Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend. To help keep your dog cool and satisfied during the hot months, why not try making some homemade summer snacks? These treats are not only refreshing but also healthy and easy to make. Here are some of our favourite homemade summer snacks for dogs.
1. Frozen Peanut Butter and Banana Bites
These frozen bites are a hit with most dogs and super simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
- 1 cup of plain yogurt (preferably unsweetened and unflavoured)
Instructions:
- Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and yogurt, and mix until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into silicone moulds or ice cube trays.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours or until solid.
- Pop the treats out of the moulds and store them in a freezer bag.
2. Watermelon Pupsicles
Watermelon is hydrating and low in calories, making it a perfect summer treat for dogs.
Ingredients:
- Seedless watermelon
Instructions:
- Cut the watermelon into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Remove any seeds and rind.
- Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for a few hours until solid.
- Serve the frozen watermelon pieces to your dog as a refreshing snack.
3. Apple and Carrot Frozen Delights
Apples and carrots are nutritious and provide a satisfying crunch that dogs love.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- Puree the apple and carrot in a blender with the water or chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into ice cube trays.
- Freeze for several hours or until solid.
- Pop out the frozen treats and store them in a freezer-safe container.
4. Pumpkin Yogurt Pops
Pumpkin is great for your dog's digestion and makes a tasty treat when combined with yogurt.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of canned pumpkin (unsweetened and unspiced)
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
Instructions:
- Mix the pumpkin and yogurt in a bowl until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into silicone moulds or ice cube trays.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours or until solid.
- Serve the frozen pops to your dog for a cool, healthy snack.
5. Berry Banana Smoothie Bites
Packed with antioxidants, these smoothie bites are a delicious and nutritious treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup of blueberries
- 1/2 cup of strawberries
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
Instructions:
- Blend the banana, blueberries, strawberries, and yogurt until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone moulds.
- Freeze for several hours or until solid.
- Remove the treats from the moulds and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
6. Chicken and Sweet Potato Ice Cubes
This savoury treat is sure to be a favourite for dogs who prefer meaty flavours.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 small sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 1 cup of water or chicken broth
Instructions:
- Mix the shredded chicken, mashed sweet potato, and water or chicken broth in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into ice cube trays.
- Freeze for several hours or until solid.
- Store the frozen cubes in a freezer-safe container and serve as a cool snack.
Tips for Making Homemade Dog Treats
- Check Ingredients: Always ensure that the ingredients you use are safe for dogs. Avoid anything toxic like chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.
- Use Fresh Produce: Opt for fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables.
- Monitor Portions: Even healthy treats should be given in moderation to avoid overfeeding.
- Stay Hydrated: Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water, especially when enjoying frozen treats.
By making these homemade summer snacks, you can help keep your dog cool, hydrated, and happy during the warmer months. These treats are not only delicious but also a great way to show your love and care for your furry friend.