With the temperatures soaring now that summer is in full swing, you surely are doing everything you can to keep both you and your pooch cool. Many people – for good reason –spend a lot more time outdoors during the summer months with their dogs. While going out around town and in the mountains, parks, streams, lakes and rivers is a wonderful way to beat the summer heat, it can also take its toll on your beloved fur-legged friend.
This is why you should have a bunch of delicious, frozen treats on hand for your dog after spending a long day in the sun. There are numerous DIY dog treats out there today, including frosty ones that are awesome for helping your dog cool down on one of the many ‘dog days of summer’.
Many people give their dogs ice cubes as treats during the summer, but we have a handful of other fab and tasty DIY dog treats that your pup will love, and that will help him or her stay cool in the coming months. Most of these treats are as easy to make as combing a few ingredients that you already have lying around the kitchen with ice cubes in the blender. Be sure and stay away from salt and sugar and especially chocolate, but don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to one of these frosty treats!
Liver Treats
Simply blend chicken or beef liver with plain yogurt, then scoop the mixture into an ice cube tray to freeze. Once they have set, they are ready for your pooch to ecstatically consume!
Cheese Chunks
You can either freeze a handful of cheese cubes on their own, or try freezing them in an ice cube tray with something else, such as broth or water. This will not only add extra visual appeal, but will give them extra nutrients.
Banana Cups
Using plain yogurt and a sliced banana, you can quickly make a few yummy frozen treats for your dog. Simply slice a banana then place one slice into each cup in an ice cube tray. Add a dollop of yogurt on each banana slice, then freeze.
Hot Dog Bites
What dog doesn’t like hot dogs?! None that we’ve ever met. We suggest slicing a raw hot dog, placing it in the ice cube tray cups, then adding a little water and freezing.
Pumpkin Treats
All you have to do here is blend some plain yogurt with canned pumpkin (make sure it is NOT pumpkin pie mix, but actual pumpkin) then freeze in an ice cube tray or mini muffin pan.
Cottage Cheese and Cheddar Treats
Again, using an ice cube tray, place a dollop of cottage cheese in each cup then add cheddar chunks. Once you have both ingredients in the cup, freeze the tray until they are solid and ready for consumption.
Peanut Butter Treats
All dogs love peanut butter, so why not turn it into a mouth-watering summer treat? Simply blend some peanut butter together with plain yogurt and freeze in an ice cube tray.
As you can see, there are many different options for making frozen dog treats that your pooch will love, right in your very own kitchen. Try these out and let us know how your dog responded, or send us your own dog’s favorite recipe so we can pass it along. And remember, stay cool out there this summer!
Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Sykesville Veterinary Clinic and a clickable link back to this page.
Image courtesy of federico stevanin at FreeDigitalPhotos.net