Summer is here! On those sweltering days, it’s great to cool down with a yummy snack. Of course, your canine pal would also enjoy a cold treat. We can help! Read on as a Salem, VA vet lists some great summer treats for dogs.
Banana/PB Bites
Mix ripe bananas with natural peanut butter. Put the mixture into ice cube trays, or a freezer-safe mold and freeze. You can also do this with Kong toys.
Frozen Yums
Pour sodium-free broth and water into a small container, such as a paper cup. Freeze it for an hour or two, then put a chew stick in the middle. Freeze overnight.
Pupsicles
Fill an ice cube tray with sodium free broth. Add bits of kibble; shredded meat; or crumbled-up doggy treats and freeze.
Frozen Cheeseburger Bites
Cook up some plain hamburger, then add some water to it to thin it out. Put small portions in ice cube trays, then top with shredded cheese and bacon bits and freeze. Instant tail wags!
Doggy Ice Cream
You can buy doggy ice cream for Fido, or you can just make your own. Start with a smooth base. This can be natural peanut butter, bananas, plain yogurt, sodium-free broth, pureed pumpkin, or organic baby food, in any combination your dog likes. For toppings, you can add bacon bits, shredded cheese, or cooked hamburger. Cooked, plain meat, fish, or chicken without the bones, is also fine, as are certain fruits and veggies, like apple slices, blueberries, sweet potato, strawberries, peas, and carrots.
Apple Chicken Snacks
Put chunks of cheddar cheese into an ice cube tray. Then, add some apple slices and bacon bits. Pour sodium-free chicken broth over them, and freeze overnight.
Yogurt Bones
Fido can have some plain yogurt. You can also add things like carrots, bananas, or peanut butter. Freeze your canine friend’s treat in small molds.
Tips
These are just a few recipe ideas. You can mix and match, or make your own. Just be sure not to give Fido anything that isn’t safe for him. Some foods to avoid include garlic, onions, scallions and chives; chocolate; avocados; pitted fruits; nuts; chocolate; alcohol; grapes, currants, and raisins; meat on the bone; and products containing xylitol. Ask your vet for more information.
Please contact us, your Salem, VA vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
