Charcuterie boards are all the rage. So, what do hardcore dog lovers do? BARKuterie boards, of course!
Charcuterie boards, a feast for the eyes and tastebuds, are such an enjoyable food experience. But while you’re having fun with your grazing platter, some four-legged family members are wishing they could join the festivities.
Let your loyal companion in on the fun with a barkuterie board! The best part? You probably already have everything you need in your refrigerator or pantry. I’ve also included two easy, no-bake treat recipes that’ll earn you lots of licks–on and off the board.
Be as creative as you’d like! Just keep in mind what Fido can’t have.
Some popular items featured in charcuterie boards aren’t safe for your dog. Here’s a short list of forbidden foods:
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Olives
- Deli meats (because of the high level of sodium and other preservatives that could be harmful or upset your pet’s stomach)
- Walnuts, macadamia nuts, or brazil nuts
- Anything chocolate or chocolate covered
While almonds and peanuts aren’t toxic, they could pose a choking hazard to some. If you include these, make sure they’re unsalted.
Use your best judgment when choosing items, and always be sure to check before adding anything you’re unsure of.
Choosing The Treats For Your Barkuterie Board
When deciding on which foods for your furbaby’s charcuterie board, remember you don’t need large amounts of any because you’ll want to offer a variety. Aim for a balance of protein, fruits, and just-for-fun goodies. Here are some suggestions for your platter:
- Apples
- Bananas (peeled)
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Carrot sticks
- Cauliflower
- Cheese
- Cooked chicken (without bones)
- Cucumber
- Dehydrated fruit slices (unsweetened)
- Dehydrated sweet potatoes
- Dog treats
- Dried meats or fish (unseasoned)
- Green beans
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Mango
- Peanut butter
- Pineapple
- Popcorn
- Raspberries
- Raw marrow bones
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Yogurt with a honey drizzle
You can use tiny sprigs of herbs to enhance the look of the board. Even though Fluffy doesn’t care how it looks, you certainly do! Photos must be taken, right? The following are dog-friendly:
- Basil
- Chamomile
- Cilantro
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
Building Your Barkuterie Board
Start by placing the larger or special items around the board. The goodies in the photo below are the two recipes included at the end of this article: Applelicious Gummies and Blueberry & Banana Truffles.
Arrange collections of medium-sized foods, such as chucks of chicken and vegetables, in different areas. (That’s purple cauliflower if you’re wondering!)
If you put peanut butter or yogurt in a ramekin, you might need to hold it for Fido. We suggest something a little more fun: pipe the creamy stuff! You can get creative with decorating the board.
Have a cookie cutter? Use it on slices of cheese for added cuteness.
Then fill the spaces in between with smaller items. Use your fancy peanut butter or yogurt design to hold some goodies in place.
After adding a few sprigs of herbs, voila! Your barkuterie board is ready for Fluffy and Fido–and Instagram! Isn’t it gorgeous!?
As with anything, moderation is key.
A barkuterie board is a fun treat for a special occasion, but it shouldn’t take the place of your dog’s daily nutritious meal.
Bone appétit!
Applelicious Gummies
Equipment/Supplies
- Silicone molds (small cavity - bones, paws, hearts, stars, etc.)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup apple juice unsweetened
- 2 packets gelatin unflavored (This is NOT Jell-o!)
- ¼ cup applesauce unsweetened
- Sprinkle cinnamon optional
- Sprinkle ginger optional
Instructions
- Pour apple juice into small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit for 4-5 minutes.
- Over low heat, gently stir continuously until gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat. Add applesauce and spices. Stir to combine.
- Slowly fill each cavity in molds.
- Refrigerate for several hours until firm.
Notes
Blueberry & Banana “Ruff”les (Truffles)
Equipment/Supplies
- Mini chopper or food processor
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup coconut flour
- 1 banana very ripe
- ⅓ cup blueberries fresh or thawed from frozen
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil warmed to liquid
- 2½ tablespoons flax ground
- Unsweetened coconut flakes for coating optional
Instructions
- In mini-chopper, purée banana and blueberries.
- In small bowl, mix fruit puree with flax, coconut oil, and coconut flour until thoroughly combined.
- Roll into bite-sized balls.
- Coat balls with coconut flakes or leave plain, or do both!
- Cover with plastic wrap or put in an air-tight container, and refrigerate for several hours until firm.
Notes
Also published on Vitacost’s blog. Check it out!