Nutritious Frozen Snacks for Dogs: 13 Healthy Cool-down Summer Dog Treats

As pet parents, we want the best for our canine companions, and this includes providing them with a balanced, healthy diet. When the summer temperatures start to rise, offering your dog a cool, refreshing treat helps them beat the heat and is a great way to boost their nutrition. In this article we delve into some of our favorite recipes – nutritious frozen snacks for dogs! (Above Treat Kit)Below we talk about the benefits of these snacks, and tips to ensure they remain a healthy addition to your dog’s diet.

13 Easy Peasy Nutritious Frozen Dog Snack – Treat Recipes

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1. Peanut Butter Banana Popsicles

This simple, 2-ingredient treat is a favorite amongst our canine friends. Blend two ripe bananas with a cup of unsweetened peanut butter and freeze the mixture in an ice cube tray. In a few hours, you’ll have a cool, nutritious, and lip-smacking treat for your dog!

2. Coconut Berry Delight

Coconut water is hydrating and full of electrolytes, while berries are loaded with antioxidants. Blend a cup of mixed berries with coconut water and freeze it into cute paw-shaped molds. Your pup will be slurping down this frosty delight in no time!

3. Watermelon Pupsicles

Watermelon is a summer favorite, and it’s great for dogs too! Remove the seeds from a few slices of watermelon, blend it until smooth, and then freeze the juice in an ice cube tray. It’s a low-calorie and hydrating treat perfect for hot summer days!

4. Doggie Smoothie Bowl

Here’s a treat that you can share with your pup. Blend Greek yogurt, bananas, and a spoonful of peanut butter to make a creamy, protein-packed smoothie. Top it with dog-safe fruits like sliced bananas or blueberries for added flavor and nutrition.

5. Apple and Carrot Crunchies

These simple, 2-ingredient treats are baked, not frozen, but they’re a healthy and refreshing treat nonetheless. Grate apples and carrots, mix them together, form into small balls and bake until crispy. They’re a great source of fiber and vitamins.

6. Sweet Potato Chews

Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese. Slice them thinly, bake until chewy, and voila – you have a homemade, healthy treat that’s a great alternative to store-bought chews.

7. Frozen Yogurt Pup-Cubes

Mix a cup of Greek yogurt with a pureed banana and a tablespoon of honey. Pour this mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Your dog will love this protein-rich, sweet and refreshing treat!

8. Pumpkin Ice Cream

Yes, your dog can have ice cream – the homemade, healthy kind, that is. Mix a cup of pureed pumpkin (not the pie filling!) with a cup of Greek yogurt, and freeze the mixture into molds. This is a great treat for dogs, as pumpkin is known to aid digestion.

9. Peanut Butter and Jelly Pupsicles

Blend a cup of unsweetened peanut butter with some strawberries and a little bit of water. Freeze the mixture into popsicle molds and give your pup a dog-friendly version of a classic treat!

10. Chilled Chicken and Pea Pops

These savory pops are made by blending cooked chicken and peas with a little bit of chicken broth. Freeze the mixture into popsicle molds, and your pup gets a cool and protein-packed treat!

11. Green Machine Dog Pops

These vegetable-based pops are packed with fiber and vitamins. Blend equal parts of spinach, cucumber, and peas with coconut water, and freeze in molds. The coconut water adds electrolytes, helping to keep your dog hydrated.

12. Blueberry Banana Ice Cream

Mix mashed bananas and blueberries with plain Greek yogurt and freeze. The yogurt provides protein and calcium, while the fruit adds antioxidants and fiber.

13. Chicken & Pumpkin Pops

Blend cooked chicken, pureed pumpkin, and a little low-sodium chicken broth. Then freeze into pup shape molds. Chicken provides protein and pumpkin aids digestion, making these pops a well-rounded treat.

And there you have it! 10 cool summer dog treat recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and healthy for your furry friend. Always remember to introduce new foods to your dog’s diet gradually, and in moderation. Enjoy the summer, stay cool, and keep those tails wagging

Health Benefits of Frozen Dog Treats

Beyond the cool-down factor, frozen dog treats can offer several health benefits:

1. Hydration: Dogs often don’t drink enough water on hot days, which can lead to dehydration. Frozen treats made with water or coconut water help replenish fluids and keep your pup hydrated.
2. Nutrient-Rich: When you use ingredients like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and yogurt, you’re providing your pet with essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber.
3. Dental Health: Chewing on frozen treats can help clean your dog’s teeth, reducing the risk of plaque buildup.

Tips for Making Healthy Frozen Dog Treats

While making frozen treats for your dog, there are a few things to remember to ensure they remain a healthy addition to your pup’s diet:

Avoid Harmful Ingredients

Certain foods are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Always ensure the ingredients you’re using are safe for dogs.

Moderation is Key

Even healthy treats can lead to weight gain if given in excess. Be sure to consider your dog’s size, activity level, and overall daily caloric intake when portioning out treats.

Consult a Vet

If your dog has a specific health condition or dietary requirement, it’s best to consult with a vet before introducing new foods or treats into their diet.

Concluding 13 Nutritious Frozen Snacks for Dogs Summer Dog Treats

And there you have it! 10 cool summer dog treat recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and healthy for your furry friend. Always remember to introduce new foods to your dog’s diet gradually, and in moderation. Enjoy the summer, stay cool, and keep those tails wagging!