Summer is here, and the living is sweltering. It’s moist and perspiring, making us crave something cold to cool down. While you can grab an ice cream to cool off, your dog can only look at you with awe and a watery mouth. Suppose, the puppy eyes make you compassionate enough to give him the last bite, but that won’t help your dog cool off. So, we have some ice cream alternatives in the name of frozen treats for dogs that will make your bestie lap up with joy.
When the freezer becomes your best friend, you must keep something special to help your doggy bestie. These treats are not only healthy but also easy and fun to prepare. They are beneficial for both you and your furry friend. Maybe you can also try one out of curiosity and desire.
Creating frozen dog treats can be as easy or intricate as you desire. Various innovative recipes can be made depending on the available ingredients and your dog’s preferences. But most of all, these treats keep your dog cool and hydrated in warmer weather. Let’s explore multiple frozen dog treats you can whip up in your kitchen.
Essential Tips for Making Frozen Treats for Dogs
Before we start with recipes, make a safe and fulfilling treat for your dog. Here are some essential tips:
- Maintain moderation in portion sizes.
- Use fresh fruits instead of canned options.
- Choose plain, non-fat yogurt without sweeteners.
- Utilize bone broth for added health benefits.
- Be creative with ingredients and flavors.
Best Frozen Treat Recipe for Dogs
Now that the precautions have been addressed let’s explore the delicious recipes to cool off your furry friend. These treats are simple to prepare and will make your dog wag its tail excitedly!
Any liquid safe for dogs can be transformed into a frozen delicacy. Just fill an ice cube tray with that liquid and freeze it so your dog can enjoy a cube or two whenever you want.
If you feel this is too plain for your overly judgy pup, consider your dog’s preferences and opt for a flavor they enjoy. You can add his favorite items like beef or chicken chunks. If that’s too much, freeze the chicken broth without adding salt. This will provide a savory and flavorful treat for dogs.
Minerals this Treat can Provide:
Calcium: Crucial for bone health and muscle function.
Iron: Necessary for oxygen transport in the blood.
Zinc: Supports immune function, skin health, and digestion.
Well, who doesn’t love yogurt? It is one frozen treat that dogs and humans alike will love. Xylitol-free yogurt has a nice creamy texture and is unsweetened. It also helps dogs with digestion, thanks to the probiotics that keep their gut healthy.
Now, this treat has many combinations to go along with it. You can add peanut butter to the yogurt to add flavor or fresh fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries, and strawberries. And this is not all. Add pumpkin, cooked and mashed sweet potato, and grated carrot for some picky eaters. Just chop the toppings you choose and freeze the Treat for 3 hours. Serve and see your dog having zoomies for this treat.
Minerals this Treat can Provide:
Calcium: Important for strong bones and teeth.
Phosphorus: Works with calcium to maintain bone health.
Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function.
This treat combines the beloved flavors of banana and peanut butter. It is an all-time favorite among dogs, and there are multiple ways to make a soothing banana treat. The simplest is to pair a nice thick slice of banana with watermelon and pineapple and freeze this double-layer treat. Or you can go overboard for something unique.
Add 200 ml oat or almond milk, 100g Greek yogurt with 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp chia seeds, and 2 tsp peanut butter. Blend all the ingredients and put them into ice molds. Freeze them for 4-5 hours or overnight, and serve. Wait! Take the treats out of the freezer a few minutes before serving. Sometimes, treats that are too cold are too complex for your dog’s teeth.
Minerals this Treat can Provide:
Potassium: Essential for heart health, muscle function, and nerve impulses.
Magnesium: Crucial for maintaining healthy cardiovascular function in dogs.
How about a frozen apple dog treat for a bit of change? These crunchy apple treats are sure to satisfy your dog’s munchies. You can slice them into eatable chunks and freeze them with water for a sunny day treat. Or you can try to be another Gordan Ramsay for your dog.
If you choose the latter, peel and chop one fresh apple and mix it with Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Fill the popsicle cups with the mixture and insert a dog bone biscuit. Freeze them overnight, and serve this super-cool popsicle to your dog. You’ll see them go crazy over this treat.
Minerals this Treat can Provide:
Potassium: Essential for heart health, muscle function, and nerve impulses.
Copper: Supports iron absorption, energy production, and connective tissue health.
