Goldens are all about people pleasing! They will do anything in their power to make their owner happy with them. Why not turn it around, and show your appreciation for your pup? Now that it’s summer, these are some excellent options after your retriever bestie comes back from his swim. These treats are often healthier than taking your dog out for soft serve, but if you opt for that, we get it, it’s hot!
Peanut Butter Fruity Toasts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of your pup’s favorite fruit (i.e. strawberries, blueberries, banana, apples, etc.)
- ¼ cup of water
- A few spoonfuls of peanut butter. Make sure that it is xylitol-free! (Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is sometimes found in peanut butter and is toxic to dogs.)
Method:
- Wash your fruit and remove seeds, cores, peels, etc. if necessary
- Add your fruit and water to a blender or food processor and blend until you get a smooth puree.
- Add peanut butter to ice cube tray. Each slot should get only a little, maybe 1/4 of the way filled.
- Pour the puree into ice cube trays over the peanut butter to fill.
- Place your ice cube tray in the freezer and leave it there until it is completely frozen
- Once completely frozen, feel free to serve to your pup! We hope he is very pleased with this recipe!
Frozen Coconut Drops (great for a nice, shiny, healthy coat!)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Organic Coconut Oil (this is SO good for dogs and they LOVE it)
Method:
- Melt coconut oil. This can be done by putting it in a bowl over boiling water, or by putting in the microwave (be careful not to overdo it if using a microwave!)
- Wait until the coconut softens and isn’t hot and shape into bite-sized balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate and put them in the freezer.
- When they are hardened they can be served. Feel free to store in the fridge or freezer, either works !
Copycat Frosty Paws
Ingredients:
- 16oz Plain Yogurt
- 1 Banana (ripe is best and easiest to work with)
- 1/3 cup of peanut butter (again, make sure your peanut butter does NOT contain xylitol)
Method:
- Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth
- Pour the mixture into containers. We use small paper cups, but you can use ice cube trays, condiment cups, anything really!
- Place in the freezer for at least a few hours
- Feed to your pup. We hope they love this one!
On the Lighter Side
Now if you’re looking for a lighter snack for your pup, frozen carrots and ice cubes seem to always work great. Some owners create enrichment and stimulation for their dogs by freezing a treat inside of ice. This makes it so the dog has to lick/chew until they can get to their treat. Gauge your dog’s personality and whether you think he has the patience for it before trying this one! Some dogs love it, but others are not very food driven and your efforts will be in vain.
