If there’s any kind of person I never thought I would be, it would definitely be “that dog mom.” (If you are already rolling your eyes, you probably shouldn’t read the rest of this post.)
Honestly, I never thought I’d love a dog more than life. I never understood the whole “dog love” or unconditional love because I didn’t grow up with any sort of pet. I think I surprised everyone around me with how much I love Winston. Jason is the most surprised because it took him three years of convincing me to finally let us get a dog!
So when you see a photo like this, YOU KNOW I’M OBSESSED WITH MY DOG.
The love I have for Winston is something totally indescribable. My whole world just lights up and my heart kind of aches because I love him so much it hurts. Winston is our world and we are his world. I can’t even formulate into words the love we have for him so this whole post is kind of pointless.
There are so many little key phrases we say to him that’s like our little family language and he totally gets it because his big pointy radar ears perk up when we say those key words. He does so many cute things that it’s hard to ever truly be mad at him. My phone is now filled to the max with photos and videos of him. Prior to him, it was all food and now he’s like 100% majority of our lives.
I never thought it would pain me to travel or be away from him for an extended period of time, because after all, everyone says, “he’s just a dog.” I hate when people say that. Just a dog doesn’t even describe him. It’s like downplaying someone’s love for a family member and yes, dogs are part of the family.
Prior to Winston, we were never outdoors as often as we are now. We specifically go on dog-friendly outings every weekend so Winston doesn’t get “bored” of just sitting at home.
Car rides. Oh so many car rides. His entire face lights up when we say that word and his little butt and little nub of a tail wiggles with excitement.
Walks? He’s not much of a fan!
He loves other dogs even if they don’t love him. Whenever he gets excited and sees another potential play friend, his entire butt wiggles and his little nub of a tail doesn’t stop wagging.
His one annoyance: chuffing and barking at every little noise. We know it’s because he’s an alert dog but it does get super annoying at times :)
I love the way his paws twitch when he is in a deep sleep.
And finally, his main goal in life is to love and be loved. And oh how he is so so loved!
He is literally my favorite part of my day. Waking up in the morning knowing I get to see him and cuddle with him before we head downstairs to start our day will always be my favorite.
He is so ridiculously spoiled but I won’t have it any other way.
It still pains me to think that a year has already gone by already. Time, please slow down so we can have more time with our little guy.
Here’s to many more silly and rambunctious years! Happy first birthday, Winston!!!
So yeah, I made a grain-free dog birthday cake for Winston. I HAD TO! What kind of food blogger would I be if I didn’t?!
Grain-Free Dog Birthday Cake
Servings are adjustable but please note that results, timing, and cookware may vary when adjusting servings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpea/garbanzo bean flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter, stir to incorporate any oil on top
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded apples (about 1 large apple peeled)
For the frosting
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Heavily grease the insides of two 16-ounce oven-safe ramekins with melted coconut oil. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda.
- In a medium bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, eggs, and water.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and stir until everything is incorporated. Gently fold in the shredded apples.
- Divide the batter evenly amongst the prepared ramekin dishes.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet then bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- In the meantime, stir together the ingredients for the frosting in a small bowl and set aside.
- Once done baking, let cakes cool completely then using a sharp knife, run it around the edges of the cake then invert.
- Slice cakes in half horizontally. Alternate frosting layers then gently frost the outside of the cake.
- Serve to your sweet puppy!
Notes
There is an affiliate link in this post.
Sharon Guild
Friday 17th of January 2020
Yum5 stars?
Rita Hawkins
Friday 20th of September 2019
Can you use corn flour instead of normal flour in this recipe?
Julie Wampler
Monday 23rd of September 2019
I am not sure how dogs react to corn flour so I can't give a proper assessment.
Tina
Friday 30th of August 2019
I recently adopted a corgi mix that is the sweetest doggie one could ever meet. Well, turns out she needs grain free diet. Shes the only one of all my fur babies needing this but they all seem to love it. Is there any other flour I could use? I dont recall ever seeing chickpea flour but would love to make them this cake. They love the pupsicles I make for them so I know they would love a cake
Julie Wampler
Saturday 31st of August 2019
i haven't tried making this with any other flour but i imagine that any other grain-free flour could work (NOT coconut flour) but i don't know what measurements and whatnot.
BETTY SOULIERE
Friday 14th of December 2018
THIS IS A WONDERFUL SITE. I COOK FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD PUPPIES.
Natalie Salazar
Tuesday 13th of November 2018
Made this cake for my little guy Chubby’s 3rd birthday!! He and all my other 5 dogs LOVED it!! Thank you so much for this recipe, I used Bob’s Red Mill almond flour and it came out perfect!! Highly recommend this recipe!
Danielle
Wednesday 24th of April 2019
Almond flour was a good substitute? Did you have to adjust any liquids?
Julie Wampler
Tuesday 13th of November 2018
Great!!! Happy birthday to your little guy!