by Gigi McWhirter
Summertime is upon us and who wants to turn on the oven? Instead of baking treats for your furry friend, why not make some yummy pupsicles? These frozen delights are not only easy to make, they are healthy, too!
A cool way to freeze the treats is in a silicone mold. Molds come in all kinds of interesting shapes and sizes. The ice stick forms are fun to use because most dogs like to carry things in their mouths and hold items between their front paws while they are enjoying their nosh. You can also use small paper cups or a regular ice cube tray. You can buy molds at your favorite retailer or at amazon.com. By the way, if you shop through smile.amazon.com — each time you make a purchase, part of the proceeds will benefit a nonprofit organization such as Valley Humane Society of Casa Grande.
Here are a couple of ideas for your pup:
Colden-Doodle
Ingredients:
- water
- fresh-squeezed orange juice (¼ cup juice to 1 cup water)
- dog-friendly fruit (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, bananas are my dog’s favorites)
- DO NOT USE: cherries, grapes, raisins, lemons, limes, grapefruit or persimmons*
Directions:
- Mix water and orange juice together.
- Pour into mold, making sure to leave some room at the top.
- Chop fruit into small enough bits so they will fit into the mold.
- Add the fruit into the mold.
- Put the loaded molds into freezer and freeze for several hours or overnight.
- Remove from molds before serving.
Bichon Freezay
Ingredients:
- low-sodium/low-fat chicken stock
- dog-friendly vegetables (peas, carrots, corn or whatever vegetable your dog likes*)
Directions:
- Pour chicken stock into mold, making sure to leave some room at the top.
- Chop the vegetables into small enough pieces so they will fit into the mold.
- Add the chopped vegetables in to the mold.
- Put the loaded molds into the freezer and freeze for several hours or overnight.
- Remove from molds before serving.
If your pet is on a prescription diet, talk to your veterinarian — not Dr. Google — before adding these or any other treats to its daily food intake. You may also contact the food manufacturer (there will be a consumer telephone number on the label) and ask for ideas. One thing you can do with most of the canned products is form the food into a meatball shape and freeze it to offer as a frozen treat.
Remember, just like us, treats must be given in moderation and with full consideration to your pet’s daily calorie intake — portion size is important.
Chow & Happy Tails to you!
*For a list of dog-friendly fruits and vegetables please go to aspca.org.
