Does your dog get excited over the prospect of a yummy treat? If not, you may want to make him an appointment, as that is definitely unusual. Just like people, many pups enjoy cold snacks on sweltering days. Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet lists a few ‘pawesome’ cold treats for dogs.

Cold Food

Combine some of Fido’s canned food with water and freeze that. Or, make it a slushie by combining it with ice in a blender.

Doggy Ice Cream

For this one, you’ll need to start with a base. This can be plain fat-free yogurt, natural peanut butter, pureed squash or pumpkin, ripe bananas, organic baby food, or sodium-free broth. For ‘toppings’ you can add things like cut-up hot dogs, shredded meat or cheese, bacon bits, or safe fruits and veggies.

Slice Of Happiness

Fido’s summer treats don’t have to be complicated or difficult to make. Get a roll of pre-cooked beef, chicken, or lamb. When you want to give your pooch a special treat, carefully slice off a thin piece.

PB/Banana Bites

Combine natural PB with some ripe bananas. Add some water to thin it out if you like. Divide the mixture into small servings, using an ice cube tray, freezer molds, or paper cups.

Apple Chicken Yums

You’ll need an ice cube tray for this one as well. Cut up some apple slices, and put the pieces in an ice cube tray. Add shredded cheese, and a bit of cooked, boneless chicken. Canned is fine. Pour sodium-free chicken broth over the mix and freeze.

Brr-Grrs

This one is similar to the apple chicken ones, except that you’ll use ground beef or turkey, bacon bits, and shredded cheese for the ‘base,’ and sodium-free beef instead of chicken broth as the liquid.

Pupsicles

Start by putting water or sodium-free broth into waxed paper cups. Pour some water or sodium-free broth over them, and pop into the freezer overnight. Voila!

Tips

These are just a few pawsible options. There are many more! You can also make something up yourself. Just don’t include anything that isn’t safe for Fido. Some dangerous foods include garlic and onions; avocado; chocolate; pitted fruits; nuts; grapes, currants, and raisins; and anything that contains xylitol. Ask your vet for more information.

As your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, we’re here to help! Please feel free to call us anytime!