We humans like to escape soaring temperatures by kicking back with a frosty treat — so why should things be any different for our pets? Dogs totally appreciate the cooling effect of frozen tasties when it’s super-hot and it’s not hard to hook them up.
Fall might technically be right around the corner, but let’s be real. Most of the country still has a solid two months of hot weather left. We’ve got some recipes for frozen treats your dog will go crazy for… but if you’re not so much into the DIY, we’ve got some store-bought recommendations too.
Frosty Paws
Frosty Paws by Purina makes a line of frozen ice cream treats that looks eerily similar to those little cups of ice cream we used to enjoy as children. Frosty Paws come in Original and Peanut Butter, and they have no artificial colors, flavors or added sugar. They’re available in the frozen section of most grocery stores or at pet supply stores.
More: 4 Ways to Keep Your Dog Active & Entertained in Hot Weather
Dogsters
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These vet-approved little cups of goodness are described as “ice-cream style,” but dogs don’t seem to know they’re not the real thing. They come in a peanut butter and cheese flavor or you can opt for a minty flavor to help freshen your dog’s breath.
More: Should You Add Olive Oil to Your Dog’s Diet?
Make your own
Easy treats: For a quick version of frozen pet treats, all you need is a can of wet food. Pick your favorite variety and pour the contents into a plastic bag with one corner snipped off. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and pipe out shapes like dog bones, paw prints or hearts. Stick the sheet in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. When frozen, peel off the treats and store them in an air-tight container.
Fruity treats: Small pieces of frozen fruit like apples, bananas or even small berries are the perfect tasty treat for your dog. The plus side is that you can enjoy these treats too! Some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to certain types of fruit, so dish these out sparingly and pay attention to any signs of discomfort. Remember that grapes are toxic to dogs and should never be fed to them, even in small quantities.
Peanut butter treats: While most dogs would be satisfied with just a plain ice cube to munch on, they’ll love some with even more flavor. Blend peanut butter, cooked sweet potato and unsweetened applesauce in a blender until smooth and combined. Pour the ingredients into an ice cube tray and place in the freezer until they are frozen. Pop out a treat every time your dog needs a little cool refreshment.
More: 7 Little Ways to Boost Your Dog’s Mental Health
Pupsicle recipe
Yields 6
For a special treat your dog will really love, make a dog-friendly Popsicle. The flavor options are endless, so get creative and adjust the flavor to fit your dog’s preferences or to fit the ingredients you have on hand. This version that includes mint will help bust bad breath in addition to being a much loved treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups low-sodium, organic chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsweetened, organic apple sauce
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed
- 1 jar organic chicken and rice baby food (or flavor of your choice)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
Supplies needed:
- Popsicle mold or ice cube tray
- 6 jerky pet treats
- Blender
Directions:
- Blend ingredients in a blender or food processor until combined. Pour into an ice cube tray or mold and stick a jerky stick in each Popsicle.
- Freeze until solid, and then serve as needed.
Originally posted June 2012. Updated August 2017.
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