Cold Dog Treats for Hot Temperatures
Written by: Nomi Berger, content writer for our newsletter
Like us, pets need proper protection from the heat and adequate shade from the sun. This year, take shelter from the swelter and turn each day into a holiday. Spread a sheet on the grass, fill a small wading pool or set up an umbrella on the balcony. Then, invite your pets to feast on their own, specially prepared doggie desserts.
Recipe One: Jewel-Toned Jello
1 pkg. cherry jello
1 chopped apple, banana and pear
Mix jello as per instructions and stir in fruit. Pour into ice cube tray or small, individual moulds. Refrigerate until firm. Turn over onto plate and garnish with sliced strawberries.
Recipe Two: Peanut Pupsicles
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| Peanut butter treats. Photo credit: Jennifer Yu from userealbutter.com |
3 very ripe bananas
1 cup peanut butter
½ – ¾ cup wheat germ
½ cup unsalted peanuts finely chopped
Mix bananas and peanut butter. Add wheat germ to make dough. Form into one inch balls and roll in peanuts. Freeze on cookie sheets. Arrange on plate and garnish with frozen banana slices.
Recipe Three: Yummy Yogurt
½ cup blueberries
½ cup plain, low-fat yogurt
2 tsps. honey
Puree ingredients in blender or food processor. Pour into ice cube tray or small, individual moulds. Freeze at least 6 hours. Turn over onto plate and garnish with blueberries.
Recipe Four: Cool Cupcakes
4 cups rice milk
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. honey or peanut butter
Place paper cupcake liners in muffin tins. Stir ingredients and pour into cups. Set tiny dog biscuit into center of each cup and freeze. Peel back paper liner and arrange on plate. Garnish with more tiny dog biscuits.
Two words of caution:
(1) Ensure that your dogs aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients you’re using.
(2) Serve cold treats on a hot day in moderation. Too much cold in their systems can reduce their core temperature.