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Watermelon Dog Ice Cream Treat
This snack is a no-brainer for every dog parent. Watermelon is a fruit that can help keep your dog hydrated in extreme heat. It is an ideal indulgence for people and canines alike when temperatures are high.
Create a frozen dessert by blending ¼ a seedless watermelon with coconut milk. Ensure this mixture is consistent before pouring it into popsicle molds and freezing it until it becomes firm.
Minerals this Treat can Provide:
Potassium: Crucial for heart health, muscle function, and maintaining proper fluid balance.
Magnesium: Supports bone health, muscle function, and nerve function.
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Peanut Butter-based Dog Treat
Testing ice cream can be challenging, but some dogs are tasked with it, and there is no flavor your dog may enjoy more than peanut butter-infused ice cream. Peanut butter contains plenty of calories, and dogs find ice cream made from it very satisfying.
Check the label to ensure that the peanut butter does not contain xylitol. Combine a small quantity with yogurt and fruit that your dog enjoys, or mix it with mashed bananas to enhance the flavor and texture of the Treat. Shape this combination of ingredients in an ice tray or silicone baking mold and place it in the freezer for 3-4 hours.
Minerals this Treat can Provide:
Magnesium: Helps with energy production, muscle function, and reducing oxidative stress.
Manganese: Aids in metabolizing proteins and carbohydrates.
Phosphorus: Works with calcium to strengthen bones and teeth
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Cucumber Crunchies For Your Dog
Cucumber is a perfectly safe, low-calorie snack that many dogs love. Its crunchy texture and refreshing taste are something a dog loves. Also, cucumbers only contain about eight calories per one-half cup of slices.
You can freeze cucumber slices for a crunchy, cold treat for your dog. You can also blend cucumber slices with dog-safe fruits like watermelon, blueberries, and bananas and add water or broth before freezing the mixture in a KONG toy as a cold, refreshing treat for later.
Minerals this Treat can Provide:
Magnesium: Supports bone health and nerve function.
Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.
Iron: Helps transport oxygen throughout the body.
Apart from these 7 Frozen treats for dogs, there are also other fruits and treats you can freeze and serve to cool down your dog’s system:
You can use multiple berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) and plain water and freeze them together to make a unique treat. You can also opt for mango or cantaloupe-blended treats if that is what your dog loves more.
Are frozen dog treats suitable for dogs?
Frozen dog treats can be a refreshing and fun cooling option for dogs in hot weather. However, using safe ingredients and offering them in moderation is essential. Consult your vet before trying your hands out on the tips, especially if they have dietary restrictions or health issues.
Also, ensure you know how many calories are going into your dog’s stomach through your treat and that it is only 10-15% of its daily intake. These treats are not a replacement for food; they must only be a cooling reward. Giving too much food in one go can harm dogs and cause life-threatening bloat.
Remember, if your dog can eat every ingredient you plan to use in the frozen treat, rest assured, as it will give him many benefits. However, always take your frozen treat out of the freezer a few minutes before you serve it to your dog. This ensures the treat is not too hard on your puppy’s teeth.
Health Benefits of Frozen Treats:
Frozen treats offer more than just a cool down for your pup. Here’s how they can benefit your dog’s health:
| Benefit | Description |
| Hydration | Frozen Treats made with water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon and cucumber help keep your dog hydrated, especially during hot weather. |
| Digestion | Ingredients like yogurt with probiotics can aid digestion and promote gut health. |
| Mental Stimulation | Licking Frozen treats can provide mental stimulation and keep your dog occupied. |
| Dental Health | Crunchy, frozen treats like apple slices can help clean teeth and freshen breath. |
Note: Consult your vet before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet.
Conclusion:
Explore a realm of icy treats for your furry friend to savor during the summer! From classic combinations to unique flavors, these treats will wag your dog’s tail excitedly. But remember, although they are a great way to cool down, they should not replace regular meals. Keep the number of treat portions in check, and watch your pup savor every lick.
These homemade treats are a healthier alternative to regular ice cream and will keep your furry friend happy. So, get creative in the kitchen and start freezing delicious treats for your pup to savor. Happy freezing this summer, and enjoy your grateful dog’s endless tail wags and cool-sloppy kisses!
Author Bio
Abhay is a dedicated dog lover and works avidly for DogExpress. He has trained and adopted stray dogs. With an extensive knowledge of dog breeds, he aims to excel as a writer and dog trainer.
