Cool Treats for Hot Pets: Easy Frozen Recipes for Dogs & Cats
Beat the Louisiana heat with simple DIY frozen snacks your furry friends will love (and thank you for)!
Now that summer is in full swing, it can be easy for our pets to get overheated and uncomfortable outside. A great way to reward your dog or cat and keep them cool at the same time is with a frozen treat! They are easy to make, and your pet(s) will thank you.
For Dogs:
Yogurt and Blueberry Popsicles : Mix together ½ cup of Greek yogurt and ½ cup of water. Pour into your mold, making sure not to fill to the top. Add whole or sliced blueberries to the top of each treat before freezing.
Frozen Peanut Butter Treats : For this treat, make sure the peanut butter you use does not contain xylitol or “natural sweetener.” Mix ½ cup of peanut butter with an equal amount of water. Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt as well. Blend the mixture until smooth (if it’s too thick, add more water!) and pour into your mold or tray to freeze.
Fruit Popsicles : Blend 1 apple (deseeded and cored) with ½ a mango. You can also add a sweet potato for extra richness. Once the mixture is smooth, pour into your mold or ice tray and freeze until solid.
For Cats :
Frozen Pâté Popsicles : Use a can of your cat’s wet food and mix it with a spoonful of water to thin it out a bit. Scoop or pour the mixture into an ice cube tray. As an extra touch, you can add some catnip or some of your cat's favorite treats as well! Freeze for a few hours until fully frozen, and they’ll be ready for your cat to enjoy!
Goat’s Milk Treats : Want to expand your cat’s palate? Goat’s milk, in small quantities, is safe and healthy for your fur baby because of the digestive enzymes and probiotics. Just pour small amounts into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Yogurt Bites : If your cat can handle dairy, this is a great treat! Mix some plain Greek yogurt with your cat’s favorite wet cat food (either buy it smooth or blend it). Add the mixture into a Ziploc bag and cut the tip off. Squeeze small drops onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze the treats until they are fully solid.
Remember that portion size is everything! Depending on the mold or ice cube tray you use, the number of treats to give at a time or per day will vary. These frozen treats are meant to be given as occasional rewards and should not replace your pet’s regular diet. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods—especially if your pet has any dietary restrictions or health conditions.