As temperatures rise, we often crave a cool treat, and our canine companions are no different!
While human ice cream is often off-limits due to lactose and high sugar, you can whip up delicious and healthy frozen delights right at home.
The American Kennel Club offers fantastic DIY recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to get tails wagging.
Remember, always offer these in moderation and adjust your dog’s daily food intake accordingly!
First up, Hide-and-Seek Ice Cubes are wonderfully simple.
Freeze dog-safe liquids like no-salt-added beef or chicken broth in ice cube trays.
For a fun surprise, freeze the liquid halfway, then tuck in a small treat like a blueberry or a piece of freeze-dried liver before topping it off and refreezing.
These can even be popped into hollow rubber toys for extended mental stimulation!
Next, create Soft-Serve Treats that mimic ice cream texture.
Blend frozen, dog-safe fruits like watermelon or cantaloupe (with rind removed) with plain, unsweetened yogurt.
Yogurt is generally better for dogs than ice cream and offers beneficial bacteria, but always double-check for added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or xylitol, which are harmful.
For a true “popsicle” experience, try Dog-Friendly “Popsicles.”
Blend frozen bananas with plain yogurt until smooth. Then, get creative with mix-ins like bacon bits, strawberries, blueberries, or pumpkin puree.
Freeze the mixture in ice pop molds or small paper cups.
A crucial safety tip: never use real wooden popsicle sticks! Instead, opt for edible “sticks” like bone-shaped biscuits, salmon skin treats, or bully sticks.
Finally, for the peanut butter lovers, Cold and Sticky Treats are a hit.
Mix unsalted, no-sugar-added peanut butter (xylitol-free!) with plain yogurt and fruit, or mashed bananas, for a creamy, ice-cream-like consistency.
Layer it in silicone molds or ice cube trays for easy-to-release, fun-shaped snacks.
These homemade frozen treats are a perfect way to keep your pup cool, hydrated, and happy this season!