Summer is here, and the weather is heating up. When temperatures rise, many of us will be reaching for some cool treats. Why not make your canine pal some cold snacks? Read on as a local Fayetteville, NC vet lists some frozen treats for Fido.

You can pick up some ice cream for your furry buddy in many pet stores or groceries, but you can also make your own. Start with a base of plain yogurt mixed with pureed pumpkin, natural peanut butter, ripe bananas, organic baby food, and/or sodium free broth. You can customize Fido’s snacks with bacon bits; cheese; bits of kibble; or cooked, plain, boneless meat, fish, or poultry. Dog-safe fruits and veggies, such as bananas, and blueberries, are also fine.

Start by putting some kibble or doggie treats in an ice cube tray. You can also use waxed paper cups. Customize Fido’s snacks by adding peas; carrots; apple slices; shredded cheese; deli meat; cooked hamburger or turkey; or canned chicken or tuna. The toppings listed above are also fine. Then, add water or sodium-free broth, and freeze overnight. Give your four-legged pal one or two as a special treat on hot days. Look online for different recipe options. For instance, you can combine hamburger, cheese, and bacon; apple slices and cheddar cheese; or tuna and cooked peas.

Hate cooking? You can still give Fido a yummy cold snack. One option is to buy your pup a pre-cooked roll of cooked lamb or sausage. Carefully slice off a thin piece when you want to give your furry friend a treat. You can also keep beef, fish, or chicken jerky in the fridge. Or, fill Fido’s favorite Kong toy with water, organic baby food, or broth and freeze it overnight.

Feel free to try different recipes, and see what your furry pal likes best. Just be sure to stick with things that are safe for Man’s Best Friend. Some foods to avoid include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; nuts; chocolate; meat on the bone; grapes, currants, and raisins; pitted fruits; avocados; alcohol; and anything containing xylitol. Ask your vet for more information on safe and unsafe foods.

Please reach out to us, your local Fayetteville, NC pet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We are dedicated to keeping our furry patients in great health!