Are you ready for barkuterie, that is, charcuterie boards for dogs? It’s the lastest trend for treating your dog for gotcha day or any old day you like.
Whether you call it a charcuterie board, grazing table, snack tray, or hor’s d ‘oeuvres plate, these tasty little platters of nibbles are seriously trendy right now.
How trendy, you ask? Not only are dog lovers getting crafty and preparing charcuterie boards for their dogs at home, but crafty chefs are also starting to offer custom-made boards for sale too.
We chatted with registered dietician and culinary nutritionist Robin Plotkin of Board Mama about the barkuterie phenomenon. Founded in 2019, Board Mama sells custom sweet or savory charcuterie boards for people, barkuterie boards for dogs, and offers classes and board-making events in the Dallas area.
While Board Mama mostly serves a local clientele, Robin says don’t be shy, she’d love to ship you something special for your dog’s big day.
But if you want to try your hand at crafting a grazing board, we’ve got some great ideas for your DIY doggie deli platter. Read on!
Barkuterie Inspiration
Robin shares with us that she is inspired by her own dogs Charlie, a 14-year-old chocolate Lab and Louis, a two year old mixed breed with dietary restrictions, and the kinds of things they like best.
Robin is also finding visual inspiration from all those special cakes and cookies available at boutique dog bakeries these days. They really do look good enough to eat!
“I’ve also been inspired by how well people take care of their pets today and how far specialty services have come for pets and their owners.”
And thus, a cottage industry of bespoke barkuterie is born!
It’s Always Time for a Treat
Robin’s most popular barkuterie occasion is birthday parties, but Board Mama also creates custom charcuterie boards for Bark Mitzvahs, welcome home parties, and end of life ceremonies too.
The dog service industry is getting into the barkuterie trend too, with vet offices and doggie daycares ordering custom platters to share with their furry four-legged customers.
You can zazz up your dog’s dinner too with a charcuterie-inspired spread of apple slices or carrot bites and a perfectly executed peanut butter schmear in your dog’s regular dish.
Giving Back
Since adding barkuterie boards to her offerings at Board Mama in June of 2019, Robin has been committed to donating a portion of proceeds to The Street Dog Project.
“We’ve volunteered with dog rescue for over 16 years, mostly as a foster family,” Robin shared on Facebook. “For the last several years, we’ve been committed to street dogs. I know so many of you are dedicated dog parents and understand the special place in all of our hearts for dogs.”
But Robin isn’t just helping dogs, she’s teaching the next generation of dog lovers how to spread the love to those who need it most. “For us, taking care of these dogs is a mitzvah—a Jewish ‘good deed’—and is one of the ways we show our son how to give without any expectation in return.” We love to hear it, Robin!
How to Create a Charcuterie Board for Your Dog
You don’t need all of these items for your barkuterie board. We just wanted to give you a wide variety of options to boost your inspiration!
All you really need is a plate, some snacks, and a hungry dog. And a little creativity.
- A nice-yet-dogproof platter, cutting board, plate, or bowl for your creation. Size depends on how many dogs you are feeding, and whether you will be serving your dogs and providing portion control (any size you like!) or allowing them to enjoy it on their own (smaller portion, perhaps an extra special dog dish?)
- One signature item per dog, either homemade pupcakes or an extra special treat or two from your local dog bakery in honor of the big day.
- Some high quality dried treats and chews to make your dogs day. Dried salmon skin, dried herring, or any dog jerky treat works well.
- A selection of your dog’s favorite treats. Think variety in color, size, and type for added visual appeal.
- Dog-friendly fruits and veggies your dog loves. Sliced apples and strawberries, carrot sticks, pea pods, and blueberries are all yummy choices. Not sure which fruits and veggies are safe for dogs? We’ve got lots of information for you here.
- Dog-safe proteins like hard-boiled eggs, plain cooked turkey or boneless fish, or a little low-fat cheese.
- Sauces, dips, and drizzles can add the finishing touch to your treat tray. You can drizzle your veggies with a little non-fat plain yogurt, add a decorative schmear of peanut butter, or add a mound of cottage cheese for a special treat.
- Layout time! Let’s get creative with our piles, rows, and mounds of tasty nibbles surround your signature items.
Top Tip from Robin: You can include party hats, tennis balls, or other festive items to personalize your board to your dog and their special day.
We love barkuterie boards for how flexible and customizable they are. No matter your dog’s needs or likes, you can make her feel special with a little extra love.
Oh and you don’t have to turn the oven on, making them perfect for a summer party.
@goodboymulliganPaw-cuterie board ?? #charcuterie #dogchallenge #dogs #foryoupagе #ratatoullie #goldenretriever♬ original sound – ssaaggei
Are you ready to whip up some barkuterie? We’d love to see your creations!
Follow Board Mama on Facebook and Instagram for more beautiful boards for dogs (and people).