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
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
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
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
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
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.
Green Power Smoothie
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”
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
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