For many pet owners, Friday night is pizza night, and the pleading eyes from under the table are a familiar sight. While a slice of pepperoni pizza is laden with garlic, onions, and excessive salt that can harm a canine companion, dogs shouldn’t have to miss out on the fun entirely.
Consider the case of “Barnaby,” a Golden Retriever with an insatiable appetite for anything cheesy. His owners wanted to include him in their weekend tradition but knew human fast food was off-limits.
By utilizing dog-safe ingredients like vitamin-rich carrots and calcium-packed cheese, they developed a “bark-ery” style menu. This approach allows dogs to enjoy a savory, high-value reward without the risk of toxic ingredients found in human takeout.
A Quick Guide to Safe Pizza Ingredients
Before firing up the oven, it is essential to understand why specific modifications are made for canine safety. Human pizza often contains tomato sauce laced with garlic and onion, both of which are toxic to dogs.
Carrots
Excellent source of Vitamin A & fiber. Steam or grate finely to aid digestion.
Cheese
Feed in moderation. Choose low-lactose options like Cheddar, Swiss, or Mozzarella.
The “Sauce”
NO jarred pasta sauce. Use plain pumpkin puree or bone broth instead.
Flour
Whole wheat is standard. For sensitivities, use oat flour or chickpea flour.
1. The Crunchy Carrot & Cheddar Classic
This recipe mimics the traditional “thin crust” pizza. It creates a crunchy, biscuit-like base that helps clean teeth, topped with a colorful spread of carrots and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 cup plain pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling; acts as the “sauce” binder)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin puree, and egg. Mix until a stiff dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface until it is approximately 1/4 inch thick. You can shape this into a large circle (pizza style) or several mini-circles.
- Transfer the dough to the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the shredded carrots and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dough. Press the toppings slightly into the dough so they adhere.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into wedges.
Estimated Calorie Breakdown:
Batch Size: Makes approximately 8 “slices” (or a 10-inch round).
| Ingredient | Estimated Calories (Full Batch) |
| 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour | ~800 kcal |
| 1 cup Pumpkin Puree | ~80 kcal |
| 1 Large Egg | ~70 kcal |
| 1 cup Carrots | ~50 kcal |
| 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese | ~220 kcal |
| TOTAL (Full Batch) | ~1,220 kcal |
Per-Serving Summary:
| Nutrient | Amount (per slice) | Notes |
| Calories | ~152 kcal | A substantial treat. Adjust portion for small dogs. |
Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip:
Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough before baking if you want cleaner edges. For a “stuffed crust” effect, roll the edges of the dough over a small amount of extra cheese before baking.
2. The Poultry & Provolone Deep Dish
For dogs who require a higher protein option or need to avoid grains, this “meatzza” uses ground chicken as the crust. It is softer than the biscuit version, making it ideal for senior dogs.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (quick cooking)
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (for breath freshness)
- 1 cup carrots, steamed and mashed (acts as the sauce)
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a pie pan or round cake pan with coconut oil.
- In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, rolled oats, and parsley until well combined.
- Press the chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the “crust.”
- Bake the crust alone for 15 minutes to ensure the meat is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven (carefully drain any excess liquid if necessary).
- Spread the mashed carrots over the chicken crust.
- Top with the shredded provolone cheese.
- Return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Cool completely before removing from the pan and slicing.
Estimated Calorie Breakdown:
Batch Size: Makes approximately 6 hearty slices.
| Ingredient | Estimated Calories (Full Batch) |
| 1 lb Lean Ground Chicken | ~680 kcal |
| 1/2 cup Rolled Oats | ~150 kcal |
| 1 cup Carrots | ~50 kcal |
| 1/2 cup Provolone Cheese | ~200 kcal |
| Parsley | ~5 kcal |
| TOTAL (Full Batch) | ~1,085 kcal |
Per-Serving Summary:
| Nutrient | Amount (per slice) | Notes |
| Calories | ~180 kcal | High protein. Ideal for active dogs. |
Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip:
Because this is a soft, meat-based treat, you can cut it into very small cubes to use as high-value training rewards rather than serving a full “slice.”
3. The “Mini-Mutt” Sweet Potato Bites
This recipe is a lighter, grain-free alternative that uses sweet potato rounds as individual pizza bases. It offers great portion control and is significantly lower in calories than the flour or meat-based versions.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (wide variety works best)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/4 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup finely grated raw carrots
- Optional: A sprinkle of dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes (leave the skin on for fiber). Slice them into rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes until the potato is tender but not mushy.
- Remove from the oven. Top each round with a pinch of grated carrot and a pinch of mozzarella cheese.
- Switch the oven to “Broil” and place the tray back in for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely—remove as soon as the cheese melts to prevent burning.
- Cool completely before serving.
Estimated Calorie Breakdown:
Batch Size: Makes approximately 16 rounds (depending on potato size).
| Ingredient | Estimated Calories (Full Batch) |
| 2 Large Sweet Potatoes | ~230 kcal |
| 1 tbsp Olive Oil | ~120 kcal |
| 1/4 cup Mozzarella | ~80 kcal |
| 1/2 cup Carrots | ~25 kcal |
| TOTAL (Full Batch) | ~455 kcal |
Per-Serving Summary:
| Nutrient | Amount (per round) | Notes |
| Calories | ~28 kcal | A low-calorie, guilt-free snack. |
Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip:
These “mini pizzas” are perfect for parties or playdates. You can vary the toppings by adding a single green bean or a small piece of cooked broccoli to each round for added texture.
How to Store Your Homemade Treats
Since these recipes contain no artificial preservatives, proper storage is vital to maintain freshness.
- Baked Treats (The Classic & The Mini-Mutt): Allow them to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Meat-Based Treats (The Poultry Deep Dish): These must be refrigerated immediately after cooling. They will last 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: All three recipes freeze exceptionally well. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for the crunch of the biscuit crust or the savory richness of the chicken deep dish, these recipes allow your dog to participate in family pizza night safely.
Which recipe from this ‘bark-ery’ collection will you try first? Whip up a batch for your best friend and let everyone know how they liked them! Tag #DogPizzaParty on Instagram with a picture of your pup enjoying their homemade treats!
