Irresistibly Cool Warm Weather Treats for Dogs
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 15:40:00 PM America/Los_Angeles
Who says warm weather has to mean boring, tasteless food? Just because summer calls for lighter ingredients doesn’t mean that our furry friends can’t enjoy some drool-worthy treats! This summer, try these fun alternatives to keep them as cool as a cucumber.
Photo by Karsten Winegeart
Popsicles
A warm weather classic, popsicles are a fantastic cooling treat that can be made with a variety of tasty and nutritious ingredients. It’s no surprise that popsicles are a summer fave–they can be made with virtually anything! A couple of dog-friendly options are:
- Blended fruit like bananas and blueberries
- Bone broth
- Pet-safe enhanced water
- Greek yogurt with honey
- Peanut butter and greek yogurt
Enhanced Water
Even canines have a variety of options these days when it comes to H2O. After a long day on the trails or an enthusiastic run on the beach, dog-friendly electrolyte-enhanced water can give your pup the extra hydration boost they need.
Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a creamy, nutrient-rich alternative to water-based treats that works as a heartier snack between meals. Whether it’s fed by itself or as a popsicle, yogurt is a yummy treat especially during those really hot days when dogs may have less of an appetite. Note that Greek yogurt is preferred over regular yogurt, because it usually doesn’t contain xylitol and other additives that can be harmful to dogs.
Frozen Fruit
One of the easiest and healthiest dog-friendly snacks around, frozen fruit can be a cool and tasty treat for those toastier days. All you have to do is pop some dog-safe fruits like blueberries in the freezer! If you’re feeling a bit more creative, frozen fruit can be blended into a smoothie. Doggos can enjoy the blended fruits as is, or the smoothie can be frozen into popsicles.
Keep in mind that some of these treats are woof-tastic for keeping cool in the summer but they also lead to increased water intake. With the warmer months already causing doggos to lap up more water, more frequent urination is likely. Keep pee pads readily available or subscribe to a real bark dog bathroom like Bark Potty to prep for those extra bathroom trips!