What is the gut microbiome?

All animals, including dogs and people, have millions of bacteria in their guts. These ‘friendly’ gut bacteria help your dog to digest food as well as provide natural defences against the invasion of potentially harmful microbes. The bacteria inhabiting the intestines are referred to as the gut microbiome. We are learning more and more about the benefits of a healthy microbiome, but we do know that it has a huge impact on the overall well-being of our dogs.

What are probiotics for dogs?

Probiotics can be used to top up the levels of ‘friendly’ bacteria and improve the gut microbiome. This can be particularly helpful if your dog suffers from a digestive disorder, or their gut flora has been disturbed by medication. Probiotics are live microorganisms often given to dogs as a supplement. They may come in powder, paste or tablet form with bacteria specific to improve the gut health of dogs. However, some high-quality diets have probiotics included in their recipes, which can save owners from having to administer any separate treatments, depending on their dog’s needs.

What are prebiotics for dogs?

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibre sources that can increase the number of specific bacteria populations. As these bacteria metabolise prebiotics, the by-products made can have local anti-inflammatory effects on the gut lining and produce energy for your dog. Dietary fibres can also help improve stool consistency, improve the mucus lining of the digestive tract as well as helping improve the health of cells in the intestines. Simply put, prebiotics help good gut bacteria to grow and multiply. Prebiotics are therefore often given at the same time as probiotics.

Are pre and probiotics good for dogs?

Yes! Pre and probiotics for dogs can be excellent at improving digestive health. They are often used to: Help treat sudden onset, uncomplicated diarrhoea cases Prevent stress-induced diarrhoea Manage chronic gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) alongside medication and dietary changes Increase levels of gut bacteria following courses of antibiotics Probiotics and prebiotics are considered very safe for dogs. Their proven benefits mean that even healthy dogs could show an improvement in gut health, with decreased flatulence and improved stool consistency.

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How to Make Dog-Friendly Christmas Cupcakes

Amy Gossling

December 16, 2024

Christmas is a time for indulging in festive treats, and if you’re a dog parent, you’ll know that no celebration feels complete without including your furry family members. So, why not treat them to some homemade dog-friendly Christmas cupcakes? This recipe is easy, fun, and made with ingredients that are safe for your pup to enjoy. And while they might not turn out picture-perfect (ours certainly didn’t!), your dog will adore them, and that’s all that truly matters.

Let’s dive into this simple step-by-step guide to baking the perfect festive cupcakes for your four-legged friend.

Ingredients You’ll Need How to Make Dog-Friendly Cupcakes A Word of Warning: Mischievous Dogs Ahead! Why Dogs Love These Festive Cupcakes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make the cupcakes and the festive icing:

For the Cupcakes:
• 1 ripe banana
• 50g peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)
• 40g honey
• 1 egg
• 112g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 33ml vegetable oil
• 92ml water

For the Icing:
• Green Icing: Blended spinach and Greek yoghurt
• Pink Icing: Blended beetroot and Greek yoghurt
• Optional: Top the cupcakes with your dog’s favourite Years Brainy Bites for an extra festive flair!

@yearsuk Maybe not our most aesthetically pleasing dog treat recipe... but the dogs seemed to love them and thats all that matters, right?! 🐶🎄#dogtok #dogsofinstagram #dogmom #dogtreats #dogfood ♬ original sound - Years.com - YEARS UK

How to Make Dog-Friendly Cupcakes

1. Prepare the Batter:
Start by slicing the banana. Add it to a mixing bowl with the peanut butter, honey, egg, flour, baking powder, oil, and water. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth batter.

2. Pour and Bake:
Pre-grease a baking tray (or cupcake tin) to prevent sticking. Pour the batter evenly into the tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for around 25 minutes.

3. Make the Icing:
While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the icing. For a festive green, blend spinach with Greek yoghurt. For a cheerful pink, blend beetroot with Greek yoghurt. The colours might not be as vibrant as shop-bought food colouring, but they’re all-natural and dog-safe.

4. Decorate the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, it’s time to decorate! Spread the icing on top and, for an extra festive touch, add a sprinkle of Years Brainy Bites.

A Word of Warning: Mischievous Dogs Ahead!

If you’ve got a cheeky pup like Prince (our star taste-tester), you might want to keep a close eye on your cupcakes. He managed to sneak a taste before the icing went on, securing himself a place on the naughty list this Christmas!

Why Dogs Love These Festive Cupcakes

All-natural ingredients: These cupcakes are free from artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and harmful additives, making them a wholesome treat for your dog.

Customisable icing: The icing is made with nutrient-packed vegetables like spinach and beetroot, adding a touch of festive colour while being gentle on sensitive tummies.

Perfectly portioned: The recipe can be scaled up or down, so you can bake as many (or as few) cupcakes as you need.

Tips for Success

• Use xylitol-free peanut butter: Always check the label to ensure it’s safe for dogs.

• Cool before decorating: Icing won’t stick properly if the cupcakes are warm.

• Experiment with toppings: Swap out Brainy Bites for other dog-safe treats if your pup has a favourite.

The Takeaway

Even if your dog-friendly Christmas cupcakes don’t look like a professional baker’s creation, the joy on your dog’s face will make it all worthwhile. This recipe is a fantastic way to include your furry friend in the festive fun, and it’s a brilliant opportunity to spend quality time together.

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