Foods, Drinks & Treats for Dog Halloween Party
Best Ideas for Canine-Friendly Party Refreshments for Humans & Dogs
Sep 17, 2009
While the days of getting dressed up to tour the neighborhood to collect candy may be in the past, dog owners may find a dog-friendly Halloween party just as much fun. The party host can serve up Halloween goodies to please even the most discerning canine palate.
Dog Treats for Halloween Parties
Be sure to have a variety of refreshments for dogs available, including plenty of water. Treats should be kept at human level so dog owners can choose which treats to give their dogs and to help avoid conflicts over food between dogs.
Remind guests to avoid the temptation of allowing pets to gorge on Halloween treats. Steer clear of chocolate (which is toxic for dogs) and other sweets. Instead, focus on Halloween-themed treats safe for dogs.
To make Halloween-shaped pumpkin dog cookies, pick up a set of Halloween cookie cutters at nearly any grocery or drug store. Combine 3 cups flour and 1½ teaspoons of cinnamon. Cut with shortening. Combine 1 cup buttermilk and 1 cup canned pumpkin with 2 eggs. Add flour mix and stir to form dough. Roll to approximately ¼ inch thickness and cut dough with cookie cutters. Bake at 275 degrees on an ungreased cookie sheet until cookies are lightly golden (approximately 25 to 30 minutes).
To make peanut butter eyeballs, combine 1½ cups of crunchy peanut butter and ½ cup butter or margarine with 1 teaspoon milk. Add ½ cup flour and beat with an electric mixer. Add additional flour if needed until dough thickens. Roll into eyeball-sized balls and bake at 300 degrees until slight crust forms (approximately 10 minutes).
Halloween Party Food & Drink for Human Companions
For human party guests, traditional Halloween-themed fare can be served. Be sure to keep it out of reach of pets. Avoid serving chocolate just in case. Consider these creative ideas:
- Dress up pizza as a jack-o-lantern by creating eyes, nose and teeth with cut-up pepperoni
- Add olives and cocktail onions to spicy Bloody Mary mix and serve over ice
- Cut hard-boiled eggs in half, remove the yolk and replace with cream cheese, and add a green olive with pimiento to the top to create an eyeball egg
- Mix vodka into green kids drink mix over ice and add a (clean) glow stick as a swizzle stick
- Add canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice to taste in a favorite chili recipe
Other Ideas for Dog Halloween Parties
Be sure to hold the party in a dog-friendly venue like a park or large backyard. Have clean-up supplies on hand in case of messes. Invite only dogs – and owners – known to get along.
Consider holding a doggy costume contest and take lots of pictures. Do this earlier in the afternoon/evening as dogs tend to shed costumes during play. As a prize for best dressed, have a photo of the winner framed for the owner.
Use good sense and a little creativity to create a unique dog Halloween party. For “pet parents,” this can be every bit of fun as taking children trick-or-treating.
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