Build Your Dog’s Bow-Wow Birthday Treat Platter
Who says a dog’s birthday has to mean cake? A dog birthday treat platter turns the celebration into a tasting experience made especially for your dog — with favourite flavours, different textures, plenty of interesting smells and, most importantly, treats they can actually get excited about eating.
There’s no need for candles, icing or a perfectly timed photo beside a cake your dog has been told not to touch. Arrange a beautiful platter, take the photo while you can, and then enjoy the best part: sharing the treats with your birthday doggo.
Step 1: Start with a favourite
Every great birthday platter needs something you already know gets the tail wagging. If chicken is your dog’s thing, start with dehydrated chicken fillet, Chicken Liver Snaps or Chicken Giblet Snaps.
Starting with a familiar favourite is particularly useful if you are adding one or two treats your dog hasn’t tried before. The platter can still feel adventurous without making everything on it unfamiliar.
Step 2: Add something from the sea
Give the platter another aroma and texture with a seafood selection. Try Whole Sardine Crisps, Whole Prawn Crisps, Green Lipped Mussel Dried Treats or Crunchy Mussel Treats.
You don’t need to use every variety. Pick one or two to create contrast with the chicken treats, or go all out and make a tasting platter with a little of everything.
Step 3: Give the birthday dog a proper crunch
For dogs who love to settle down with something crunchy, add a chicken foot as the centrepiece. Choose Original, Honey Soy or Power Crunch.
Think of it as the doggy equivalent of putting the biggest slice of cake in the middle — except this is something your dog can enjoy in their own way.
Step 4: Make it look like a birthday
The platter can still be photo-worthy. Use your dog’s favourite plate, board or serving dish and arrange small portions of the different treats around it. Add a birthday bandana, favourite toy or party hat nearby if your dog enjoys dressing up.
Take your photos before putting the platter within reach. We make no promises about how long an unattended Bow-Wow birthday platter will remain Instagram-ready once the guest of honour discovers it.
Step 5: Let your dog choose
This is where a treat platter becomes more fun than a single cake. Offer a few pieces individually and see what your dog chooses first. Chicken? Sardine? Prawn? Mussel? The answer may surprise you — and you might discover a new favourite at the same time.
You can even turn it into a little birthday taste test. Just keep portions sensible and supervise your dog while they enjoy their selection.
How much should go on the platter?
A birthday platter doesn’t mean your dog needs to eat everything on it in one sitting. The display can contain a selection, while you serve an amount appropriate for your dog and put the rest away for another day.
Treats should complement your dog’s normal balanced diet rather than replace it. Smaller dogs will naturally need much smaller portions than larger dogs, and new foods are best introduced gradually. See our Dog Treat Feeding Guide for more guidance.
Make it uniquely theirs
There is no official recipe for the perfect Bow-Wow Birthday Treat Platter. That’s the point. A chicken-obsessed dog can have a chicken feast. A seafood fan can sample sardines, prawns and mussels. A dog that lives for crunch can have their favourite crispy treats and a chicken foot centrepiece.
And unlike a traditional birthday cake, you don’t have to throw away what isn’t eaten at the party. Store the remaining treats according to their product directions and the birthday celebration can continue over the following days.
The best birthday present? Something they actually love
Your dog doesn’t know they are supposed to want a frosted cake. They know their favourite people, their favourite activities and the unmistakable sound of a treat packet being opened.
So make the birthday about them. Choose a few things they love, add something new to sniff and taste, take the obligatory birthday photo and then sit down together and enjoy the celebration.
Shop Bow-Wow Bakery and build your dog’s birthday treat platter →