These red velvet gummy dog treats include delicious beetroot and carob powders for a taste/scent boost and a gorgeous natural deep red colour. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day or Christmas, or just because. Yummy and healthy gelatin gummy dog treats only take a few minutes to make. They’re are a favourite treat at our place in just about any doggone delicious flavour or colour.
Ravishing Red Velvet Sweets and Treats
Red Velvet Cakes (and Other Sweets)
Red velvet cake comes from the days of old, when the baking of fine, soft, “velvet” cakes was coming into fashion. The red of the red velvet came from a reaction between natural cocoa powder and some acidic ingredients, creating a reddish tint instead of just a chocolatey brown.
Making Red Velvet Dog Treats
Neither cocoa (chocolate is toxic to dogs) or strong artificial food colourings are something I’m a fan of in dog treats. Instead, these yummy gummies use a small dash of yummy carob to take the natural translucent red of a plain beetroot gummy treat to a richer more opaque deep red velvet treat. Carob and beetroot are a combo I often use for a red velvet inspired dog treats (truffles, pupcakes, etc), and it works great in these simple gummies, too. Both add-ins are natural and healthy, with a great scent and taste to make treats extra tempting.
Simple gelatin gummy treats only take a few minutes to make and (depending on the base and added ingredients) they are more of a healthy supplement than a treat. Shhh. Don’t tell the dogs! Gummies are a guilt-free pleasure at our house, and there is always a small batch of something yummy and gummy in the fridge. In any flavour or colour, gelatin gummies are one of their favourite homemade treats.
Red Velvet Gummy Dog Treat Recipe
Homemade Gelatin Gummy Dog Treats with Beetroot and Carob
These red velvet gummies were made in food moulds (affiliate link) as individual shaped treats, but they can also be made as set-and-slice treats in a pan. The process is the same for either method, other than slicing of course.
Treat Ingredients:
- 1 cup cool water (or pale dog-friendly stock)
- 3 tbsp quality powdered gelatin
- 1/2 tsp beetroot powder (can adjust to suit colour/taste preferences)
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp (can adjust to suit colour/taste preferences
The rich ruby red velvet colour shows through best with a clear liquid base, like water. We’re using just a little bit of carob powder (how much depends on your preferences and powder strength) to muddy the bright red beetroot. Just a smidge!
Making the Treats:
- Measure the water into a small pan.
- Sprinkle the surface with gelatin powder.
- Wait and let sit for approximately five minutes or longer for the gelatin powder to bloom / gel.
- Gently stir the mixture over low heat until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Take care not to shortcut with high temperatures or overheat. Heat can reduce the setting strength of gelatin.
- Remove from heat.
- Measure your powders into a suitable container for mixing and pouring. I’ve tried a variety of methods over the years, but nowadays, I like using a coffee milk jug when I make gummies.
- Mix a small spoonful of the prepared liquefied gelatin with the powders to dissolve/mix with minimal lumps and clumps. Once mixed, add in the rest of your gelatin and stir to thoroughly combine.
- Pour into a glass pan (cut and slice) or silicone moulds (shapes).
- Chill to set.
Beetroot powder is a powerhouse tint. A little goes a long way! It tints a bright red in water (or a pretty pink in a white base). Carob tints a muddy brown (and my go-to natural carob powder also usually has small settled flecks). Combined, using a small amount of carob darkens the beetroot’s red and also makes these gummies more opaque. The more carob, the browner the mix will become, so don’t overdo the combo. Different powders may have stronger/weaker colours, so adjust to suit your preferences. As noted above, these gummies were made with a plain water base. Gummies made with stock may vary in tint and/or opacity.
Gummy Dog Treat Making Tips and Tricks
- See our comprehensive post on making and storing homemade gelatin gummy dog treats for additional information about making gummy treats including helpful gummy making tips, troubleshooting, and safe treat storage.
- These treats should be kept refrigerated and can be frozen for longer storage, although freezing can affect consistency.
Recipe and Ingredient Tips and Tricks
- I sometimes use water with yummy add-ins for gummies, but a tasty boost of stock never goes astray. I normally recommend water or light stocks for tinting, as the stock can have a significant affect the colour; however, you could try using a darker stock in lieu of the carob (or with differing amounts) for a darkening effect on the beetroot. See our post on stock for making homemade dog treats.
- In my experience, 3 tbsp of gelatin powder per cup of liquid makes firm gummies. If you prefer, you can use more gelatin for added supplementation or less for a jigglier jelly treat with lower gelatin content. Individual gelatin powders may be a little stronger / weaker. Find a ratio that works for your preferences and, of course, your dog.
Hungry for more tasty treats? There are all sorts of homemade dog treat ideas in our blog archives. You can use the category and tag labels to find other recipes that might be of interest or use our internal search tools to find something specific. Remember, treats (bought or homemade) are for spoiling your pup in moderation. We share ideas from treats that we’ve made ourselves for our pets, but different animals have different preferences (likes/dislikes), just like people. Some pets may have special dietary requirements and/or food allergies/intolerances. If you are ever in doubt or have questions about what’s suitable for your pet, have a chat with your trusted vet.
