There are a few things to consider when choosing ingredients for your pup’s platter. While a charcuterie board is typically created with a wide assortment of cold meats, cheeses, nuts and complimentary small snacks, it’s important to only select items that are safe and healthy for your dog when creating his barkuterie board. Also, remember that your furry gourmet doesn’t have the self-control to avoid over-indulging. Stick with a small selection of pet-friendly goodies and monitor his consumption. When preparing a charcuterie board for more than one dog, it’s a good idea to divvy up the treats individually so no one gets snippy.

Choosing Ingredients

Much of the appeal of charcuterie is the beautiful display. When selecting dog-safe ingredients, choose items that allow you to:

• Mix textures and sizes.
• Use color in a fun way.
• Personalize.

Although charcuterie traditionally applies to the art of preparing and displaying cured meats, many have too much sodium for dogs. Instead, design your pup’s treat board with a variety of dog-friendly ingredients that are both appealing and healthy. Some of the best items to include on a barkuterie board are:

• Fruits such as apples, berries, bananas, mangoes, peaches, and watermelon.
• Vegetables like broccoli, green beans and peas, celery, carrots, and leafy greens.
• Yogurt (plain), pureed veggies, fresh or canned dog food, and low-sodium peanut butter for dipping/lapping.
• Kibble and other dog treats like jerky, dental chews, bully sticks, and biscuits add variety.
• Freeze-dried or cooked meats like low-sodium turkey, chicken, beef, or salmon, and small amounts of cheese.

Make sure to introduce human food in small amounts, and avoid items toxic to dogs such as chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, artificial sweeteners, and avocados. If you’re not sure whether an item is safe for your hungry hound, consult your veterinarian.

Your pooch will be so trendy with this seasonally appropriate masterpiece.

Ingredients

• Apple
• Pureed pumpkin
• Turkey jerky
• Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• Cheese
• Fall-themed dog cookies (find some at a dog bakery near you or bake your own).

Instructions

1. Thinly slice the apples and rinse the cranberries (thaw first if using frozen).
2. Place the pureed pumpkin in the center, either in a small bowl or directly on the board. It's important to be sure you're using plain, pureed pumpkin here, as pumpkin pie filling contains additional ingredients that are not dog-safe.
3. Thinly slice the cheese and, for an added touch, cut into shapes, such as bones, hearts, or even the letters of your dog's name.
4. Arrange all ingredients on the board and enjoy!

Having trouble finding low-sodium meats, or just want to up your pup’s vegetable intake? Make her a plant-based barkuterie board.

Ingredients

• Carrots
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Cucumber
• Corn kernels (frozen or canned)
• Canned coconut milk

Instructions

1. Refrigerate the coconut milk for at least 8 hours. Once chilled, scoop the hardened cream from the top of the can into a bowl. Whip using a handheld or stand-alone electric mixer until thickened and the consistency of whipped cream.
2. Rinse all produce. Chop carrots into small pieces approximately the same size as the corn kernels. Thinly slice small pieces of cucumber.
3. Arrange fruits and vegetables in rainbow order. Use whipped coconut cream to create fluffy clouds at the end of the rainbow platter.

Traditional charcuterie is made up almost entirely of cured meat items, and we don’t think Fido will complain in the least.

Ingredients

• Bully sticks
• Low-sodium deli meat
• Ground chicken
• Peas (frozen or fresh)
• Kibble
• Dog-friendly treats

Instructions

1. In a non-stick pan, cook ground chicken until completely cooked through. Allow to cool before proceeding to step 2.
2. Pulse cooked chicken in a food processor until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Stir in peas and top with kibble or crunchy dog biscuits.
4. Arrange on board with bully sticks, low-sodium deli meat, and your choice of dog-friendly treats.

Whether you’re celebrating your dog's birthday, gotcha day, or graduation from puppy school, make the party extra special by putting together a "pawty" platter-style charcuterie board.

Ingredients

• 1 cup greek yogurt
• 2 cups flour (whole wheat or unbleached)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch
• Food coloring
• Low-sodium peanut butter
• Soft or crunchy dog biscuits (store-bought or home-baked)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or grease with cooking spray.
2. Combine the first four ingredients until they form a soft dough. Add a bit more water if the dough is too dry.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
4. Place on the cookie sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to turn brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool.
5. Place the cornstarch in a medium bowl and stir in water 1 tbs at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Add food coloring as desired.
6. Put icing in a Ziploc-style bag and cut the corner in order to decorate cooled cookies as desired.
7. Arrange cookies on the board with peanut butter and your pup's favorite treats.