DIY Barkuterie Board Ideas
Nicole Groshek Read Time: 4 minA barkuterie board is a charcuterie board for dogs! Learn how to assemble an attractive display of dog-friendly food to treat your pup.
Barkuterie Composition Step-by-Step
- Start by placing small bowls or ramekins of broth or toppings on the tray. Place them apart from each other, not too close to the edge.
- Place larger treats and foods around the border to provide structure, alternating different sizes and shapes.
- Fill empty spaces with smaller foods and treats that need structure, like blueberries, small kibble or piles of carrot strips.
- Take a step back occasionally to rearrange ingredients to vary the colors, textures and height as needed.
- Sprinkle on a garnish, like Magical Dinner Dust, as a final touch.
Dog-Safe Food Ideas for your Barkuterie Board
Before you get started building your barkuterie board, you’ll need to make sure you’re using only foods and toppings that are safe for dogs to eat. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Dog Treats
An obvious option and a great way to add interesting shapes, textures and flavor your dog loves.
Fruits
These fruits are safe for your dog to eat, and some are even considered superfoods for dogs (we’re looking at you, blueberries!)
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Banana slices
- Watermelon
Veggies
Not only are these veggies safe for your dog to eat, some are even healthy for your dog, providing vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Leafy greens
- Pumpkin
Toppings
Add more flavor and different textures with tasty dips and toppings.
- Peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol free)
Pumpkin purée (plain, no spices or sugar added)
Frozen Treats
Pop a homemade frozen treat on the tray right before serving to your hungry pups!
Dog Food
Don’t count out your dog’s favorite food! Raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw dog food add protein and irresistible taste.
You can also use our guides to surprisingly healthy human foods for dogs as well as dangerous foods for dogs to choose or avoid the perfect barkuterie ingredients for your pup-tastic creation.
Tips for Assembling your Barkuterie Board
Of course your dog probably doesn’t care how the spread looks, but you may want to take pride in putting together an attractive barkuterie board, especially if celebrating with friends and their dogs, or sharing on social media! Use these tips to create a homemade barkuterie board that's also a feast for the eyes:
Vary the Textures
Not only does a variety of textures look pleasing to the eye, it also offers variety for your pup’s palate as well. Consider the following textures: crunchy, creamy, crumbly, chewy and crisp.
Add Color
Dog food and treats may add a variety of tastes and textures, but the colors are usually pretty similar. Add pops of color with blueberries, carrots and other colorful dog-safe fruits and veggies.
Consider Shapes & Size
Place foods with different shapes and sizes near each other to keep the eye moving. Mix squares, heart-shapes, circles and spheres with foods in a range of sizes: long, short, large and small.
Get Artistic
Use cookie cutters or show off your carving skills to create letters to spell out your dog’s name, or add visual interest with food or biscuits shaped like bones, paw prints or dogs!
Create Layers
Think high and low by placing some foods on top of others, like banana slices on freeze-dried raw patties. Small bowls with broth or peanut butter will also add vertical interest.
Serving Barkuterie to Your Dog
Since a barkuterie board is mostly made of treats, it's important to help your dog practice portion control to avoid an upset tummy.
These serving suggestions can be helpful whether it's a party of one, or a party with friends:
- Pick items from the board to feed to your dog one at a time
- Add a variety of foods from the board to your dog's food bowl (or a smaller plate)
- Put barkuterie treats in a slow feeder to help your pup pace themselves
- Hide dry foods in a snuffle mat so your dog can discover one tasty treat at a time
- Make a mini barkuterie board your dog can enjoy all at once
However you decide to treat your pup, always stay with them when the barkuterie board is in reach to avoid overfeeding.
Make the Occasion Special
Dog charcuterie boards are a great way to celebrate your dog’s special days. Mark your calendar and start planning your next barkuterie design theme based on:
Dogs add so much joy to our lives, you don’t need a reason to give your dog the best day ever! For even more ways to celebrate your pup, check out these recipes from our Tails of Tastiness Cookbook.
