5 Cool & Healthy Summer Treats for Pets

The summer is heating up and our dogs and cats need cool and healthy summer treats!

Hot summer temperatures take a toll on humans and pets alike, and if you live in a humid climate, the heat index is intensified. It is important to keep our dogs and cats comfortable in air-conditioned homes (fans are often not enough) and ensure they are also well-hydrated for their overall well-being. Summer treats can help keep pets cool!

The treats below are easy, healthy and will make your dog wag and you cat purr with happiness!

Bone Appetit!

Frozen Pet Treats

Who doesn’t love popsicles in the summer?! Your pets will love them just as much with this easy apple and chicken recipe!

Apple and Chicken Pup-sicles (Dogs & Cats)

Ingredients:

¾ cup low sodium or sodium-free chicken broth
½ cup water
1 large apple

Peel and chop a large apple into small pieces (remove all toxic apple seeds). Combine all ingredients and pour into small paper cups or your favorite silicone molds. You can also insert a dog jerky strip as the “stick.”

Freeze 4-6 hours until solid.

Note: You can add items like blueberries, other small pieces of fruit, mint or parsley for more flavors your dog will love!

Another easy frozen treat is from Hello Nature with just two simple ingredients, coconut oil and blueberries.

Note: Not all dogs or cats should eat coconut oil so check with your regular vet first!

Blueberry Coconut Oil Treats (Dogs & Cats)

Ingredients:

½ cup solid coconut oil
Blueberries

Place a blueberry or two in each mold.

In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil until melted.

Allow the liquid to cool off and pour into each mold over the blueberries.

Freeze for a few hours until the treats are solid. Store in the freezer.

(Frozen blueberries by themselves are also a nutritious and cooling treat for your dog!)

No-Bake Treats

Love gummy bears? Now your dog can enjoy his own frozen gummy paw from Puppy Dog Pro that even the kids can make! These treats will be a huge hit with both the canines and felines in your home!

Gummy Paw Treats (Dogs & Cats)

Ingredients:

1 cup low sodium or sodium-free chicken broth (or beef stock if you prefer)
2 packets (2 tablespoons) of unflavored gelatin

Note: Do not use flavored Jell-O!

In a small pot, bring the stock to a boil. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 3 minutes.

Whisk in gelatin until no clumps remain.

Let the liquid cool off for a few minutes and pour into paw molds or ice cube trays.

Refrigerate for several hours until set. They will be firm but jiggly just like Jell-O.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Or freeze them for a couple of months.

Dehydrated Pet Treats

No one wants to spend their time baking in the heat! Some of the easiest and healthiest treats for dogs and cats are dehydrated snacks.

The treat below has just one ingredient, is rich in Omega 3 oils, and high in protein. These treats are also low in fats and have no additives, fillers or artificial preservatives for your pet’s safety!

Salmon Jerky Treats (Dogs & Cats)

For easier slicing, freeze the salmon for approximately 30 minutes until firm. Slice the salmon into consistent 1/8” thick pieces and place in your dehydrator (and follow manufacturer’s directions).