After some hot fun in the summertime, your dog deserves a treat. There’s just one problem: Nobody wants to use the oven on a hot summer’s day. But don’t worry, your intrepid Rover taste testers are here to help.
This roundup of DIY recipes for your summertime dog use healthy, dog-safe ingredients you already have on hand, and best of all, no baking required.
Whether it’s a frozen pupsicle, a no-bake biscuit, or a green smoothie you can share alongside your best friend, these delicious DIY dog treats will have your summer dog begging, “More, please!”
Peanut Butter FroYo Treats
SOURCE: THE HAPPINESS IN HEALTH
These froyo treats with a biscuit “stick” were made by a registered dietitian, and they look delicious enough for human consumption (though we recommend leaving the dog biscuits to the dogs).
Perfect Summer Dog Treats
SOURCE: LALA.COM
This recipe from The Lala calls itself “perfect,” and we have to agree. Freezing the treats in an ice cube tray is the perfect way to make bite-sized pupsicles the whole canine family will enjoy.
Frozen Yogurt for Dogs
SOURCE: BROWN EYED BAKER
This recipe from Brown Eyed Baker is almost too easy: some plain yogurt, some melted peanut butter, and a quick freeze is all you need to create delicious, wholesome froyo for your dog.
In fact, it seems like a great base to experiment with other dog-friendly ingredients. Blueberry banana? Peanut butter and pumpkin? Get creative and discover your dog’s favorite combo!
No-Bake Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Balls
SOURCE: DAMNDELICIOUS.NET
If your dog isn’t one for frozen treats, try this recipe for no-bake pumpkin and peanut butter balls from the Damn Delicious food blog. Four ingredients + 15 minutes = one happy dog.
Grain-Free Frozen Bites
SOURCE: OFFBEATHOME.COM
This frozen dog treat recipe from OffBeatHome.com is a great way to maximize leftover meat and make an easy, protein-packed snack for your four-legged friend.
Frozen Coconut Mango Pineaple Treat
SOURCE: DOGGY DESSERT CHEF
With coconut oil as a delicious (and shiny-coat-making) base, these frozen treats from The Doggy Dessert Chef offer your dog a tropical flair.
Green Power Smoothie
SOURCE: YANKEE KITCHEN NINJA
Here’s a healthy and delicious treat you can sip alongside your best friend: a green power smoothie chock-full of natural, healthy ingredients. Serve it up in a bowl for maximum slurp, or freeze it in molds for a chewable treat.
Squash & Sardine Dairy-Free “Ice Cream”
SOURCE: KOL’S NOTES
If you’re worried that some of these summer dog treats might be a little too appetizing to humans in the house, this one’s for you: a fishy, squashy combo that only a dog could love.
Many ice cream recipes call for yogurt, but if your four-legged friend has a sensitive stomach, you may want to stick to more basic proteins. This Kolchak the Puggle-approved recipe for squash and sardine ice cream uses coconut milk and a little bit of gelatin to bind sardines and squash. Finally, a doggy frozen treat that only the dog will want to eat!
No-Bake Little Dog Birthday Cake
SOURCE: BAKING IN PINK
If your dog has a summer birthday, celebrate in style with this easy, no-bake “cake” made with ingredients you probably already have in the house (including your dog’s own kibble). For a special twist, you can “frost” the cake in cream cheese, and don’t forget to sing!
These nine summertime dog treat recipes are a great start, but don’t be afraid to get creative. As long as you stick to dog-friendly ingredients, you can experiment with all sorts of cool summer snacks for your best friend.
Do you have a favorite DIY dog treat recipe? Share it in the comments below, and have a great summer!
Top image via imgur/saures
