Summer is here, and that means sunshine, outdoor fun, frozen treats and… a whole lot of hot dogs! When the temperature climbs, you can help your pup to stay cool and happy with some frozen enrichment. Not only is it super refreshing, but also a fantastic way to keep your dog’s brain buzzing with excitement. Let’s dive into the some frosty fun ideas!
1. Toppl-tastic Frozen Delights
Take your dog’s Toppl to the next level by turning it into a frozen treasure trove! If you haven’t got one yet pop online to our shop. Here are some tail-wagging ideas:
- Peanut Butter Bliss: Pack the Toppl with xylitol-free peanut butter and plain yogurt, then freeze it for a tasty time – we like to use either Pics or Forty Thieves.
- Berry Bonanza: Blend banana, blueberries, and plain greek yogurt for a fruity, frozen treat.
- Savory Sensation: Mix wet dog food or mashed pumpkin with kibble, stuff it in, and pop it in the freezer. These treats will keep your pup entertained for ages, perfect for those lazy summer afternoons.
2. Pawsome Pupsicles
Pupsicles aren’t just for humans—your pup deserves a cool snack too! Grab some silicone molds or ice cube trays and try these combos:
- Bone Broth Bliss: Pour unsalted bone broth into molds and toss in a few tiny treats for a crunchy surprise. It’s a savory way to hydrate and nourish your pup – we get our bone broth from The Raw Dog Food Co.
- Fruity Fun: Blend watermelon, cucumber, and carrot for a refreshing burst of flavour. This mix is packed with vitamins and hydration!
- Protein Power: Combine plain Greek yogurt with shredded chicken or your pup’s favourite protein for a meaty delight. It’s the perfect combo for your active dog.
3. Frozen LickiMats: The Ultimate Chill-Out Zone
Who knew LickiMats could get even better? Just freeze them! Spread something delicious on the mat and let your pup enjoy a cooling activity. You can get yours here and check out all the different varieties too. Some ideas include:
- Plain yogurt or kefir for a probiotic boost
- Mashed banana or sweet potato for a sweet and creamy snack
- A peanut butter and water combo that’s both sticky and fun. Lick mats are a great way to slow down eating and engage your pup’s brain.
- Our favourite here at Pawz Perfect is a combination “Tasting Platter” of peanut butter, greek yoghurt, blueberries, mashed pumpkin and mince (either goat, chicken or veal)
4. Mega Ice Blocks: Cool Adventures Await
For the ultimate summer boredom buster, make a giant ice block filled with layers of goodies:
- Use a plastic container or cake pan as your mold – we use our empty ice-cream container or egg carton.
- Layer kibble, treats, or even small toys with water or unsalted broth. Ensure to include size appropriate toys for your dog’s delight to avoid any choking hazards.
- Freeze in stages to keep the treasures evenly spaced. Your pup will love chipping away at the icy block to reveal hidden surprises, keeping them entertained for hours.
5. Stay Hydrated with Frozen Goodies
Help your pup beat the heat with treats that double as hydration boosters:
- Fruity Cubes: Freeze tiny apple, blueberry, or watermelon chunks in water or coconut water. They’re a refreshing snack with a hint of sweetness.
- Herbal Ice: Brew a light chamomile or peppermint tea, freeze it, and let your dog enjoy a calming treat. These cubes are great for dogs who enjoy subtle flavors.
- ICE: Our pups love to chew on a piece of ice so for fun we sometimes pop some cubes in their water to go dunking!
Tips for Frosty Fun:
- Always double-check that all ingredients are dog-safe. Harmful foods like grapes, onions, or xylitol (found in some peanut butters so check your labels) should be avoided.
- Supervise your pup while they enjoy larger treats like ice blocks to ensure safety. It’s a good idea to supervise their first adventure to ensure they are enjoying it too!
- Tailor recipes to your dog’s tastes and dietary needs. Have fun experimenting with different combinations—your pup will love the variety!
Why Frozen Treats Are Paw-some
Not only do frozen goodies cool your pup down, but they also:
- Slow down snack time, which is perfect for speedy eaters who need to take it easy.
- Keep your dog’s brain engaged with problem-solving fun as they figure out how to get to the goodies inside.
- Add extra hydration to your dog’s summer routine, helping them stay cool and healthy.
- Keeps those “stressy” pups occupied with something yum and fun when you need to get out and about without them.
Frozen treats are a simple and effective way to make summer a blast for your furry friend. Whether it’s a frozen Toppl, a pupsicle, or a LickiMat masterpiece, your pup will be living their best summer life—one frosty bite at a time. So grab those ingredients, get creative, and let the summer fun begin!
We would love for you to share your frozen treat ideas in the comments below. What’s your pup’s favourite recipes and ingredients for their frozen treats?