Summer brings warmth and sunshine, which means more outdoor activities with your furry companion. To help keep your dog cool and hydrated during these hot months, introducing some homemade, refreshing treats can be both fun and beneficial. So put your culinary skills to the test with these easy-to-make treats that you’ll enjoy making for your pup!
Frozen Watermelon Pops
Benefits: Watermelon is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients such as vitamins A, B6, and C, plus potassium, which are all great for your dog’s health.
How to Make: Begin by dicing watermelon into chunks, ensuring all seeds are removed as they can be harmful to your dog. Avoid the rind as well to prevent gastrointestinal upset. Puree the chunks in a blender until smooth, then pour the mixture into ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Freeze until solid and serve to give your dog a hydrating and tasty treat on a hot day.
Peanut Butter Banana Yogurt Treats
Benefits: This treat combines potassium-rich bananas with protein-packed peanut butter and probiotic-rich plain yogurt, offering a well-rounded snack.
How to Make: Mash one ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Add a tablespoon of peanut butter—ensure it’s free from xylitol, a sweetener that’s toxic to dogs. Mix in two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Stir until the mixture is even, then spoon it into ice cube trays or silicone molds designed for baking. Freeze until the treats are solid. These treats are perfect for cooling down your pet while providing a nutritional boost.
Apple and Chicken Broth Bites
Benefits: Apples are a low-calorie source of fiber and vitamins, while chicken broth is hydrating and soothing for the stomach.
How to Make: Core an apple and cut it into small, manageable pieces for your dog, ensuring no seeds are left as they contain cyanide. Place the apple pieces into ice cube trays and pour unsalted, onion-free chicken broth over them. Freeze until solid. This treat is especially appealing to older dogs or those on a soft diet, providing hydration and a gentle, tasty chew.
Blueberry Yogurt Drops
Benefits: Blueberries are a superfood for dogs, loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, while yogurt adds a creamy texture and probiotics for gut health.
How to Make: Blend a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries with plain yogurt until you achieve a smooth consistency. Use a spoon to drop small dollops of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze the drops until solid. This snack is perfect for quick, refreshing bites that are easy on your dog’s digestion.
Strawberry and Watermelon Smoothie
Benefits: Both strawberries and watermelon are high in water content and vitamins, making them excellent for hydration and nutrition.
How to Make: In a blender, combine fresh strawberries and seedless watermelon chunks. Add a splash of coconut water for an extra hydrating effect. Blend until smooth. Pour the smoothie into ice cube trays or small cups and freeze. These smoothie treats are a delightful, juicy refreshment for your dog, perfect for after a walk or playtime in the sun.
these activities can significantly enhance the bond between you and your new furry friend.
Sweet Potato and Banana Frozen Treats
Benefits: Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and beta-carotene, while bananas add a tasty, potassium-rich sweetness.
How to Make: Cook a sweet potato until it’s soft, then mash it thoroughly. Mix the mashed sweet potato with a ripe, mashed banana for natural sweetness. Spoon the blend into popsicle molds or an ice cube tray for smaller portions. Freeze the mixture until solid. These treats are not only delicious but also packed with valuable nutrients that support your dog’s overall health.
Cucumber and Melon Salad
Benefits: Both cucumber and melon are excellent for hydration, being mostly water. They are also very gentle on the stomach, making them perfect for hot days.
How to Make: Dice cucumber and any type of melon (like cantaloupe or honeydew) into small, bite-sized pieces that are easy for your dog to eat. Mix these pieces together in a bowl and serve fresh. This simple, refreshing salad can cool down your dog while providing them with a fun, crunchy texture to enjoy.
Pineapple Frozen Chunks
Benefits: Pineapple is rich in vitamins and contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps with protein digestion, making it both a healthy and tasty treat.
How to Make: Peel the pineapple and remove the tough core. Cut the flesh into small, bite-sized chunks suitable for your dog’s size. Freeze these chunks on a baking sheet before transferring them to a container or bag for easier storage. Serve these frozen pineapple chunks as a sweet, icy treat that’s perfect for cooling down your dog.
Dehydrated Apple Slices
Benefits: Apples are a good source of vitamins A and C and provide dietary fiber that supports digestive health.
How to Make: Core the apples and slice them thinly, ensuring all seeds are removed as they can be toxic. Lay the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you have a dehydrator, use it to dry the slices at a low temperature. Alternatively, you can bake them in an oven at a low setting until they are crisp. These dehydrated apple slices make a crunchy, convenient snack that’s perfect for on-the-go treats.
These treat ideas offer a variety of flavors and benefits, making them perfect for keeping your dog satisfied and cool during the summer months. Each treat is designed to be easy to prepare with ingredients that are safe and healthy for dogs.