Do you enjoy having a cold snack on a sweltering day? We’re guessing that for most of you, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. Our canine pals also enjoy frozen treats. Want to get Fido’s tail going? Offer him some doggy ice cream! A local Aurora CO vet offers some advice on this below.
Base
You can find ice cream for Fido in many stores. (Fun fact: Ben and Jerry’s makes a Doggie Desserts line just for Man’s Best Friend.) You can also take a shot at making your own. You’ll need to start with a base. Some good options are natural peanut butter, fat-free yogurt, ripe bananas, pureed pumpkin, sodium-free broth, and canned dog food. You can also add plain, boneless minced or pureed meat. Baby food is another option. Just make sure it doesn’t contain anything that is unsafe for your furry pal.
Toppings
You definitely don’t want to add the usual toppings, such as candy, chocolate chips, or nuts. These things are neither safe nor suitable for Fido. However, you can customize your furry friend’s treats by adding bacon bits, pieces of kibble, shredded meat or cheese, or crushed-up treats. You can also add some pet-safe fruits and veggies, such as peas, carrots, green beans, blueberries, strawberries, and melon.
Other Options
Another thing you can try is making an ice lick. You can order freezable molds for this, but a shallow bowl will also work. All you need to do is freeze suitable treats or goodies in water or sodium-free broth. You can also put meat or kibble in ice cube trays, pour sodium-free broth over them, and freeze. Or, make your pooch his own doggy slushie by mixing cooked, shredded meat with water and plain fat-free yogurt in a blender. For a simpler option, try freezing natural peanut butter in a Kong toy.
Tips
You can also make your own recipes by mixing and matching various safe ingredients. Just stick to safe ingredients. Many popular foods are toxic to dogs! These include garlic and onion, grapes and raisins, chocolate, meat on the bone, raw yeast, avocado, caffeine, and anything with xylitol or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Ask your vet for more information.
As your local Aurora CO veterinary clinic, we are happy to offer tips on your canine buddy’s diet and nutrition. Call us anytime!
