Hot and humid days of summer always warrant an ice cold treat, and that goes for your dog, too!
No one can deny a homemade dog treat when the summer sun is beating down, and that especially includes your dog. Your dog feels the harsh heat of summer just as much (actually even more, you try wearing a fur coat when it's 90 degrees) as you do, and he deserves a fun, delicious way to cool down. There is nothing more fun than making some treats that remind you of the "summer breeze" for your dogs. These treats will make your pups much cooler, and they'll love you for it.
You don't need much experience, as these frozen dog treat recipes are easy to make and will leave your pooch feeling full and cool.
PB and Fruit Ice
This frozen dog treat is perfect for those pet owners whose culinary skills may be lacking. It's only four ingredients and all you need is a pan and a freezer.
Ingredients:
- Water
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup chopped fruit
- 2 tablespoons flax seeds
Directions
- Combine peanut butter and water and pour into bundt pan (or any other kind of pan).
- Add the fruit and flax seeds.
- Put in the freezer and leave it there for four to six hours.
Finally, take it out of the freezer and watch with satisfaction as your pup goes to town on your tasty creation.
Yogurt Pops
The best thing about these yogurt-based pupsicles is that kids (and adults) love them too. That's right, they're made from ingredients that taste great regardless whether you're human or canine. With only two steps, this recipe will have the whole family salivating and begging for more with barely any effort on your part.
Ingredients:
- 32 oz of either plan or vanilla yogurt
- 1 banana
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients together in large mixing bowl.
- Pour mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for 10 minutes.
Put toothpicks or popsicle sticks in the treats meant for the humans, but your dog would like his dessert placed directly into his bowl—or mouth.
Frozen Meat Treats
These little balls of goodness are chock full of healthy ingredients and vital nutrients, but you don't need to tell your dog that. All he'll care about is how delicious they are.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked meat
- ¾ cup plain low-fat yogurt
- A little bit of finely chopped parsley
- 1 cooked and mashed carrot
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl.
- Spoon mixture into ice cube trays and place in freezer until hard.
The versatility of this recipe makes it a great option for when your pantry's running low and you don't feel like going to the store. Carrots and parsley can be replaced with peanut butter, and the meat can come from your leftover dinner.
Tasty Pupsicles
These frozen morsels are almost too cute to eat. But your dog is sure to disagree. They're the perfect solution to those hot, hazy, lazy days of summer.
Ingredients:
- 2 bananas
- 32 oz plain yogurt
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup water
- Some kind of bone shaped dog treat
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients together until you have a smooth consistency.
- Pour into ice cube trays, muffin tins, or any other kind of small container.
- Add the dog bones (cheese, fruit, and veggies would also make great garnishes).
- Freeze overnight.
These treats are completely customizable, so you can cater to your furry friend's unique pallet. The yogurt can be replaced with sweet potato or pumpkin, and the water can be replaced with chicken broth. So go ahead, what's your pup's favorite concoction?
PB & J Freezies
You and your pup go together like PB & J, so why not treat yourselves to an icy round of something you'll both enjoy? These frozen treats take a creative look at that classic PB & J sandwich, and they're as simple to make as they are delicious.
Ingredients:
- 12 (ish) strawberries
- 3-4 spoonfuls peanut butter
- ¼ cup cold water
Directions:
- Prepare strawberries by washing them and removing stems.
- Puree water and strawberries.
- Pour strawberry mixture into ice cube trays.
- Place a dollop of peanut butter into each tray, and make sure it sinks into the strawberry juice.
- Freeze for several hours
With fruity flavor and a punch of protein, these PB & J freezies will give your pup a much-needed cool down while filling his belly with vital minerals and nutrients. And don't forget to save a few for yourself! Everyone knows you treat your dog like your child, and you wouldn't want your child to get overheated on a hot summer's day, right? Right! It's not spoiling if there's a health reason behind it. That's what you can tell yourself, anyway.
So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen with these homemade frozen dog treats, and your furry friend will thank you later. Hopefully with lots and lots of cuddles.
This article was originally published May 31, 2019.
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