FIVE FROZEN TREAT IDEAS TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Summer can be a stressful time for us dog parents with the constant worry of keeping our pets cool in the heat and avoiding that dreaded term, heatstroke, that we hear so much about.

Frozen treats are not only a great way to keep your dog cool in the summer, but they also provide mental stimulation which is perfect for keeping your dog occupied on days when it is too hot outside to take a walk.

I have listed my five favourite frozen treats ideas below, they’re all quick and easy to prepare and relatively low cost!

FROZEN KONG

Kongs are so versatile, you can stuff them with anything you like, and they’re guaranteed to keep your dog busy for a while. Chuck it in the freezer for a couple hours and you’ve bagged yourself a few more valuable minutes of peace and quiet - not only that they’re a great cooling treat for a hot summers day!

Some of my go-to fillings for Chutney’s frozen Kongs are natural yogurt, cream cheese and peanut butter (xylitol free*) with added treats like kibble, fruit, vegetables and sprats throughout.

*Always make sure peanut butter is xylitol free if you’re giving it to your dog. Xylitol is an artificial sweetner that is extremely toxic to our four-legged friends. I like to use products that are 100% nuts.

FROZEN TEA TOWEL

This is something we have been doing for Chutney since she was a puppy – it worked wonders for soothing those shark teeth during her teething stages.

She enjoyed it so much that we now use it as an interactive activity that also helps to keep her cool in the summer.

They’re so easy to prepare, simply take an old tea towel and fill it with your pets kibble or favourite treats.

Depending on how easy you want it to be, you can either fold the tea towel over itself a few times (easy option) or roll up the towel and tie it in a loose knot (harder option).

Rinse the towel under the tap and freeze for several hours.

This one keeps them busy for hours and as the frozen towel melts, it keeps them nice and cool.

It is likely they will make holes in the towel so don’t use your favourite one and make sure you keep an eye on them when they have this treat.

ICE BLOCK

This is such an easy treat to prepare and a great option if you don’t own a Kong toy.

All you need to do is grab a tuppaware box and fill it with water.

Add in some of your dog’s favourite treats. We like to use fruit or vegetables.

Freeze for several hours.

When it’s frozen simply remove the ice block from the tuppaware and give to your dog for a refreshing snack.

If you need to watch your dog’s weight you can eliminate calories by freezing your dog’s favourite chew toy into an ice block instead of treats and encouraging them to chew it out.

I would recommend this as an outdoor treat, especially if you’re using colourful fruit like raspberries, as it can make quite a mess!

FROZEN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

Freezing some fruit or veg is a particularly low-effort treat on your part but your dog will love it and best of all it’s healthy!

If necessary, peel, chop and prepare your chosen fruit or vegetable. I have added a patronising list of dog-safe fruit and vegetables below, but if you want to try any others remember to check if that fruit or vegetable is safe for dogs.

Pop them in the freezer for a few hours and you’re good to go.

Not only will it be super cooling for them, it a great way to keep them hydrated and is also good for their teeth.

Patronising list of fruit and vegetables:

Whole banana

Sliced apple

Watermelon cubes (seeds and skin removed)

Strawberries

Raspberries

Blueberries

Whole Carrots

Sliced Cucumber

Peas

Sliced pepper

Please note: Do not use grapes, they are incredibly toxic to dogs!

DOG-FRIENDLY ICE LOLLY

If you’re anything like me then you’re a sucker for an ice lolly on a hot day! Don’t let your dog miss out, make a dog-friendly version!

These days you can buy doggy ice cream from many pet stores, but it is so easy to make yourself and you know exactly what’s in it!

I have included 3 healthy, dog-friendly recipes below which you can freeze into ice cube or lolly moulds and freeze onto lickimats:

PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA ‘ICE CREAM’:

Ingredients:

1 Banana (peeled)

150 ml oat milk

1 Tbsp Peanut butter (xylitol free)

Method:

1. Pop all ingredients in a blender.

2. Blend until smooth.

3. Pour into desired moulds.

4. Freeze for 3 hours.

PEANUT BUTTER AND JAM ‘ICE CREAM’:

Ingredients:

10 Strawberries

Water

2 Tbsp Peanut butter (xylitol free)

Method:

1. Blend the strawberries with a splash of water until you get a puree.

2. Half fill your chosen moulds with the puree.

3. Freeze for one hour.

4. Once set, spread a blob of peanut butter on top of each one.

5. Return to the freezer for two hours.

BERRY ‘ICE CREAM’:

Ingredients:

Handful of dog-friendly berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)

2 tbsp natural yogurt

If you’re eliminating dairy from your dogs diet you can use oat milk or kefir.

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.

2. Blend until smooth.

3. Pour into moulds.

4. Freeze for 3 hours.

Although all these treats are safe for dogs, it is important to only give them in moderation.

Make sure you check that all ingredients you choose to use are safe for dogs. If your dog gets an upset stomach stop feeding the treats immediately and seek veterinary attention.

I hope your pooch enjoys these treats as much as mine does!