Who can resist The Sprinkle Shack or Bella’s on a scorching summer day? Refreshing, indulgent, and fun, frozen treats are all the rage this time of year. It stands to reason our pets also enjoy something frosty on a hot summer day. The dangers of heat stroke are very real to Bayville pets, but with a selection of easy, DIY frozen pet treats, you can sit back and relax.
A Real Indulgence
Ice cream, frozen yogurt, popsicles, and water ices are delicious for humans, but these options aren’t healthy for pets. While there are commercially-available frozen goodies designed specifically for animals, our frozen pet treats are equally yummy and they add important nutrients to your pet’s diet.
Start Simply
Just buy some fresh produce, cut it up, and freeze. When your pet begins looking a little on the hot and droopy side, these basic frozen pet treats will really hit the spot:
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Cherries
- Bananas
- Pineapple
- Mangos
- Apricots
- Cucumber
- Peaches
You can also blend any of them together and pour into ice cube trays or a special silicone mold.
Get Your Veg On
Steamed, cooled, and processed just like the fruits above, fresh vegetables can really add a great deal of nutrition:
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Green beans
- Cabbage
- Celery
Perhaps straight-up veggies aren’t your pet’s favorite treat. Sneak them in with any combination of sweet fruit or add low sodium broth, tuna, yogurt, or Xylitol-free peanut butter to the mix and freeze.
Many dogs also really enjoy cottage cheese mixed with small cubes of cheddar cheese. Freeze and offer along with a nice scratch behind the ears.
Options for Frozen Pet Treats
If you don’t have a pet-themed mold on hand, pour the mixture into small Dixie cups, muffin tins, or small, recycled yogurt containers. This kit from Kong is a wonderful addition to your summer pantry, as well.
If your pet isn’t happy with your first creation, keep trying different combinations until you find something he or she will gobble up. We recommend:
- Peanut butter pupsicles
- Tuna treats
- Frosty paws
- Banana pup pops
- Watermelon-blueberry frozen pet treats
- Catsicles (why shouldn’t felines get to have some frozen fun, too?)
Get Creative (But Remain Cautious)
Frozen pet treats are fun, tasty, and nutritious, but they also protect your pet from getting overheated and dehydrated. Staying cool and hydrated is the best defense against the heat, just be sure to avoid these possible toxins when brainstorming:
- Apricot pits
- Avocado pits
- Cherry pits
- Apple seeds
- Grapes or raisins
- Peach pits
Our staff members are always available to answer your questions or address any concerns you may have about summer pet safety. We hope you enjoy our ideas for DIY frozen pet treats!
Tags: Caring For Pets, DIY Pet Tricks, Frozen Pet Treats, Pets & Heat, Seasonal Pet Care