. Hot cross buns frequently include nutmeg, a toxin that can upset a pet’s stomach, even in small amounts. Dogs who eat nutmeg can also have an increased heart rate, disorientation, abdominal pain, hallucinations and even seizures. Symptoms can last up to 48 hours. With all these dangers it’s best to avoid commercially prepared hot cross buns around your pup. But don’t despair, below is a dog-friendly recipe for hot cross buns so you and your pooch will not miss out.
Tail Wagging Hot Cross Buns
Yield 12
Ingredients:
• 2 ¾ cup white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 tbsp honey, plus optional extra to glaze
• 2 tsp fast-action dried yeast
• 1 egg
• ⅔ cup lactose-free milk
• 1 small carrot, washed and grated
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• olive oil, for greasing
• ⅓ cup plain flour
Directions
1. Sift the bread flour and cinnamon into a bowl. Add the peanut butter and rub together with your fingertips to create a mixture resembling breadcrumbs. Make a well in the center of this mix and add the honey and yeast.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together for about 1 minute. Pour the egg and milk mixture into the well, folding and mixing until a dough is formed. (This could also be done in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.)
3. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and stretchy, then knead in the grated carrot and cranberries. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and leave in a warm place to rise for an hour.
4. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it on a floured surface, before shaping into a ball again. Return to the bowl and leave to rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400° and lightly grease a large baking sheet.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Form the pieces into balls, then flatten the balls into bun shapes. Place the bun shapes on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Mix the plain flour with 2 tablespoons of water, adding it slowly and stirring in until you have a light dough.
8. Roll small pieces of the dough into ribbons and create traditional crosses on top of the buns. Or if you're feeling creative roll dots and decorate the buns with paw prints!
9. Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
10. If you want a glaze on the buns, lightly paint their surface with some honey before they cool.
Store the buns in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Enjoy the sweet goody with your pooch. Make it a one time treat for your dog though. It can be very rich for a canine appetite. In fact, you might want to reduce your furry pal’s dog food dinner slightly the day you serve it.
Bone Appetit!
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