AZ Tail Wag

Dog-Friendly Cool Treats for Summer: Keep Your Pup Refreshed and Happy!

AZ Tail Wag
Jun 11, 2024By AZ Tail Wag
person holding brown wooden stick with white and black short coated dog

Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy outdoor activities with your furry friend. As temperatures rise, keeping your dog cool and hydrated becomes essential. What better way to do this than with some homemade, dog-friendly cool treats? Here are a few easy recipes that are not only delicious but also nutritious for your pup.

1. Peanut Butter and Banana Pup Pops
Ingredients:

1 ripe banana
1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
1/4 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened and without artificial sweeteners)
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:

Mash the banana in a bowl.
Add peanut butter, yogurt, and honey (if using) to the mashed banana.
Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth consistency.
Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
Pop the treats out of the molds and let your pup enjoy a refreshing treat!

a dog is eating a banana with its mouth


2. Frozen Chicken Broth Cubes
Ingredients:

Low-sodium chicken broth
Water
Instructions:

Mix equal parts of water and low-sodium chicken broth in a bowl.
Pour the mixture into ice cube trays.
Freeze for several hours or until solid.
Serve a cube or two to your dog to help them cool down on a hot day.

adult chocolate Labrador retriever


3. Watermelon Pupsicles
Ingredients:

Seedless watermelon
Coconut water (optional)
Instructions:

Cut the watermelon into small chunks, removing any seeds if present.
Blend the watermelon chunks until you have a smooth puree.
For added hydration, mix in a little coconut water.
Pour the puree into ice cube trays or popsicle molds.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
Give your dog a pupsicle to enjoy in the backyard or during a break from playtime.

az tail wag pet sitter dog walker near me


4. Apple and Carrot Bites
Ingredients:

1 apple (cored and sliced)
1 carrot (peeled and sliced)
1/2 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened)
Instructions:

Blend the apple slices and carrot slices together until you have a fine mixture.
Add the yogurt to the mixture and blend until smooth.
Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
Freeze for several hours or until solid.
Serve these fruity bites to your dog as a cool, healthy snack.

Blueberries in wicker basket and blueberry jam or marmalade on old table with back light.


5. Blueberry and Coconut Oil Freezies
Ingredients:

1/2 cup blueberries
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
1/2 cup water
Instructions:

Blend the blueberries with water until smooth.
Stir in the melted coconut oil.
Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
Treat your dog to these antioxidant-rich freezies!

dog licking it's nose standing beside near empty food bowl


Tips for Treat Safety


Always introduce new treats slowly and in moderation to ensure your dog doesn’t have any adverse reactions.
Supervise your dog while they enjoy their frozen treats to prevent choking hazards.


Consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the ingredients or your dog’s dietary restrictions.


By preparing these easy and delightful treats, you can help your dog stay cool and happy all summer long. Plus, making homemade treats is a wonderful way to show your pup some extra love and care. Enjoy the sunny days and keep those tails wagging!