Spoil Your Pup with a Barkuterie Board

If you’d like a unique, fun way to show your dog some love—and broaden your pup’s palate—look no further. A barkuterie board is perfect for all your puppy needs. 

If you’ve stumbled upon this article, chances are, you’re wondering what exactly a barkuterie board is. Well, it’s what it sounds like: a wordplay on charcuterie board, referring to the creation of an appetizer board for your favorite furry friend.  

Barkuterie boards are easy to prepare in your kitchen, but you can transport them, too. If you’re bringing the barkuterie board somewhere to share—like a dog park—make sure you adhere to dog park etiquette.  

When it comes to introducing your dogs to different foods, it’s important to be safe. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered in that department. It’s best to feed many of these treats to your furry friend in moderation, and introduce them to one new food at a time. Additionally, make sure you cut it into bite-sized pieces, so your dog doesn’t choke! With that being said, here are some great foods to add to your barkuterie board.

Vegetables

It’s best (and easiest!) to feed your dogs these vegetables raw, but if you do want to cook steam or boil them, make sure you don’t use any extra oil, butter or flavorings. 

• Raw cucumbers
• Raw carrots
• Sweet potato and pumpkin
• Raw bell peppers
• Beans and peas
• Broccoli (in small amounts)
• Brussels sprouts and cabbage (in small amounts)
• Raw celery

Fruits

When preparing a barkuterie board, it’s important to keep in mind which fruits dogs can eat. 

• Berries (in moderation)
• Bananas
• Apples
• Watermelon or cantaloupe
• Mango
• Peaches (no pit)
• Pears
• Pineapple pieces

Other treats

The fruits and veggies will add a lot of color, but these extra treats will add a bit of flavor. Try adding some of them to the board to mix it up a little. 

• Cheese
• Kibble and dog treats
• Jerky or freeze dried meats
• Spreads (like peanut butter)
• Pup-sicles 
• Egg (cooked, to avoid salmonella)

If you’d like an easy way to decorate your board, we’ve included printable barkuterie tags that are available for download.

Now that you’re prepared with best safety practices and a barkuterie background, check out these boards for some barkuterie inspiration!

1. Time for a pupnic

If the weather allows, take your dog for a pupnic. It can be just the two of you, but if you decide to go on a picnic—maybe with some friends or family—include your dog by packing a barkuterie board for them!  

2. Enhance their experience

Barkuterie boards are a great way to stimulate your dog by introducing them to new things. This can help make your dog more cultured and give them a fun, different experience instead of their same-old routines.

3. Celebrate your dog

Maybe your furry friend has a birthday coming up, or maybe you just want to show them off. Spelling out their name (using a cookie cutter to cut pieces of cheese, treats, or fruit) is a cute way to do it. You can also experiment with different arrangements to make the barkuterie look as pretty as your pup!

Now that you’ve been fully informed, it’s time to create your barkuterie board. Be sure to take lots of pictures of your pup—happy snacking!