Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, host gatherings, and indulge in refreshing treats. But what about our furry friends who are always by our side? This summer, you can ensure your dog doesn't miss out on the fun with these dog-friendly recipes. Designed with pet parents and dog lovers in mind, these recipes guarantee tail-wagging delight while keeping your pooch safe and healthy. From mocktails to frozen snacks, we've got you covered.Â
Happy hour with your pooch
Ever wanted to enjoy a refreshing drink with your four-legged companion? Now you can! Transform almost any drink into a dog-friendly mocktail by removing any alcohol or ingredients that don’t sit well in their tummy. The good news is that most summer drinks you enjoy are often made with fresh fruit and as long as ingredients like grapes or anything containing artificial sweeteners are avoided, your pooch can enjoy a range of different recipes with you.Â
Paw-garitaÂ
This twist on the classic margarita is sure to be a hit with your pooch. It’s easy to make and all you have to do is combine a handful of chopped berries, some Greek unsweetened yoghurt, and Furr Boost Chicken, Butternut Squash & Cranberry Drink for Dogs in a blender. Add ice and blend until smooth to make it nice and chilled on a hot summer day. For an extra touch, crush some dried dog treats and dip the rim of a plastic cup in peanut butter before coating it in the crushed treats. Â
Opt for a dog friendly peanut butter like Peamutt Butter for Dogs which you can be sure is free from any nasty additives not suitable for your pooch. Pedigree Biscrok Gravy Bones Biscuits are great for crushing up and will give an added meaty flavour that may not be on your drinks menu but your pooch will love. Top with fresh berries and enjoy this refreshing cocktail in the garden with your fur baby so they won’t be jealous of your artfully crafted summer drinks any more!Â
Strawberry dog-quiriÂ
For a fruity punch of flavour, try the strawberry dog-quiri. Simply blend Furr Boost Pork, Sweet Potato and Apple Dog with frozen strawberries and some unsweetened Greek yoghurt. Add crushed ice to make it even more refreshing and stave off the heat while you’re relaxing in the garden. It's a quick and easy way to treat your dog to a delicious drink. Top it all off with a few fresh strawberries and an Alexander Naturals Peanut Butter N Jelly Kefir for Dogs for an extra treat to keep with the strawberry theme. Â
Cooling Cucumber MojitoÂ
For daring pups who love trying new things, a pup friendly mojito is super simple and doesn't even require a blender if you want to avoid doing too much work. Slice about five or six pieces of cucumber and add them to the bottom of a plastic cup. Add a few mint leaves and crush to combine. You can add some sparkling water or bone broth if your pup isn't a fan of fizz. You can get handy frozen bone broth treats like Alexanders Naturals Beef Bone Broth Paws for Dogs that you just need to defrost and then add to their drink while it’s still nice and cold. This unique blend will keep your pooch cool and hydrated.Â
Other tasty summer snack ideas
Summer isn't just about drinks, there are plenty of other delicious snacks your four-legged friends can enjoy. Whether you want something with zero preparation time or if you want to get a bit more creative, you’re spoiled for choice. Â
Fresh frozen treatsÂ
Giving your pup non-toxic fruits and vegetables that they usually enjoy, but frozen, is an excellent way to help them cool off during hot weather. Strawberries and crunchy frozen carrots make particularly good snacks that are both refreshing and healthy. Simply wash and slice the strawberries or carrots and pop them into the freezer. The icy texture not only helps in cooling your canine companion down but also provides a fun and enriching experience that is going to take them longer than just giving them a raw carrot out of the drawer. These frozen treats are packed with vitamins and nutrients, making them a delicious and nutritious way to keep them happy and hydrated in the summer without adding too many extra calories. Â
Frozen lickimatÂ
Creating a frozen lickimat is a convenient way to provide your pooch with a long-lasting and enjoyable treat. Start by spreading a thin layer of your dog's favourite meat paste or wet food across the surface of a lickimat. Frozzy's Strawberry Frozen Yoghurt Dog Treat is another great spreadable option for lickimats. You can get creative and mix in a variety of pup-safe ingredients like yoghurt, mashed fruits, or vegetables. Once the mat is evenly coated, pop it into the freezer for a few hours until the mixture is solid. This treat not only helps cool your dog down on a hot day but also engages their mind and can help alleviate boredom if you’re having to postpone walks in hot weather. Â
KongsicleÂ
Stuffing a Kong with tasty ingredients and freezing it is a great way to keep your pooch busy in the summer. Begin by filling the Kong with a mixture of kibble, peanut butter, or plain yoghurt. Add small pieces of fruits or vegetables and doggy treats for an added bonus. Once stuffed, place the Kong in the freezer for several hours or overnight. The frozen Kong provides plenty of mental stimulation while helping to prevent overheating and will help keep your fur baby comfortable on a hot day.Â
Summertime is for everyone, including our beloved pets. By incorporating these recipes into your summer routine, you can ensure that your pup enjoys the season just as much as you do. Whether it's a refreshing mocktail or a tasty frozen snack, these recipes are designed to keep your dog happy, healthy, and cool. Visit us in store and online for everything you need get creative with your frozen treats and refreshments.Â