We all love our iced lattes, coffees, and teas during the hot summer months. But did you know that frozen treats are a great way to help keep your dog cool and occupied, too? Here are some of the coolest ideas and products we have for your pup.

Frozen Kongs

• Many people are familiar with peanut butter in a Kong, but there are so many more ideas! Try filling it with mashed potatoes and frozen peas, then freeze.
• Combine some plain yogurt, canned pumpkin, and cooked brown rice in a small baggie. Mix well inside the bag, then snip off a corner of the bag and squeeze it into the Kong toy, then freeze.
• Soak some of your dog’s regular food in water (or chicken broth) for a brief time before placing it inside a Kong, then freeze.
• Try a “Cheesy Elvis”: Combine a ripe banana, 3 spoonfuls of peanut butter, and a slice of cheese (melt slightly in microwave to make mixing easier). Mix until blended well, fill the Kong and freeze.
• Want something meatier for your carnivore? Try a doggy omelet: combine a scrambled egg, some beef, yogurt, melted cheese and mashed potatoes all together in a Kong and freeze.
• Mix tuna or your favorite freeze dried meat treat, like Stella and Chewey’s or Whole Life, with some yogurt and freeze in the Kong.
• For fillings that are very wet, use a chewy treat or food piece to fill the small hole in the end to make filling easier.
• Is your dog a big chewer? Fill the Kong completely to make getting the goodies out more difficult. You can also fill the Kong, then place it in a dish and cover with broth. Freeze the whole thing, then give the entire block to your dog so they have to work through the ice to get to the Kong!
• Also try running a rope through the Kong, fill and freeze, then hang from a branch in a shady spot for a fun doggy piñata.

Pupsicles
Try these fun and healthy do-it-yourself treats. Mix all the ingredients and freeze them in ice cubes for small dogs, Dixie cups for medium dogs, and large paper cups or popsicle trays for larger dogs. They can also be frozen in a Kong for big chewers.

Fresh and fruity Pupsicles:

• Two mashed bananas
• One cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• One cup organic apple juice or sugar free applesauce
• Two cups yogurt (plain or vanilla)

Frozen peanut butter yogurt treats:

• 32oz. container of vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup of peanut butter

Pumpkin Pupsicles:

• 32oz. vanilla yogurt
• 1 Large can pure mashed pumpkin (TIP – Remember to use pure pumpkin and NOT the spiced pie filling!)

Frozen Bones
Frozen bones, like those by Primal, are one of the most popular coolers for your dog, and the most natural. Available in a variety of sizes and types – such as bison, venison, and beef – these are a great way to keep your dog happy on the porch all day, and a great for their jaws and teeth. Frozen bones can be fed two ways:

• Allow your dog to chew on it for a couple of hours, then take it away, rinse it off, and refreeze it. You can repeat this three or four times.
• Give your dog the frozen bone all day long, taking it away at the end. If your dog manages to remove all the meat and marrow, you can allow them to chew on the bone for as long as it lasts (taking it away when it is too small). If there is still some meat or marrow left at the end, throw the bone away. As always, treat frozen bones as raw meat and be sure to sanitize your hands and their play area afterward.

You should also always monitor your pup’s play time, and, as these frozen treats can be messy. Feed them outside, on the porch, or some place that is easy to clean.

Bone Appétit!