While the humanization of pets in pet industry marketing and even lifestyle choices has really intensified over the years, dogs and cats certainly have distinct nutritional needs. But one thing we do have in common with our pets is the satisfaction we find in a frozen treat on a hot summer day! Whether it’s the cooling effect, mental enrichment, or just the mutual reward of treating your pet, here’s a few frozen treat ideas for those dog days of summer.
The Ice Cube Tray Classic
For any pet parent who’s dropped an ice cube on the kitchen floor and watched as chaos ensued, you know how much fun a simple ice cube can bring. Fortunately, an ice cube not only offers a sort of cat and mouse chasing game for your pet, but also a boost of cooling hydration on a hot day. To make the frozen offering even more of a treat for your four-legged companion, try these mouth watering ice cube tray recipes:
- Blended Fruit or Veggies – This can be done at home using a blender with nearly any fruit or vegetable, or even substitute with pureed baby food.
- PB and … – We all know peanut butter is a favorite of many pets, and the fiber, protein, and healthy fat it provides makes it a great nutritional treat when frozen. Try it with a bit of fruit for an added boost; banana, watermelon, and apple all work well!
- A “Brothcicle” – We know our feline companions are true carnivores and dogs love meat which makes this next option great! Try pouring chicken broth (or another meat broth if a chicken allergy exists) and freezing in an ice cube tray for a tasty option.
Frozen Carrots
Similar to the classic ice cube treats made in trays, another cooling treat for pets with a nutritional boost are frozen carrots! While all produce should be thoroughly cleaned first and raw carrots can present choking hazards when given unsupervised and in large sizes, these moisture rich root vegetables are packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamin A! Try smaller, frozen baby carrots or carrot strips as a gum-soothing summer treat for teething puppies or kittens.
Frozen Toys/Mats
Many pet parents navigating the chewing stage of a puppy or the oral explorations of a feline companion are familiar with the frustration of finding chewed items around the home. One way to capitalize on this behavior while cooling your pet in the summer is to stuff a chew toy (think Kongs) with a freezable, moisture-filled substance like pureed food or baby food. Side Note: As I learned with my pup, be sure the filling is frozen solid before bouncing the toy in the house!
For added mental stimulation, try filling and then freezing a lick mat. Some favorite fillings are plain Greek yogurt, meat broth, or purees to reward your pet. Lick mats provide not only cooling hydration and nutrition, but also mental enrichment as your pet navigates its maze-like design. Always be sure a pet doesn’t chew the actual mat to prevent choking.
Frozen Tubes
Depending on the region where you grew up, a certain popular summer treat may have been called a Freeze Pop, Ice Pop, or Icee, but regardless, I think we can all agree that they were a warm weather highlight! Fortunately for pet parents, the many different tube or pouch packaged wet recipes out there can be frozen to create a similar cooling treat for pets.
Staying Cool with Your Pet
A frozen treat is a great option to hydrate and reward your pet while providing a nutritional boost to your four-legged family on a hot day! If you’re looking to spoil your pet with some RAWZ recipes this summer, check out our wet recipe pouches for dogs and cats that make a great addition to any lick mat or can be frozen for a delicious and hydrating treat. Let’s make it a great summer with our pets!
And before you head out, be sure to explore our RAWZ Fund page to learn more about our mission to improve the lives of people and pets with 100% of our profits.
