In The Orkney News we like to feature recipes but here is one with a difference. Courtesy of the PDSA this recipe is for our pet dogs.

Many dogs are overweight with some even obese due to lack of exercise, diet and snacking on scraps from our table. Some human food can be toxic to dogs, for example chocolate, sultanas, raisins, macadamia nuts, salt and xylitol (an artificial sweetener commonly used in things like peanut butter).

This recipe makes 30 cakes for a dog less than 10kg or 15 cakes for a dog more than 10kg.

Dog Perfect Honey and Banana Cakes 

Ingredients

• 100g baking spread or coconut oil (if using coconut oil, you’ll need to melt this first)
• 40g honey
• 1-2 bananas, peeled and mashed
• 2 egg
• 150g plain flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Recipe makes 30 cakes for dog less that 10kg or 15 cakes for a dog more than 10kg.

Takes 25 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook.

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan oven/gas mark 4.
2. Mix coconut oil or baking spread with honey. Add eggs and mix until pale.*
3. Add mashed banana and mix again.
4. Sift in flour (and add cinnamon if you’re using). Fold through the wet ingredients.
5. Divide into mini cake cases/ silicone baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until springy and golden.
6. Allow to cool fully before removing from tray. These cakes will keep for up to three days in an airtight container or can be frozen for up to three months.

*If you’re looking for a fluffier bake and have a little more time than we did, you can follow this method instead:

1. Separate eggs into whites and yolks.
2. Whisk egg whites with half of the honey until in stiff peaks.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining honey and baking spread or coconut oil until smooth, then add mashed bananas, egg yolks and sift in the flour, mixing well.
4. Gently fold in the egg white mix.
5. Divide into cake cases and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.