Treats to keep your dog cool

By Kylie Mackay, Northshore Pet Resort

Summertime is the best time to laze around and enjoy a frozen treat, and your furry friends will agree.

But the Australian summertime is a cause for concern for pet owners, with many wondering about the best way to keep their pets cool and comfortable. While some families have the room for doggie splash pools, others do not, and so sometimes it is necessary to be a little creative.

Here are a few simple recipes to try, which will help your pooch stay cool in summer and have them licking their chops for more.

Frozen Veggie Cubes

If you struggle to get your dog to eat veggies, or you just want to add some variety to their daily meals, try frozen veggie cubes. Carrot and pumpkin are great options as they are low in calories and good for their digestive health. You can either make these up as individual ice cubes and sprinkle on their usual dinner for some fun or freeze them in a silicone muffin tray and pop them out for your pooch to lick and enjoy as a treat in between meals.

Ingredients:

Carrots and pumpkin, peel and cubed (as much or a little as you wish to make at a time!)

Method:

1. Steam the cubed pumpkin and carrot until soft

2. Place in a blender and blend until smooth, or if preferred you can mash or leave in small chunks

3. Pour into ice cube tray if blended smooth or add some water and spoon into a muffin tray for large iceblocks and freeze for eight hours.

Frozen Chicken Ice blocks

There are not many dogs who will turn down a bit of chicken. Transform this popular treat into a quick, easy, and affordable frozen delight.

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, diced and chopped

Water

Method:

1. Divide your chicken bits into silicone muffins trays

2. Pour water to fill each hole ¾ full

3. Freeze for eight hours.

Frozen Kibble Ice blocks

Ingredients:

Your dog’s favorite kibble (dry food biscuits)

Water

Method:

1. Sprinkle a few bits of the kibble into the bottoms of the silicone muffin pans
2. Pour water to fill each hole ¾ full
3. Freeze for eight hours. For a fun variation, you can cut up their favorite treats like liver treats or Schmackos and sprinkle those in the bottom instead!

Remember, give everything in moderation, and check with your vet first if your dog has any food allergies or special diets. The great thing about these ideas and recipes is that they can be adapted to suit your pet’s needs, simply by using their usual foods and making them into a fun summertime treat.

By Kylie Mackay, Northshore Pet Resort

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