Best Dog Birthday Treats That Are Actually Safe

Birthday treats for dogs need to clear two bars: your dog needs to love them, and they need to be safe. Plenty of human birthday foods are toxic to dogs, so knowing what works and what doesn't is essential before party day.

Here are the best options, from homemade to store-bought.

Homemade Frozen Peanut Butter Bites

Mix xylitol-free peanut butter with plain yogurt and a mashed banana. Spoon into silicone molds and freeze for 2 hours. These are easy to make, safe for almost all dogs, and they absolutely love them. Total cost is about $5 and you'll get 12-15 bites. Make them the day before the party.

Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chews

Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips and bake at 250 degrees for 2-3 hours until chewy. No seasoning needed. Dogs love the natural sweetness and they're packed with fiber and vitamins. These keep for about a week in an airtight container, so you can make them ahead.

Store-Bought Single Ingredient Treats

Freeze-dried liver, dehydrated chicken breast, or single-ingredient fish treats are the safest store-bought option. Brands like Stella & Chewy's, Vital Essentials, and Northwest Naturals keep it simple. Check the ingredient list and make sure there's literally one ingredient. These run $8-15 per bag.

Dog-Safe Birthday Cake

A simple cake made with oat flour, peanut butter, pumpkin puree, an egg, and a banana, topped with plain yogurt. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Your dog will not care that it's not a three-tier masterpiece. They care that it smells amazing and they get to eat it. For more details, check our guide on how to make cake for dogs at home.

Frozen Watermelon Cubes

Remove the seeds and rind, cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, and freeze. These are perfect for summer birthday parties and dogs love them. Watermelon is 92% water, so it doubles as hydration on hot days. Practically free if you already have watermelon in the fridge.

Pupsicles

Blend chicken broth (low sodium, no onion or garlic) with small pieces of your dog's favorite fruit. Pour into popsicle molds or ice cube trays. Freeze overnight. These take longer to eat than most treats, which means more engagement and more entertainment for party guests to watch.

What to Avoid

Never give dogs chocolate, grapes, raisins, anything with xylitol (check peanut butter labels), macadamia nuts, onions, or garlic. If you're serving human food at the party too, keep the dog treats and human treats clearly separated. A well-meaning guest handing your dog a piece of chocolate cake could mean an emergency vet visit. For the full breakdown, see our guide on whether dogs can eat human birthday cake.

The 90/10 Rule

Even on their birthday, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. For a 30-pound dog, that's roughly 70 extra calories worth of treats. Go ahead and let them enjoy the day, but don't let them eat the entire cake. A few extra treats spread throughout the party is the right call. Learn more in our guide on the 90/10 rule for dogs.

Set the Scene

Great treats deserve a great presentation. PartyAnimal's party packs include personalized treat toppers that turn a plate of homemade bites into a party-ready display. It's a small detail that makes the treat table look intentional.