The sun is out, which means that we’re all enjoying sweet treats like popsicles, ice creams, and sorbets. If you’re a dog owner, then you want to share every happy experience with your pooch, but some human treats can hurt your dog.
As a renowned certification agency for therapy dogs, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs understands that dog owners want their pup to feel comfortable in the heat. We also know that you need to find the right treats for your pup so that they stay safe and happy.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of tasty, refreshing treats that you can make for your dog at home. You’ll have fun trying out new recipes, and you’ll love seeing how happy the outcome makes your pup.
A Frozen Carrot
If you’re not a gourmet, or you want to start small, then freezing a carrot is the easiest way to create a tasty treat that your pup will love. Most dogs enjoy eating carrots, and they’re a healthy, natural treat all year round. When it’s hot outside, your pup deserves a cooling treat, so freeze a carrot to give them hours of enjoyment. They can chew on the refreshing carrot when it’s fresh from the freezer, and as it thaws, they’ll be able to enjoy a tasty snack.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a refreshing drink on a hot day, and it’s not only humans that can enjoy them. Dogs can get in on the action and lap up a fruity beverage, but you need to make sure that all of the ingredients are suitable for your pup before you fire up the blender.
Many fruits are suitable for dogs, including:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe Melons
- Honeydew Melons
- Cranberries
- Blackberries
- Coconuts
However, some fruits aren’t suitable for dogs and can hurt them, so make sure that you check before you add them to your smoothie. Some fruits that dogs can’t eat include:
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Avocados
When making a smoothie for your pup, make sure that you strain the mixture to remove as many pips and seeds as possible. Not only are some seeds toxic, but they could also get stuck in your dog’s throat. By taking the time to strain your smoothie, you’ll be able to create a refreshing drink that they love.
Flavor your smoothie with nut butter, and you can also add a small amount of plain yogurt to give it a creamy consistency and make it even tastier.
Frozen Smoothie Cubes
Once you’ve made your dog a smoothie, you can give it to them in their bowl for them to drink, or you can freeze it for a delicious summer snack. All you have to do is pour the mixture into ice cube molds and then put it in the freezer for a few hours. You could even make your dog a popsicle or find cute bone-shaped molds online to create quirky treats that look good and taste even better.
Frozen Broth Treats
If your dog hasn’t got a sweet tooth, you can also freeze savory foods like chicken or beef broth to create delicious treats that they can devour during the day or munch on during the warm evening. Freezing leftover broth is also a great way to use up leftovers and ensure that nothing goes to waste. Ensure that the broth doesn’t have any additional flavorings, such as garlic, which can be harmful to your pup and make the treat taste nasty.
Freeze Peanut Butter Into A Toy
Toys with holes in them are a great way to keep your precious pet occupied while you’re busy having fun. Many dog owners fill these holes with peanut butter to give their dogs something tasty to eat and keep them occupied. In the summer, you could try freezing your toy with the peanut butter inside it to create a refreshing treat that your dog adores and that keeps them busy if you have to go out without them.
Dip Apple Slices In Peanut Butter
For a quick and easy treat that’s great for when you’re on the go, dip slices of apple into peanut butter and then pop them in the freezer for a few hours. The peanut butter will harden, and the treatment will be a delicious snack that you can take everywhere. Pop a few into a ziplock bag or a container when you head down the park with your dog, or, if they’re a therapy dog, use them when you’re at the facilities you visit. You could also try using other fruits, such as slices of melon or chunks of banana.
Make Them An Ice Cream Sundae- Without The Cream!
Human ice cream is high in fat and can cause bloating and gas in dogs, but that doesn’t mean that your pup can’t join in the summer fun. It’s surprisingly easy to make them an ice cream treat that they’ll love. Use plain yogurt and flavor it with creamy peanut butter, banana, and other fruits suitable for dogs. Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth paste. When the mixture is smooth, freeze it in a container that your dog can eat out of, such as a disposable cup or their bowl. Take it out when it’s warm outside, and let your dog enjoy their refreshing ice cream treat.
It’s important to remember that these recipes are for treats. Many of these items are high in fat, so feeding your pup too many can cause weight gain, which can be bad for their health. Make sure that you feed your dog these treats sparingly and that you give them extra exercise so that they stay active.
Everyone here at the Alliance of Therapy Dogs wants your pup to feel happy and healthy. If you’d like more advice or to find out how you and your dog could improve the lives of others by becoming a therapy dog, then contact us today. We always love to hear from our fellow dog lovers!
