Easter is right around the corner, and there’s no reason why your pup can’t get in on the fun. If you want to gift a dog-friendly easter basket to the special dog in your life this year, take some inspiration from our Easter basket! We will be raffling off this basket to one lucky dog this Saturday, April 20, 2019, at Pawsapalooza!
How to create a dog-friendly easter basket
Step 1: Pick a container and a liner
We opted for a classic wicker basket look (more potential to be repurposed later). Rather than using plastic grass (toxic to dogs) we got a plush blanket to line the basket. Because we’ve never met a dog who doesn’t love to cuddle with a plush blanket!
Step 2: Add some of your dog’s favorite treats
Easter baskets aren’t complete without some sort of treat. We went for Polkadog’s Chicken Strips to give our basket a crunchy treat. Additionally, we threw in one of Merricks Lil’ Plates so our lucky dog can have an Easter dinner of their very own!
Step 3: A toy or two
Dogs love treats, but they can benefit from having an interactive toy to play with! We included a Kong and a Mighty Micro Fiber Dog Toy so the Easter basket fun lasts long after the holiday.
Step 4: Little extras
We threw in two rolls of poop bags and a Molly Mutt bag holder (because dog parents need to get some love, too) and a Snoutstik to heal chapped noses. Because sometimes, a little thing goes a long way.
How to make dog-friendly “chocolate” treats
While you shouldn’t offer your dog a piece of that chocolate bunny (chocolate is toxic to dogs), you can make some carob treats instead that are sure to disappear quickly. Carob, a chocolate substitute, is extracted from the carob bean and is safe for dogs. Pick up an Easter bunny mold (we used this one from Amazon), and then get to work creating your substitute “carob bunnies.”
To make the carob bunnies, melt the carob chips in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, and then repeat. Mix in 1 tsp. of Crisco if you prefer extra silky carob. Then pour the melted carob into it. Place in the refrigerator. Wait 30 minutes. Now you should have some adorable, edible carob bunnies.
Now you have a deliciously tempting dog-friendly Easter basket – and one happy dog. Happy Easter!
This post was updated on April 18, 2019.