Icing is an ideal way to dress up homemade dog treats. Not only is it quick and simple, but dogs absolutely adore it!
However, before using icing for your pup, make sure it’s safe for them. Some icings aren’t suitable and could lead to allergies or unwanted weight gain.
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Natural Ingredients for Food Coloring
Food coloring can be a fun and personalized way to make treats more special for your pup, but it’s essential that the ingredients be safe for your furry friend. Artificial dyes often found in pet food have been linked to hyperactivity, behavioral issues, and other problems with dogs.
Natural colorings are made with ingredients found in nature, such as fruits, vegetables and spices like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, spinach or turmeric.
These foods are all high in antioxidants and provide your dog with essential nutrients. Plus, they’re more beneficial than the artificial colors often used by pet treat manufacturers.
At present, the FDA has certified nine synthetic dyes: FD&C Blue 1; Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40; Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. These colors come from petroleum sources and are more cost-effective than natural alternatives.
Store-Bought Icing That Hardens
If you’re in search of an easy dog treat decorating recipe, this icing recipe is your ideal choice. It is safe for dogs, contains no powdered sugar, and will harden once applied.
Add some flair to your homemade dog treats with this yummy icing. Perfect for celebrating a milestone like your pup’s birthday, gotcha day or just because you love them, this treats are sure to put a smile on their face!
Ice cream for pets can typically be found at most grocery or pet supply stores; however, be sure to read the ingredients list first.
Icing That Sticks to the Wrapping
When decorating dog treats, using icing that sticks to the wrapping is a wise idea. This makes transporting and shipping them much simpler without fear of damage during transit.
Royal icing is the simplest icing to make for dog treats. Not only is it straightforward to prepare, but once set it stays hard and keeps well when frozen.
If you want to add some vibrant color to your frosting, gel paste food coloring is a quick and simple solution. Just divide the icing into as many small bowls as desired and stir in some food dye into each one for an eye-catching effect!
However, be mindful not to add too much water when making the frosting! Start by adding small amounts at a time and testing the consistency until you find what works best.
Another way to ensure the icing adheres properly to the wrap is to add a small amount of corn meal or bran into your recipe. This gives your dog treats an uneven surface when baked, which helps the frosting adhere securely.
Icing That Melts
Making dog treats extra special with icing can be an amazing way to extend their shelf life! Not only that, but adding frosting helps maintain freshness as well.
Ice creams come in a range of ingredients. Some contain fat and sugar, while others are dairy-free or made with natural components such as yogurt.
Iced dog treats may be decorated with candy melts that appear to harden when applied, however these melt when shipped or stored in warm environments.
They also contain chemicals which can be hazardous for dogs. Calcium salts, commonly known as calcium salts, cause gastrointestinal distress and chemical burns on your pup’s skin and paws if ingested.
If you want to give your pup a healthier treat, try making homemade frosting with yogurt chips. It’s simple to make and doesn’t contain the fat and sugar of candy melts, plus it will last longer in storage.
