Throw a Dog Birthday Party or Puppy Shower

Dog parties are great fun. However, since the dog party phenomenon is a fairly new trend there are not many companies that cater to dog party needs. No worries though, I've got you covered with tips, ideas, and recipes for throwing the dog party of the century!

1) Dog Bone Pinata. BirthdayExpress.com has a white dog bone shaped Pinata. You can convert the $12.99 Pinata into a draw string Pinata, no hitting required. The conversion kit is $2.99 and is well worth the extra money. With a coverted Pinata you don't have to worry about injuries or weather at your dog party.

2) Paw print Balloons. Balloons are always an easy, inexpensive decoration. At BirthdayExpress.com you can find a package of six pawprint balloons for $1.10. Be sure to secure the balloons out of reach of any dog friends that attend the party, balloons are a choking hazard.

3) Homemade Treats. Make your own dog treats to give out to all fur-friends attending your dog party. You could even attach a treat to the invitations! The treats can be handed out in inexpensive cello bags or slightly more expensive paw print take-out containers.

Here's a easy dog treat recipe: Hand shape or use a dog bone cookie cutter.

Basic Dog Treat Recipe

Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:20 min
Temperature:375 F

Ingredients:
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup natural peanut butter, the ingredients should only be peanuts and oil.
1 cup skim milk , or soy milkCooking Directions:Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
In a second bowl, mix peanut butter and milk.
Add wet mixture to dry, and mix well.
Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll out to 1/4-inch thick and cut out shapes.
Place on a greased baking sheet (or use a baking stone). Bake 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool and store in an airtight container.

4) Puppy Chow. One of my favorite snacks that my Mom would make growing up was called Puppy Chow. Puppy Chow is inexpensive to make and would make a fun snack served in dog dishesat any dog party or puppy shower.

Chex Mix Puppy Chow Recipe

Daisy Mae's Party

Credit: Crystal Sciarini

Copyright: Crystal Sciarini