"How to Make Long-Lasting Frozen Dog Treats for Extra Hot Days"

"How to Make Long-Lasting DIY Frozen Dog Treats for Hot Summer Days"

 

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"Ah, summertime." The days are longer. The grass and trees are greener. Summer BBQs, swimming pools, and let's not forget, the sizzling hot summer sun scorching our skin. "OUCH"  

 

 

  

 We're not the only ones feeling the heat. Our pets feel it too! Especially our dogs. It's important to keep them cool and hydrated during this warm time of the year. 

 

 Speaking of summer...

 

 This has got to be the HOTTEST summer EVER. "Well, not ever but one of the hottest in past years."  When temperatures rise so early in the day, you should consider exercising your furry friends earlier or later in the evening.

 

There are many ways that you can keep your dog cool and entertained. One of the ways is to DIY homemade frozen dog treats.  

 

 The Benefits of Long-Lasting Frozen Dog Treats 

• Cooling and Hydrating - A frozen, delicious treat can keep your furry friend cool and hydrated.
• Mental Stimulation - When outdoor play is limited, as your dog is working on breaking down his new frozen treat, this helps to engage his mind and stimulates his senses.
• Nutritional Boost - Adding a variety of fruits and veggies to your frozen treats provides fiber, important vitamins and minerals, and nutritional benefits for your dog. This is a great way to get healthy frozen dog treats to your beloved pets, daily. Even dog-friendly bone broth may benefit your dog. Bone broth may offer collagen-building and joint health.

 

What Fruits Are Safe for a Dog to Eat? 

• Apples - Apples have nutritional benefits like vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. 
• Blueberries - Are low in calories and High in Vitamin C
• Bananas - Bananas are high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C. Banana peels should not be given to dogs as they are hard to digest.
• Cantaloupe - It’s high in fiber, low in calories, and contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, folate, fiber, and potassium. Cantaloupe contains 90% water, which is great for hydration.
• Watermelon - (Seedless, no rind) Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as potassium. On hot days it helps to keep your dog hydrated. Mix watermelon with Greek yogurt and freeze it for healthy frozen dog treats.
• Cranberries - Cranberries are considered a superfood because they contain high antioxidants and rich fiber.
• Honeydew - It's great for hydrating your dog. Honeydew also contains vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and it’s low in calories
• Mangoes - Mangoes have many nutritional benefits like fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E. However, they should be fed in moderation due to their high sugar content.
• Oranges - A great source of vitamin C, potassium and fiber.
• Peaches - Peaches contain fiber and antioxidants. Make sure to remove the leaves, pit, and stem before feeding to your dog. 
• Pears - Pears contain benefits like fiber, copper, and vitamins C and A. When feeding pears to your pup, remove the stem, leaves, pit, and seeds.
• Pineapple - Pineapple supports your dog's immune and digestive system. Give Pineapple in moderation as it's high acidity and sugar content can cause stomach upset. 
• Strawberries - High in vitamin C. Make sure to cut or mash strawberries before serving. They can be a choking hazard. 

 

What Fruits Can Dogs NOT Eat?

• Avocado - Avocado is high in fat. Even dogs can have unhealthy weight issues.
• Grapes (And Raisins) - All are toxic to dogs.
• Wild Berries - Wild Berries should not be eaten by dogs as they may be misidentified. It's best to stay clear of them. 

 Giving treats in moderation is important as some dogs are more sensitive than others. And too much of anything can give your dog an upset stomach. 

 

 What Vegetables are Safe for Dogs to eat?

• Broccoli - Packed with fiber and vitamins. This vegetable is a power house of "Goodness" However, broccoli in high amounts can cause gas and stomach discomfort. Give this vegetable in moderation.
• Celery - Celery contains vitamins A, B, C, and K, plus folate, potassium, and manganese. Make sure before you give celery to your dog, that you de-string it first!
• Green Beans - Green beans contain a multitude of vitamins, fiber, and protein. Frozen is recommended over canned due to the high salt content. 
• Cauliflower - Considered a low-calorie treat. It has vitamins, calcium and potassium. Give in moderation since it causes gas in dogs.
• Lettuce - High in fiber and water
• Carrots - Great as a sweet and crunchy snack.  Carrots contain beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Give in moderation due to the high sugar content.
• Bell Peppers - They can help promote skin, coat, and eye health for your dog. 
• Zucchini - Zucchini is high in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins A, C, B6, and K.
• Cabbage - Cabbage is high in antioxidants and fiber. Cabbage can aid in digestion. However, use in small amounts as this vegetable can cause gas and stomach upset in high amounts.
• Mushrooms - Only mushrooms from a grocery store. Make sure that they are washed and served plain. NO WILD MUSHROOMS

What Vegetables are Best to Avoid?

• Onions - Toxic to dogs and Cats. Causes severe stomach issues if ingested. 
• Spinach - Spinach, is ok in small amounts, but should be avoided as a food additive to your dog's diet as it contains oxalates that may cause kidney stones. 
• Kale - Harmful in large amounts. It's best to leave this leafy green out. 
• Brussels Sprouts -  May cause severe gastrointestinal problems.
• Wild Mushrooms - ALL WILD MUSHROOMS SHOULD BE AVOIDED. "I get wild mushrooms in my yard on occasion." "I pull them out immediately." If your dog likes to explore and eat "EVERYTHING" this should be a daily practice. 

 

NOTE: As with any food product, it's advised to consult with your veterinarian before starting a new diet or snack implementation for your pet. Some pets may have pre-existing health challenges. Check out our full disclaimer here.

 

 

 

Preparing your fruits for your dog

It is important to wash your fruits and veggies. Discard seeds, stems, leaves, pits, or rinds. This should ensure a nutritious and wholesome snack additive without the dangers. 

 

"Let's get into this easy summer DIY Homemade Long-Lasting Frozen Dog Treats Recipe"

 

First I started with a variety of fruits and veggies. But you can offer 2 or 3 selections if you want. You can also use a frozen mixed vegetable blend from your local grocery store. 

 

 

(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

Your dogs will "absolutely" love the taste and the fresh crunchy cool goodness of these cooling dog treats for summer. This treat will give your dog something to do while breaking down the frozen parts of this homemade dog treat. 

 

An alternative to cutting up fruits and veggies is, to use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables to add to your heart-shaped silicone molds. You can add a single fruit item like apples or blueberries. 

 

 

Let's talk ingredients.

1. Heart-shape silicone mold or any shape food grade silicone mold of your choice
2. 1-2 cups of mixed veggies
3. 1 cup of fresh fruit, (apples, strawberries, blueberries, guava, watermelon, or peach) Your choice. Short on time? Try all natural freeze dried assorted fruit.
4. 1 cup of water as needed to fill the silicone molds.

 

 

I placed my Heart-shaped silicone mold on a tray to keep it steady while placing it in the freezer. It worked Great! 

 

Freeze for 4 hours or overnight. After your healthy frozen dog treats are ready, place them in a zip-lock bag for later use. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

NOTE: We recommend supervising your pet when giving them treats or in this case, frozen whole treats. For our extensive disclaimer click here.

 

 

 There are so many varieties of fruits and vegetables that you can switch up. The creativity is endless. And your beloved dog will greatly appreciate the coolness in the hot days of summer.

 

 If you found this recipe fun, give it a try! I would love to hear your feedback. Leave me a comment below.  -Annmarie