Now that cooler weather is here and we’re settling in with warm mugs of coffee, tea, soup, and cocoa, wouldn’t it be nice if our pups could enjoy a cozy beverage with us? Well, they can with this dog-safe “cocoa” recipe adapted from this post! This recipe uses carob, which is safe for dogs to consume.
Never give your pup chocolate, cocoa powder, or any pre-made hot cocoa mix as it can be toxic for them.
All you need is canned coconut milk, pure carob powder, and honey! While the original recipe calls for vanilla extract, it’s not really necessary for the pups’ taste buds, but if you want to drink it too, feel free to add it.
In a small saucepan, combine:
- 1 can (12 oz) coconut milk (not coconut milk from a carton)
- You’ll use the thick coconut cream and the coconut water inside
- Light or full fat coconut milk will work
- 2 TBS carob powder
- 2 TBS honey
Whisk the ingredients together over low heat until combined. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving to your pup in a dog-safe dish. Let your pup lap it up!
This recipe makes 4 doggie-sized servings.
Sip on your own up of winter cheer while watching your pup enjoy his/hers.
Want to make it extra festive? Whip up your own coconut milk whipped cream and add a spoonful on top of your pup’s hot cocoa drink. To make your own coconut milk whipped cream, you’ll need:
- Stand or hand mixer
- Chilled bowl
- 1 can chilled coconut milk (full fat) or coconut cream
Scoop all of the solid coconut cream from your coconut milk can and save or discard the coconut water that’s left. Alternatively, you can use a can of coconut cream which is entirely the solid coconut cream you’d get in a regular can of coconut milk.
Using a stand mixer (preferred) or hand mixer and whisk attachments, begin to beat the coconut cream until it forms fluffy peaks.
Note: for pups, we don’t recommend adding sweetener to the whipped cream as many sweeteners are not good for dogs and is not necessary!
Add a dollop of this coconut whipped cream to your pup’s dog-safe hot cocoa, and you’re ready for a cold winter’s evening, curled up and watching your favorite movie.