It’s summertime, and the living is…hot. Besides swimming, running through the sprinklers, drinking plenty of fresh water, and relaxing in the air-conditioned house, a frosty treat may be just about the perfect way for a furry friend to stay cool during the summer months. Fortunately, creating tasty and healthy summer pet treats is easy and affordable – two good reasons to whip up a batch for your best pal!

Summer Pet Treats

You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to create nutritious and delicious summer pet treats. Simply pop your pet’s favorite, healthy ingredients into a blender and pour into silicone molds, ice cube trays, Dixie cups, or even single-serving yogurt containers. Turn your creation into a “pupsicle” by adding a sturdy dog chew or Nylabone dog bone.

Summer’s Bounty

Fresh fruits and vegetables can make wonderful additions to your pet’s diet. The following can be blended and poured into molds or chopped and frozen on cookie sheets:

Peeled, seeded, and cored fruits

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Berries
  • Peaches
  • Apricots
  • Melons
  • Pears
  • Mangoes
  • Pineapple

Lightly steamed veggies

  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Asparagus
  • Cucumbers
  • Cauliflower
  • Squash
  • Pumpkin
  • Green beans
  • Bell peppers
  • Sweet potato

Get Creative

When it comes to summer pet treats, you are only limited by your imagination. Even the pickiest dog or cat wouldn’t turn their noses up at one of these cold snacks:

  • Liver – Chop chicken or beef liver into bite-sized pieces and freeze on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
  • Canned tuna or chicken – Mix with flaxseed and drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto a parchment-lined sheet before freezing.
  • Frozen egg – Blend up an egg or two and pour into ice-cube trays. (This messy snack is best eaten outside.)
  • Fun with broth – Beef or chicken broth can be poured into ice cube trays, popsicle molds, or even a Kong toy for a delightful frosty treat.
  • Ice cubes – Plain old ice cubes can make great summer pet treats. Add to your pet’s water bowl to encourage drinking on the hottest days, or simply place a cube on the ground for your pet to enjoy.

If you have any questions about which people foods are safe for your pet to enjoy, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at Union Lake Pet Services. Happy snacking!