Summer snacks for dogs

There’s nothing more refreshing than a cold treat when temperatures soar outside – and making homemade snacks for your dog is a great way to keep them cool.

From watermelon ice cream and breath-freshening dental snacks to no-bake summer treats, try one of these simple recipes for dog snacks – no cooking required.

This easy ice cream tastes great, and you only need two ingredients.

Ingredients

• 250g watermelon, peeled and cut into chunks
• 150g natural yoghurt

Method

Place the watermelon chunks and natural yoghurt in a food processor and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick you can add a small amount of water.

Pour into ice cube trays and place in the freezer until fully frozen for a cooling treat. You can also spread over a lick mat or spoon some of the mixture into your dog’s Kong.

These treats won’t replace regular tooth brushing sessions, but they will freshen your dog’s breath and help them cool down at the same time.

Ingredients

• 110g natural yoghurt
• 110ml water
• A handful of parsley and mint

Method

Place the natural yoghurt, water and herbs in a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour into an ice cube tray or silicone mould and then place in the freezer until fully frozen.

Not all dogs enjoy frozen treats, especially if they’re senior or have dental issues.

These no-bake peanut butter snacks for dogs are a great alternative – just make sure you use a xylitol-free peanut butter, since xylitol is extremely toxic for dogs.

Ingredients

• Two medium bananas
• 65g xylitol-free peanut butter
• 60ml milk
• 250g rolled oats

Method

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter and milk, stirring to combine, before adding 200g of the rolled oats.

Take tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls, then coat each ball in the remaining oats.

Place in the fridge for one hour. Store in an airtight container and use within five days.

If your pet is on a diet, these healthy snacks for dogs provide them with something tasty without adding too many calories.

Ingredients

• 100g carrots
• 100g apples
• Water

Method

Chop the apples and carrots into small pieces of around 1-2cm before placing them inside ice cube trays. Then, fill the trays with water and place in the freezer until fully frozen.

These healthy dog snacks containing blueberries and bananas are the perfect choice for pets on a grain-free diet.

Ingredients

• One medium banana
• 60g blueberries
• 120g natural yoghurt

Method

Place the banana and natural yoghurt in a food processor and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick you can add a small amount of water.

Pour into an ice cube tray, making sure to only fill each cube two-thirds of the way up. Add blueberries to each cube and place in the freezer until fully frozen.

These savoury ice cubes are a great way to help your dog stay hydrated on a hot day.

Ingredients

• 200ml low-salt beef or bone broth
• 50g frozen peas

Method

Sprinkle the frozen peas into an ice cube tray. Fill each cube with beef broth and place in the freezer until fully frozen.

These soft, no-bake bites are perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or dental issues.

Ingredients

• 150g shredded cooked chicken breast
• 80g grated carrot
• 30g coconut flour

Method

Mix the chicken, carrot, and coconut flour into a dough. Take a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into small balls before placing them in the fridge for one hour.

Store in an airtight container and use within three days.

While making treats for your dog can be a lot of fun, remember to be mindful of the following.

Avoid any ingredients your dog is allergic to and always consult your vet if you’re unsure. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also utilise our Pet Expert Chat feature to connect with vet professionals and ask any questions regarding your dog’s diet. Just log in to your My Petplan account and go to the MySupport area to get started.

Some common household ingredients, such as onions, chocolate, and raisins, are extremely toxic to dogs. If you’re using peanut butter, double-check it doesn’t contain xylitol, another toxic ingredient.

Always remember to account for any treats given to your dog in their daily calorie allowance so that they don’t become overweight.

Frozen treats can damage teeth so are best avoided if your dog has any dental issues. Letting frozen treats defrost for 15-20 minutes before feeding to your dog can help reduce the risk.