How to Make a Dog Friendly Charcuterie Board

Making a dog charcuterie board can be a fun experience for both you and your pooch. Instead of watching you enjoy your snacks with big pleading eyes, your pup gets to join in on all the fun. This shared experience can enhance the bond between you and your furry friend and feed your mutual love of good food. You might even discover some new favourite snacks for the treat tin.  

Creating a dog-friendly charcuterie board starts with selecting safe, nutritious, and enjoyable treats for your furry friend. When choosing items for the board, you will need to research and verify that the foods are safe for canine consumption. Many common human snacks, such as carrots, apples (without seeds), blueberries, and cucumbers, make excellent choices. These foods not only provide a variety of textures and flavours but also offer essential nutrients that can benefit your dog’s health. 

In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, consider adding treats specifically made for dogs. These can range from dog biscuits and meaty treats to dental chews and soft training rewards. Utilising treats formulated explicitly for your furry friend ensures that the ingredients are safe and free from harmful substances. These dog-specific treats often include essential vitamins and minerals tailored to your pup's dietary needs so there’s no guilt involved which isn’t something you can usually say about your own charcuterie board!  

It is equally important to be aware of foods that are toxic to dogs, which should be strictly avoided. Grapes, raisins, and chocolate are known to be extremely harmful to dogs and can lead to severe health issues or even fatalities. Other dangerous foods include onions, garlic, and any foods sweetened with xylitol.  

By steering clear of these toxic items and opting for dog-safe alternatives, you can create a charcuterie board that is both an enjoyable and safe experience for your pooch. Always prioritise your dog's health and well-being by double-checking ingredient lists. If you’re not sure if they can eat something, it might be best to give it a miss and instead opt for things specifically made to benefit your four legged friend instead.  

There are countless items you can add to your pampered pooch’s very own charcuterie board. Many of the snacks you enjoy can be shared with your pup, provided they are dog-friendly. Let's explore some tasty and safe options for your dog’s charcuterie experience. 

Fresh fruit can be a delicious and healthy treat for dogs. Some great options include strawberries, bananas, and apples minus the seeds. Instead of coating these fruits in chocolate, you can use Peamutt Butter, a safe, xylitol-free spread for your dog. This way, your dog can enjoy the creamy texture and delightful taste without any health risks. If you don’t want them missing out on a chocolaty treat, you can add some Rosewood Dog Safe Chocolate Drops into the mix so they have the best of both worlds and get truly spoilt.  

No charcuterie board is complete without cheese. While dogs can have a small amount of cheese, it is important to remember that cheese is very calorific. While we can incorporate cheese into our diet on a regular basis, giving too much food made for human consumption to your fur baby can quickly throw their diet off balance and put them over calories. A 17kg dog needs around 1100 calories a day, around half of what the average person can eat.  

Instead, you can offer them cheesy treats designed specifically for them. The Kong Easy Treat Cheddar Cheese Paste is a convenient option that dogs love. It’s spreadable, tasty and doesn’t contain any trans fats so you can keep their snacking on the healthy side. Another option is Wagg Training Treats with Chicken & Cheese, which provides a tasty and cheesy snack for your pooch and can be fed with little to no mess.  

Almost every canine companion will love savoury snacks, and you can include some meaty treats on their charcuterie board. Hollings Sausages are a great option, offering a protein-rich treat that dogs adore. You avoid any messes or upset tummies by opting for dog specific treats but if their tummy doesn’t upset easily you can treat them to a few cocktail sausages as well.  

You can also try Pointer Salmon Burgers, which are not only delicious but also packed with nutritious salmon for your dog. They’re satisfyingly crunchy with different layers of flavour packed into a bite sized burger for your pooch.  

Everyone enjoys a bit of sweetness now and then, and your dog is no different but you don‘t have to feel bad about eating your dessert in front of them without sharing any. You can treat your pooch to some specially made dog desserts. Bonio Meaty Chip treats provide a savoury twist on the classic cookie, while Pet Bakery Luxury Liver Brownies offer a decadent treat that your dog will love. Give your pup something they can enjoy and it will even benefit them with the extra boost of protein in their diet.  

Creating a dog-friendly charcuterie board is an exciting and enjoyable way to bond with your canine companion. By carefully selecting safe and tasty treats, you can ensure your fur baby enjoys the experience just as much as you do. From fresh fruits and savoury snacks to cheesy delights and sweet treats, there’s something for every pooch to enjoy. Visit us in store and online to get stocked up and ready for snacking with your best buddy.