The Perfect Pet Barkcuterie Board for the Holidays Plus Video Instructions

With all those delicious holiday meals coming up, we know that our pets want to join in on the fun. But unfortunately, the foods we love are not always safe for them. Common food items that can be poisonous to dogs include onions, raisins, grapes, some nuts, chocolate and alcohol, so avoid sharing these with them. Too many rich, fatty foods, or simply new, unfamiliar foods can upset a pet’s stomach–and even cause pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening—so owners should go easy on the tidbits. The same goes for bones which can break apart or splinter in a pet’s stomach and be deadly.  

But fear not! Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of shelter pets in America by 2025, has the perfect solution to bring your dog a festive feast: barkcuterie boards! Check out this cute video of assembling and serving some lucky pups (Guinness is still available for adoption!) a pet-friendly version of the ever-popular charcuterie board.

How to make the perfect barkcuterie board 

What you will need: 

• ·         Serving or cutting board 
• ·         Small bowl or ramekin 
• ·         Cookie cutters in a variety of shapes and sizes—we love paws, bones, hearts, and stars 
• ·         Cutting board, knife and spoon for food prep 
• ·         ½ cup of your pet’s favorite wet food (if they don’t eat wet food, double the amount of dry) 
• ·         ¼ cup of your pet’s favorite dry food 
• ·         A hearty handful of your dog’s favorite treats 
• ·         1 cup of your pet’s favorite chopped/sliced dog-friendly fruits and vegetables, such as: apples, mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, zucchini, and kale. Pick a variety of colors and what’s seasonal—the options are endless! 
• ·          Your best friend (and taste-tester) 

Optional additions: 

• ·         Kale or spinach – for garnish 
• ·         Coconut whipped cream (note: should only be given as an occasional treat as coconut milk does have some benefits for a dog’s fur and coat, but is rich in fat and triglycerides) 
• ·         Peanut butter (Make sure you choose xylitol-free) 

Directions: 

Place the small serving bowl in the center of your cutting board. If you’re using kale or spinach, place it under and surrounding the small bowl. 

Fill the small bowl with the wet food. 

Place the cut fruits and veggies around the bowl. Separate different colors so each item stands out. 

Fill in multiple areas with the dry food. 

Place treats around the board and in-between the fruits and veggies. Your best friend may have fun sniffing these irresistible treats out if you place them under the kale, too! 

Keep it simple. Design your barkcuterie board with your dog in mind and choose the foods they will enjoy. 

Now let them dig in!  

About Best Friends Animal Society  

Best Friends Animal Society is the leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 347,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs all across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 3,300 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.