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July 19, 2020

Treat Your Dog To Healthy Ice Cream

JUL

19

2020

Categories: Blogs, Recipes, Uncategorized

Treat Your Dog To Healthy Ice Cream

Summertime in Arizona can be a challenge for dog owners. The temperatures are high, and we’re all looking for creative ways to keep our dogs happy without exposing them to the dangers of heat. One of our favorite ways to keep our puppies cool and happy is by making puppy-safe “ice cream.”

Healthy summer treats shouldn’t just be for humans! However, before you share your popsicle with your puppy, consider the ingredients. There are many things in human ice-cream and other “treats” that can be dangerous for your dog to ingest.

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day today, and every day!

 

     

 

Going with these delightful DIY dog treats is not only safe, simple and easy… it is more affordable! Plus, you’ll rest assured knowing you’re providing your dog the most wholesome ingredients, free of any unhealthy fillers. Dogs, like humans, thrive on whole foods.

First, let’s make sure we all know what ingredients to avoid in any treats we give our good boys and girls.

Dangerous Ingredients

Chocolate

Most people know by now that chocolate is bad for puppies. The problem in chocolate is theobromine. It is present in all kinds of chocolate, including white chocolate. This can cause a dog to vomit and have diarrhea as well as cause heart problems, tremors, seizures, and even death.

Dairy

Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems in dogs. They can also trigger food allergies that can cause them to itch. Just like people, some puppies are not able to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.

Lactose intolerance ranges from mild to severe. If it applies to your dog, you probably know— the main symptoms are upset stomach, gas, and loose stool. Regardless, using dairy substitutes like coconut milk is a good idea for any dog.

Sugar

Too much sugar can be just as bad for dogs as people. It can cause them to be overweight and lead to problems with dental health. It can even lead to dog diabetes.

It is important to check what sweetener is present in dairy alternative products. Xylitol, a common sugar substitute, can cause life-threatening issues such as low blood sugar and liver injury in dogs. Fortunately, it is not as common—but you should always double check ingredients before sharing a treat with a puppy.

Macadamia Nuts

These nuts are extremely dangerous for dogs. As little as six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog sick. Symptoms include muscle shakes, vomiting, high temperature, and weakness in back legs. Read more on which nuts aren’t safe for dogs here.

There are several more food items you will always want to keep away from your dog, such as grapes, avocados, and more.

 

Dog Safe Ingredients

Bananas

Bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re rich with potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium but high in sugar content so should be given in moderation.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and dogs alike. They’re also packed with fiber and phytochemicals.

Mango

This sweet summer treat is packed with four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E. They also have potassium and both beta-carotene and alpha-carotene.

Just remember, as with most fruits, remove the hard pit first, as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can become a choking hazard.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and a great source of water and fiber.

Strawberries

Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth as he or she eats them.

Pumpkin

There are many benefits to this fiber-rich food that contains important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, E, and C, and potassium and iron. Pumpkin is often used to treat an upset stomach in dogs.

Remember: As with all treats, these sweet surprises should be given in moderation. Most fruit contains sugar, which can be bad for dogs in excess, especially those that are overweight or have diabetes.

 

     

The Treats

To make these DIY dog treats, all you need is a freezer, some silicone or plastic molds, and the ingredients. If you are a smoothie maker, you already have most of these items in your fridge! A blender is also helpful with the process. The following recipes will make enough to fill a medium bowl or two small freezing trays.

You know your dog best, so you know what kind of treats they will go crazy for. Does peanut butter make your Labrador go nuts? Or maybe pumpkin pleases your pampered Papillon puppy. Check out these recipes and customize them according to their refined palette.

 

     

1. Fruity Pupsicles

This sweet treat is perfect for the summer and easy to customize to you and your dogs preference. Seriously, you can add just about any dog safe fruit into the blender and it’s going to work fabulously. 

Tip: if you add honey as a sweetener to a few of the molds, you can set those aside for you to enjoy for yourself!

     

Ingredients

– 1/2 cup plain frozen blueberries
– 1/2 cup plain frozen strawberries
– 1 cup non-fat/dairy free yogurt (or coconut milk)
– 1 scoop Peanut butter (with no sugar or xylitol)
– ¼ cup Water

Steps

  1. Mix these ingredients in a bowl or food processor until you achieve a smooth texture.
  2. Carefully spoon it into your mold. (Or make a mess, we’re not watching)
  3. Freeze for about 4 hours or until it is solid.

 

2. Puppy Sherbet

This easy, delicious recipe will have you stealing from your dogs dish!

Ingredients

– 1.5 to 2 cups frozen ripe cantaloupe
– 1 cup frozen mangos
– 3 tbsp. non-fat/dairy free yogurt

 

   

Steps

  1. Mix the frozen chunks of fruit in a blender until combined.
  2. Add 3 tbsp. dairy free yogurt. Water can be added until it is desired texture.
  3. Freeze until firm or serve as is.

 

 

3. Pumpkin Pops

These healthy treats are always in season! Your puppies will love this treat and you will love the way it supports their digestive function.

Ingredients

– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 cup non-fat and dairy free yogurt (or coconut milk)
– Dash of cinnamon
– 1 tbsp. maple syrup

Steps

  1. Mix these ingredients in a bowl or food processor until you achieve a smooth texture.
  2. Carefully spoon it into your mold.
  3. Freeze for about 4 hours or until it is solid.
  4. Enjoy!

 

 

Give any of these easy recipes a try and watch your puppy light up with joy (and drool)!
Afterwards, don’t forget to treat yourself too. After all, you are a fabulous dog parent.

Tag us on Instagram and Facebook if you try one of the recipes!
Our puppies sure loved them.

 

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