Yes, you heard that correctly. Indulge your Best Friend with these festive chocolate truffles for dogs! With only 4 healthy ingredients, these will be an easy-to make hit for your dog’s holidays or any dog party occasion!
Chocolate Truffles for Dogs: Healthy Ingredients
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a truly versatile superfood in the realm of dogs (and even for us!). It has myriad uses and benefits our dogs in so many ways. Coconut oil is 90% saturated fat from medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are a type of “good” fat and are easily digested and provide quick energy for our canine friends. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Additionally, the MCTs in coconut oil support digestive health, cognitive health, and vibrant skin and coat.
Carob Powder: Do you remember trying carob as a chocolate substitute in your childhood? I sure do, and boy, was it a disappointment! The nice associate at my local natural food store even told me it was so unpopular they didn’t really carry much of it! Just the same, our dogs don’t know any different! Plus, carob has a decadent scent and just enough sweetness to indulge your pup. Moreover, carob contains nutrients such as vitamin A, B, D, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and even protein! Make sure to read your labels and get 100% carob with no added sugar. We used carob powder for this recipe.
Frozen Strawberries (or other dog-safe fruit of your choice): We used frozen organic strawberries for this recipe since they’re red and our whole point with holiday treats was to utilize some holiday colors. Strawberries are a great source of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth. We recommend organic strawberries since they’re not sprayed with the nasties our pups are so sensitive to.
Green Spirulina Powder (optional): Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae with superpower antioxidant effects. While studies of spirulina’s benefits in animals are not widespread, it has shown promizing anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer benefits in humans. Spirulina is chock-full of macronutrients like protein, fat and carbs, and even has a fair amount of B vitamins, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Nonwithstanding, make sure to purchase your spirulina from a reputable source or choose a pet-specific spirulina supplement.
Related: 7 Superfoods to Support Your Dog’s Immune System
Directions: Chocolate Truffles for Dogs
- Coconut Oil: 3 Large Tablespoons (set one aside for spirulina layer)
- 1 Tablespoon Carob Powder
- 4-5 Strawberries (we used frozen)
- 1/2 teaspoon spirulina powder
- Silicone baking molds or ice cube tray
- Gently warm 2 tablespoons of the coconut oil over low heat. Add the carob powder and mix unti fully incorporated.
- Spoon into the bottom of the silicone mold; about 1/2 Tbsp per mold. Pop into the freezer for 20 minutes.
- While the carob is chilling, puree your strawberries in a food processor or blender until they have an ice-cream like consistency.
- Spoon blended strawberries into the molds and pop back into the freezer for another 20 minutes.
- Warm the last tablespoon of coconut oil in the pan. Mix in the spirulina. Pour this mixture over the chilled strawberry layer for a decadent, 3-layer truffle your dog will go crazy for.
Spoil Your Dog!
Of course, this isn’t hard to do. Our dogs are so loving, accepting, and genuine, we can’t help but spoil them. Fortunately, most dogs are motivated by food and a special treat like this doesn’t come along every day. Why not make some chocolate truffles for dogs on any special occasion? They’re sure to wow your Best Friend!