PUPsicles: The Perfect Summer Treat
As the hot summer weather hits hard in Georgia, nothing feels better than enjoying a cold popsicle! But, have you ever considered making PUPsicles, a dog-friendly treat to share with the four legged members of your family? With these versatile, it is easier than ever to keep your pups cool and refreshed.
All you need are food safe popsicle or ice cube molds, you can find cute shapes from places like Amazon, Etsy, or your local craft store, but they don’t have to be anything fancy! I used THIS mini popsicle shaped silicone mold from Hobby Lobby. I do not recommend using a stick in them due to the possibility of being a choking hazard, just pop them out and hand it to your pup like a treat. From there, if it freezes and is safe for your furry friend… it can be PUPsicled! Here are a few popular combinations:
- Mashed bananas + peanut butter
- Mashed watermelon + fruit or yogurt
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt + berries of your choice
- Canned pumpkin puree + apple chunks
- Bone broth (make sure it is low sodium / no salt added) + finely chopped chicken meat
You can also use add ins like honey or carrots, or water to thin the mixture so it is easier to work with. For my first batch, I mixed pumpkin puree with finely chopped peach pieces, and a bit of honey. My three Australian Shepherds absolutely loved them, so much that I made more with yogurt and mixed berries. Mix, place in your molds, and freeze for 3 to 4 hours until solid. As always, double check that your ingredients are dog safe, and especially avoid artificial sweeteners (particularly xylitol) in things like yogurt and peanut butter. If you are unsure, ask your vet.
Get creative, and have a sweet treat with your beloved furry friends!