Beat the Heat: Summer Treats to Help Keep Pets Cool!

Summer heat can be tough on our pets, but the right foods and treats can help them stay cool. Providing these special snacks not only refreshes them but also ensures they remain hydrated and healthy. Here’s how you can make summer treats a delightful and cooling experience for your pets.

Homemade Frozen Treats

Making homemade frozen treats is a fun and easy way to help your pets stay cool during the summer. These treats can be tailored to your pet’s tastes, ensuring they get a nutritious and enjoyable snack.

Recipes for Easy Frozen Treats:

  1. Banana and Peanut Butter Pupsicles:
    • Ingredients:
      1. 1 ripe banana
      2. 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (make sure it contains no xylitol)
      3. 1 cup of plain yoghurt
    • Instructions:
      1. Mash the banana in a bowl.
      2. Mix in the peanut butter and yoghurt.
      3. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or popsicle molds.
      4. Freeze for a few hours until solid.
    • This treat is not just tasty but also provides a cooling sensation that pets love.
  2. Chicken Broth Ice Cubes:
    • Ingredients:
      1. Low-sodium chicken broth
    • Instructions:
      1. Pour the chicken broth into an ice cube tray.
      2. Freeze until solid.
    • These ice cubes can be a savoury treat that dogs will enjoy, keeping them refreshed and hydrated.
  3. Frozen Veggie Delight
    • Ingredients:
      1. 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
      2. 1/2 cup finely chopped green beans
      3. 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
    • Instructions:
      1. Mix: In a bowl, combine the chopped carrots, green beans, and broth.
      2. Fill Molds: Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
      3. Freeze: Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until fully frozen.
      4. Serve: Remove the treats from the molds and serve. Store any extras in the freezer.
  4. Watermelon Mint Coolers
    • Ingredients:
      1. 2 cups seedless watermelon, cut into small chunks
      2. A few fresh mint leaves (optional)
    • Instructions:
      1. Blend: Blend the watermelon chunks until smooth. You can add a few mint leaves if desired for a refreshing twist.
      2. Pour into Molds: Pour the blended watermelon into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
      3. Freeze: Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until completely frozen.
      4. Serve: Pop the treats out of the molds and serve to your pet. Store any extras in the freezer.
  5. Coconut Blueberry Pops
    • Ingredients:
      1. 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
      2. 1 cup coconut water (make sure it’s unsweetened and doesn’t contain additives)
    • Instructions:
      1. Blend: Blend the blueberries with the coconut water until smooth.
      2. Pour into Molds: Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
      3. Freeze: Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until completely frozen.
      4. Serve: Pop the treats out of the molds and serve to your pet. Store any extras in the freezer.

Incorporating Hydrating Foods

Certain foods are not only safe but highly beneficial for keeping pets cool and hydrated. Including these in your pet’s diet can make a big difference during the hot months.

Benefits of Hydrating Foods:

  • Cucumbers:
    • Cucumbers are high in water content, making them perfect for hydration.
    • They also contain vitamins B1, B7, C, and K, along with minerals like copper, magnesium, and potassium.
    • Serving Tip: Serve them raw as a crunchy snack.
  • Watermelon:
    • Watermelon is another hydrating fruit that pets love, being around 92% water.
    • Rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, it’s both refreshing and nutritious.
    • Serving Tip: Remove seeds and rind, cut into small cubes, and offer it as a chilled treat.

Safety Tips:

  1. Always ensure that fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed.
  2. Remove any seeds or pits that could pose a choking hazard.
  3. Introduce new foods gradually to watch for any adverse reactions.

Incorporating these hydrating foods and homemade treats into your pet’s diet will help them stay cool and happy all summer long. These refreshing options not only combat the heat but also add a burst of flavour and nutrition to their regular diet.