It’s officially summer and it’s the perfect time to talk about all the tasty treats you can share with your dog. It’s easier than you think to make healthy and delicious frozen treats with just a few ingredients. Besides being yummy, most dogs enjoy the enrichment of working at a frozen treat.
You don’t have to follow a recipe. Think of some of the things that you’d put in a smoothie and then maybe convert a few ingredients to something more dog friendly. Like using chicken or beef broth instead of apple juice if you need to liquefy something. Try a combination of any two or three of the following ingredients and you’ll be off to a great start:
Yogurt
Peanut butter
Apple
Carrot
Bacon
Chicken broth
Banana
Honey
Some dogs also like fresh fruits like watermelon, strawberry, or peach. If you mix and match just right, you might find a recipe you’ll enjoy as much as your dog does. Just be careful to omit chocolate, grapes or raisins, and any foods containing xylitol.
Step 1: Start with a Base
You’ll need something to add some moisture, like broth, water, or thin yogurt as your foundation.
Step 2: Pick a Flavor
Pick a second ingredient or two. You can blend or puree this with your base to make everything the same consistency if you’re using something like mashed banana or peanut butter. Or you can stir in whole chunks of your second ingredient to give it texture that adds a little fun to your dog’s treat. I mean, what dog doesn’t want bacon bits in their popsicle? Some folks suggest freezing a baked treat or a slice of fruit in the very middle, or even on the end to use as a handle.
Step 3: Pour and Freeze
You’ve made a batch of your soon-to-be famous doggie popsicle mix, now pour it into the freezing receptacle. You can use a regular ice cube tray, shaped ice molds, popsicle molds (just beware of the stick), or a paper cup.
Step 4: Throw it in the Freezer
While you’re waiting for it to freeze, go snuggle your dog for a couple of hours.
Step 5: Serve it Up
Serve up a tasty treat to a dog who’ll love you forever, and not just because you helped her cool off on a hot day.
If you’re not big on winging it and want to try a recipe first, we think any pup would enjoy a quick and simple spin on Elvis’ favorite: peanut butter and banana. Try it:
1 frozen banana
2 Tbs peanut butter
2 Tbs honey
16 ounces of plain or vanilla yogurt
Blend it all and freeze it – you can even lick the spoon. We think you and your dog will love making up a quick batch of pupsicles in the summer months.