5 Summer Treats That Will Help Pets Stay Cool

If you’re a fan of a tasty, cool treats during summer, you can bet your dogs are as well. We’ve asked a few of our employees to recreate their pets favorite cool summer treats and these are the ones they created.

But first a few notes.

1. Any of these treats can be easily modified by adding some chicken or beef broth, fresh meats and even fish. These are all safe for pets!

• Fish: salmon, ocean whitefish, lake whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char (there are many other excellent options, but these are the more popular, affordable choices)
• Beef
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Bison
• Rabbit 

2. We love using plain yogurt in our recipes. Dairy is usually a bad idea with dogs. But, while yogurt is a dairy product, it contains probiotics and other natural benefits. Only use plain, "no sugar added" yogurt. To avoid dairy altogether, substitute coconut or rice milk (but be sure to read the label and avoid xylitol, birch sugar, or other harmful ingredients).

3. Peanut butter is delicious and dogs love it! However, make sure you're using fresh, organic (preferable), no sugar added and always check the ingredient list for xylitol or birch sugar. Both are toxic to pets. 

July is national blueberry month, but do we really need a reason to share blueberries with your dog? These will become your dog's favorite!

Blueberry Bliss

From Rob: "Our dog loves these easy-to-make treats. since we're busy with work, it's easy to make these each weekend and pop into the freezer for treats all week."

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp Instant goat's milk or 1/4 c fresh goat's milk
• 1 tbsp Skin & Coat Powder
• 1 cup blueberries

Add blueberries, yogurt, goat's milk and Skin & Coat Powder to blender and blend for 1 minute. Pour into food-grade silicone molds and allow to freeze overnight. To remove from molds, run under hot water for 20 seconds and pop them out. 

We love using this brand of instant goat's milk as it contains an added boost of probiotics. 

Frozen Smoothie Pup Cubes

From Stacy: "Our dogs love to eat these delicious treats in the afternoon when it’s too hot to be outside in Arizona. Ready for a healthy treat that will give your dog's coat an added sheen? These blueberry pops are perfect."

• 1 cup organic coconut oil
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 12 blueberries
• 2 tsp Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics
• 1 tsp raw honey
• 1/2 c oatmeal (optional)

Place coconut oil, peanut butter and honey in a bowl and place the bowl over a pan of warm water. Stir until it’s soft and easily blended.

Gently fold blueberries into the mixture. Use as cookie scoop to drop onto a tray covered with wax paper or add to a small silicone mold like this one. Freeze. Serve when hardened and keep finished treats in freezer.

Frozen Meat Treat

From Steve: "Our dogs love these meaty minty treats. The parsley helps keep their mouths clean and fresh, while the mint minimizes digestive upset."

• 1/2 c low sodium chicken broth or beef broth
• 2 c water
• 2 T fresh Parsley
• 2 T fresh Mint
• 2 T Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics Powder

Mix the broth and water together. Sprinkle with parsley and mint. Freeze in mold (we love these little bone molds)

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats

From Sue: We love making these for our dogs and our neighbor's dogs! They are easy to make ahead of time and simple to store for a few months in the freezer or just make for friends at the dog park. They also make great gifts during the holidays! 

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Roll to 3/8" thickness. Cut with cookie cutter. Bake at 300 for one hour or until crispy. 

Veggie Pops

From Chrissy: "We love to travel and while we're active vegetarians, our dogs are omnivores. This is one way we can share our snack times! Sometimes, we even toss these in the blender with a bit of plain yogurt and make them into frozen veggie pops."

• Frozen Green Beans
• Frozen Banana chunks
• Frozen Strawberries
• Frozen Blueberries
• Frozen Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Chicken Treats

From Peter: Our dogs LOVE cheese, but feeding them straight up cheese isn't a good idea. Does your dog love cheese? This is a delicious variation on an old favorite. 

• 2 c whole wheat flour
• 1 c shredded cheese
• 2 T Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics
• 1 T oil (we prefer to use coconut or olive oil)
• 3/4 c low sodium chicken or beef broth

Combine ingredients and adjust broth as necessary to make a stiff dough. Roll out on board to 3/8" thick. Cut with cookie cutter (these bone shaped cookie cutters are adorable and allow you to make extra sizes for your dog's friends).