Are your furry friends struggling to stay cool this summer? If so, frozen dog treats can help! The following two recipes are our personal favorites here at UltiMutt Inn. Both using less than five whole food ingredients, these healthy frozen dog treats are super easy and inexpensive to make and are packed with nutrients. Feed the pupsicles to your dogs outside to avoid messy cleanup!
Mint Yogurt Pupsicles
These frozen dog treats have the added benefit of freshening your pup’s breath! One batch yields 12 servings with only about 14 calories per serving.
INGREDIENTS:
¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
¼ cup fresh mint
¼ cup fresh parsley
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
PREPARATION:
- Put the yogurt, mint, parsley, and honey (if using) into a food processor.
- Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped and all of the ingredients are fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or dog treat molds and freeze for 2 hours or until frozen solid.
- Serve treats to pups as needed and store remaining treats in the freezer.
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS:
- Plain nonfat Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium and low in sugar and sodium. Plus it contains probiotics that boost the immune system and help aid digestion.
- NOTE: Just be sure to choose yogurt that doesn’t include artificial sweeteners or even naturally-occuring sugar alcohols. Although safe for human consumption, xylitol in particular is especially toxic to dogs because it causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that can lead to seizures and vomiting.
- Fresh mint leaves are high in vitamin A and contain small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, such as iron and manganese.
- NOTE: While concentrated mint essential oils are toxic to dogs, ingesting a small amount of fresh mint leaves per day is safe and harmless.
- Fresh parsley is rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, and many antioxidants like vitamin C.
Carrot Watermelon Pupsicles
Since watermelon is over 50% water, these frozen dog treats are a great choice for keeping your pup hydrated during the summer heat. Plus, there are only two ingredients! One batch yields 16 servings with only about 12 calories per serving.
INGREDIENTS:
2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
3 cups diced watermelon
PREPARATION:
- Clean and roughly chop the carrots. Cut the watermelon into chunks and remove any seeds.
- Pulse carrots in the blender until finely chopped. Add watermelon and puree until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or dog treat molds and freeze for 2 hours or until frozen solid.
- Serve treats to pups as needed and store remaining treats in the freezer for up to 3 months.
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS:
- Carrots are high in vitamin A and fiber.
- Watermelon is high in vitamin A and vitamin C.
We hope your dog enjoys these tasty and nutritious pupsicles!