While the pet industry is saturated with newer, healthier treats for our furry friends each day, it’s quite easy to bypass the store altogether and make your own! Us humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy a frozen treat on a hot summer day. While many toss an ice cube or two to their four-legged friends, it can be nice to provide them with an even tastier version to keep them both happy and hydrated. Check out some of the easiest DIY pet treats to make this summer - recipes are below!
Frozen Frisbee
Ok, this may not be a Frisbee you’ll actually want to throw - but it’s a great treat to bring along to the dog park for your furry friends! Plus, it’s super easy to make! All you’ll need is a bundt or cake pan. Simply blend some peanut butter and water and pour it into your pan. Add chopped fruit and allow your creation to freeze for 4 to 6 hours. Try these combinations:
- water
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons flax seeds
- 1 cup chopped strawberries (or swap with pineapple, watermelon, blueberries, etc.)
Once frozen, it’s ready for your pups to enjoy! Of course, you can swap ingredients to your pup’s liking or simply using what you have on hand. Yogurt is another great addition to this frozen treat. If you’re unsure whether or not an ingredient is safe for your pup, be sure to do your research or ask your vet first!
Pupsicles
While plenty of pups enjoy a cold ice cube on a hot day, there’s no reason you shouldn’t jazz it up a bit for them! It’s as simple as blending together some fresh ingredients - of course, making sure they’re safe for your pet first! Then, pop the blended product in any regular ice cube tray so that you always have them ready and available for those warm days. Try these combinations:
- 4 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 ripe banana (or swap with pineapple, strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, etc.)
Blend those ingredients up and bam! You have an easy frozen pupsicle for your dog! If you really want to go all out, you can stick a hard dog bone or treat into the blended smoothie before you freeze it. Then, it will truly be like a popsicle for your pup - stick and all! You can also fill up an ice cube tray with salt-free chicken broth as an alternative summer snack.
These are frozen treats that your pups will happily gobble down. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing they’re cooling down with something that they not only enjoy, but that’s good for them too! If the heat’s got you feeling particularly lazy, simply chop up some watermelon and stick it in the freezer — an instant frozen treat that will pawsitively delight your pet!
What’s your fur-vorite frozen treat to spoil your pets with? Let us know in the comments below!