Chill Out with These Cool and Easy Frozen Summer Treats for Your Dog

As summer kicks in and temperatures soar, it’s vital to keep your furry friend cool and happy. Just like we enjoy icy drinks to beat the heat, dogs also love refreshing frozen treats. The best part? Making these treats at home is both fun and straightforward. Get ready to explore a variety of delicious recipes that will not only keep your dog cool but also have them wagging their tails in delight.

These vibrant homemade dog treats are great for cooling off in summer.

Why Frozen Treats?

When the temperature climbs, your dog feels it too, especially with all that fur! Frozen treats aren’t just fun; they’re a great way to help your dog stay cool, hydrated, and mentally stimulated during the summer.

They're also a clever way to sneak in some extra nutrients and hydration, especially for picky eaters or pups that aren't big water drinkers.

So, while you're sipping on your iced coffee or enjoying a popsicle, your pup can enjoy their own summer-safe, tail-wagging version!

Summer Recipes:

1: Fruit Popsicles for Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana

• 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth (or water)

• ½ cup of blueberries or strawberries (or both!)

• Medium sized dog bones (or whatever you want to use as the "stick")

  
  

Instructions:

1. Blend the banana and chicken broth in a bowl until smooth.

2. Gently mix in the blueberries and/or strawberries.

3. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.

4. Place the "stick" in the center of each of the molds.

5. Freeze until solid (2-4 hours).

   
   
   
   

2: Peanut Butter Banana Swirl

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana

• ¼ cup of plan Greek yogurt

• 1 Tbsp of peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• A splash of water

  
  

Instructions:

1. Slice the banana and place it in a blender.

2. Add peanut butter, yogurt, and a splash of water.

3. Blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Pour into silicone molds, ice cube trays, or a fillable toy like a Kong.

5. Freeze until solid (2–4 hours).

   
   

3: Cucumber Coolers

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of chopped cucumbers

• 1 cup of low-sodium bone broth

  
  

Instructions:

1. Fill an ice cube tray with the chopped cucumbers.

2. Pour broth over the cucumbers until completely submerged.

3. Freeze until solid (2-4 hours).

   
   

4: Puppy Pina Colada Frozen Bites

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)

• 1 cup of unsweetened coconut water

• Fresh or frozen cherries (no pits, stems, or leaves)

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a blender, mix pineapple, coconut water and Greek yogurt until smooth.

   Tip: add a little extra water if needed for blending.

2. Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays, silicone molds, or a food-stuffable toy like a Kong.

3. Top with a cherry

4. Freeze until solid (2-4 hours).

   
   

5: Watermelon Wonders

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of seedless watermelon cubes

• 1 tablespoon of mint (spearmint or peppermint)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Mash the watermelon cubes until smooth, then mix with mint.

   Tip: You can also blend this, but make sure to add a little water for blending.

2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays, molds or a lickimat for extra fun.

3. Freeze until solid (2-4 hours).

   Safety Tip: Stay away from the mint plant pennyroyal as it is toxic for dogs.

Storage Tips for Frozen Treats

To keep your frozen dog treats fresh:

• Store any extras in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.

• Label the containers with the date and type of treat for easy summertime access.

  
  

Final Licks: Treat Your Pup This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to mix up your dog’s treat routine with something cool, tasty, and fun! Whether it’s a fruity popsicle, a refreshing cucumber cooler, or a creamy peanut butter banana swirl, these homemade snacks are a simple way to keep your pup happy and hydrated in the heat.

Want even more tips for summer fun with your dog? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for seasonal training advice, enrichment ideas, and safety tips.