Keep a stock of warm-weather treats in your freezer!
KONGs can be bagged in plastic and included in your cooler when you go camping or to the lake. Any frozen treat can get somewhat messy as your dog consumes it, so I strongly suggest offering these summer delights outside only or given to your dog in her kennel, for easy clean-up.
To be sure your dog is not allergic or intestinally bothered by any of the “stuffings” in these recipes, feed a small amount of the item first, on its own, with no other unusual foods that day (just your regular dog food and treats). If your dog has any unusual reaction—like vomiting, itching, or discomfort—leave that particular item off the “safe” list for your dog.
Dogs’ tastes can change throughout their lives. Not everything your dog likes today will meet with the same enthusiasm tomorrow. There’s no point in saying, “But you always loved bananas!” if bananas don’t interest her now. Vary treats often and your dog will be less likely to grow bored with even her favorite tastes.
Here are some simple recipes for frozen goodies for dogs.
Pupscicles
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (no xylitol)
- 1/4 cup wheat germ
Mash banana and peanut butter, stir in wheat germ, pour mixture into ice trays or popsicle molds, and freeze until solid.
Dog Ice Cream
- 3 ripe bananas
- 32 oz. plain yogurt
- 1 cup peanut butter (no xylitol)
Blend, pour into ice trays or molds, freeze.
KONG with Frozen Stuffing
- Your dog’s kibble
- Canned dog food
- Special treats (try something from the list of fruits and vegetables below)
- Peanut butter, squeeze cheese, cream cheese or any sticky sealer
Drop the special treats into the bottom of the KONG, then mix in kibble and a few spoonfuls of canned dog food. Spoon the mixture into the KONG. Add a small amount of water or broth. Seal the food inside with peanut butter, squeeze cheese, or cream cheese. Freeze overnight.
PHOTO by George Guba
Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Eat
- Apples (no seeds or core—apple seeds contain chemical compounds that are poisonous to animals)
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon (no seeds)
- Cantaloupe
- Bananas
- Green beans
- Carrots (raw or cooked)
- Sweet potatos (in limited amounts—they are high in sugar)
- Squash, zucchini
- Lettuce
- Spinach
Not Safe for Dogs!
- Grapes and raisins (contain chemical compounds that are toxic to dogs)
- Garlic and onions (contain chemical properties that can be toxic to dogs)
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
- Mushrooms (wild mushrooms, too)
- Fruits with pits (like cherries, peaches, plums—the pit can be toxic and can also present a choking hazard)
- Nuts (macadamia nuts, in particular, are toxic to pets)
One of the coolest gifts I’ve ever received came from my sister. She is a cat person and has never owned a dog, but she calls my dog her nephew and that’s good enough for me. Years ago, she found in a catalog and sent to me a set of bone-shaped plastic molds for making frozen doggy treats. I’ve had so much fun ever since coming up with new ideas of what I might put in the frozen bones for my family dogs and our doggy visitors. Check online—maybe you can find some fun frozen molds for your household, too!
