Introduction

Looking for a special treat that’s both tasty and safe for your furry friend? This homemade cheesecake for dogs is a creamy, wholesome dessert made with dog-friendly ingredients. It’s a fun way to spoil your pup with a healthy indulgence.

A round cheesecake sits on a dark wooden board on a table with a white marbled texture. The cheesecake has two layers: a thick light beige creamy top layer with a smooth surface and a slightly browned edge, and underneath, a dense, medium brown crust layer. There are small spots of white powdered sugar on the edge of the cheesecake and scattered lightly around it. In the background, there are clear glass jars with brown ingredients, a white bowl, and a white jar with a wooden lid near a window with green hanging foliage. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup ground oats or rice flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana

1 cup plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana

1 egg (or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water as an egg substitute)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, food-grade)

Optional toppings: fresh fruit slices (blueberries, strawberries, apple), natural honey (used sparingly), unsweetened and xylitol-free peanut butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust by grinding oats or rice flour into a fine powder. Mix ½ cup of the ground oats with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a silicone mold to form a crust. Optionally, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for extra firmness, or skip baking for a no-bake option.
Step 2: Make the filling by combining 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana, 1 egg (or flaxseed mixture), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl. Blend until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or whisk.

Step 3: Pour the filling over the crust layer in the silicone mold. Spread evenly with a spatula, removing any air bubbles. Add fresh fruit slices on top if desired.
Step 4: Chill or bake the cheesecake. For chilling, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until set. For baking, preheat oven to 325°F (160°C), place mold on a baking sheet with water for a water bath, bake 20-25 minutes, then cool completely before refrigerating.
Step 5: Once set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the mold. Slice into small, manageable pieces and add optional toppings before serving to your dog.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Avoid artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Adjust sweetness based on your dog’s preference; start with less and increase if needed.

Keep portions small—these treats are meant for occasional indulgence.
Try variations like adding blueberries or strawberries for a berry bliss, mixing in unsweetened peanut butter for a peanut butter delight, incorporating pumpkin puree for digestion, or mashing bananas with cinnamon for extra flavor.
Freeze small portions for refreshing cheesecake bites during warmer months.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cheesecake and thaw portions as needed. When serving chilled or thawed treats, let them reach room temperature for easier digestion.

How to Serve

A round cheesecake sits on a wooden board covered with powdered sugar, showing two layers: a thick, creamy light yellow top layer with a smooth texture and a golden brown slightly crumbly crust at the bottom. The cheesecake has a slight golden brown edge on the top, with small spots of powdered sugar decoration near the edge. It is placed on a rustic wooden table dusted with flour, with a white marbled texture background. In the blurred background, there are several clear glass jars with different brown ingredients and two white bowls stacked, along with a blue bowl with a spoon inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Is this cheesecake safe for all dogs?

This recipe uses dog-safe ingredients, but always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods, especially if your dog has allergies or dietary restrictions.

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese?

Regular cream cheese often contains added salt and preservatives that may not be safe for dogs. It’s best to use plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as healthy, probiotic-rich alternatives.