Looking for ways to keep your pup cool and happy this summer? Whip up a batch of DIY dog popsicles! These tasty frozen dog treats are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and will have your furry friend cool, happy, and begging for more.
3 Easy and Delicious Frozen Dog Treat Recipes
Peanut Butter Banana Fro-Yo Bites
1 ripe banana, mashed
1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
1 cup plain yogurt
Mix all ingredients until smooth, pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays, and freeze until solid.
Chicken Broth Pupsicles
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (which can also help freshen your pup's breath!)
Pour broth into ice cube trays, sprinkle with parsley, and freeze until solid.
Strawberry Yogurt Freezies
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, mashed
2 tablespoons honey (optional)
Blend all ingredients until smooth, pour into molds, and freeze until solid.
DIY Frozen Dog Treat Tips and Ideas
You don't need to follow a specific recipe to create tasty frozen treats your dog will love. Just be careful to omit chocolate, grapes or raisins, and any foods containing xylitol, as these can be harmful to dogs. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to making your own custom treats:
Step 1: Choose a base liquid
Use chicken or beef broth, yogurt, or even water as your base. This will help create a smooth, freezable consistency.
Step 2: Select your mix-ins
Choose from a variety of dog-friendly ingredients like:
Peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain xylitol)
Mashed banana
Pumpkin puree (a great source of fiber and minerals like potassium and iron)
Fresh fruits, like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches
Cooked sweet potato
Bacon bits
Step 3: Blend
Blend your chosen ingredients until smooth.
If you're using chunky ingredients like fruit or bacon bits, you can stir them in after blending for added texture.
Step 4: Portion and freeze
Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
Freeze the treats until solid.
Fun Freezing Tip: Try suspending a tasty surprise in the center of your treat, like a small cube of cheese or a piece of freeze-dried liver. You can even place a dental chew stick into the mold before freezing to create a convenient and engaging treat for your pup.
If you mix and match just right, you might find a recipe you and your pup can both enjoy. Think yogurt and blueberries, a classic pairing with a cool, creamy base and a burst of sweetness for both of you. Experiment with peanut butter and banana or try a tropical twist with diced mango in coconut milk. Imagine sitting on the porch on a warm summer afternoon, each of you with a healthy, homemade frosty treat—bliss!
Keeping Your Dog Hydrated and Healthy in the Heat
In addition to being a tasty way to cool down, frozen dog treats can also help keep your pup hydrated during the hot summer months. Dehydration is a serious concern for dogs in the heat, and can lead to health issues like lethargy, dry nose and gums, and even organ damage. Always make sure your dog has access to plenty of clean, fresh water, especially on hot days, but by offering your dog frozen treats made with moisture-rich ingredients like broth, water, and yogurt, you can help them stay hydrated and healthy.
Protecting Your Pup with Pet Insurance
Summertime brings plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures with your dog, but it's important to remember that the season also comes with some unique health and safety challenges. From heat stroke and dehydration to injuries, parasites, and ear infections, there are many potential risks to watch out for. Investing in dog insurance can help you manage the unexpected costs associated with summer mishaps and illnesses, giving you peace of mind to enjoy all the season has to offer with your best friend by your side.
Cherishing Summer's Simple Joys with Your Dog
Summer is a time for savoring life's simple pleasures – a frosty treat on a hot day, a refreshing dip in the pool, a lazy afternoon spent lounging in the shade with your best friend. For dog owners, the season is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the boundless love and loyalty our furry companions bring to our lives. So go ahead and indulge your pup with an extra frozen treat or belly rub – these are the moments that make the dog days of summer so special.