In dog treat recipes, they tell you to use baking powder but I don't have any baking powder. Do I have to use baking powder?

by Lauren
(United States of America)

I looked up dog treat recipes saying that I have to use baking powder but do I really have to?

Chef's Answer ~ Do you have to use baking powder ... no ... you don't have to. But you should know that baking powder is included in recipes to make the end product light and fluffy (like in cakes and muffins). It also works as a leavening agent to increase the volume of the baked good.

If you omit the baking powder, you run the risk of the dog treat not coming out quite right, and probably not as pretty as it could be. The nice thing about baking for your dog is that she'll forgive you for a flat and/or hard dog treat! :)

Comments for In dog treat recipes, they tell you to use baking powder but I don't have any baking powder. Do I have to use baking powder?

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No baking powder?
by: ashiebear

I don't have baking powder and I have the bake a bone thing and It requires baking powder but my puppy needs a treat that's light and fluffy... spoiled brat. and I am wondering if there is something else I could use that will do the same but not harm my little baby cakes.

Chef's Answer ~ You can make your own baking powder by combining 1/2 tsp cream of tartar, 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/4 tsp cornstarch. That is equal to 1 tsp of baking powder.

Is the "bake a bone thing" the small appliance that you pour dog treat batter into and it bakes dog treats?

If so, I would try a batch without the baking powder to see if the treat still comes out soft. My guess is that it will come out light enough for your dog to still enjoy it. It may not rise as much, and therefore be less of a full bone shape, but the end treat should still be soft and light.

Baking Powder - toxic?
by: retropink

WebMD lists baking powder as an ingredient that should never be given to dogs. In fact, they call it toxic. Is baking powder safe for dogs?

Chef's Answer ~ When a website, or a person tells you that baking powder is toxic, they are correct. But, that is only when it is ingested all by itself and in a larger amount.

Keep in mind that when a dog treat recipe calls for a small amount of baking powder, like 1/2 or 1 teaspoon, it is being put into and mixed into the dog treat batter.

When you bake something with baking powder in it, the active ingredients are "used up" in the baking process. It is inert once it has been baked and is no longer harmful to your dog.

However, if you want to be extra cautious, you can omit the baking powder from a dog treat recipe. The end result may not rise or be fluffy, but more likely than not, your dog won't mind at all. :)

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