There’s nothing better than a nice chilly treat to cool down with during the hot summer months, especially if you have a furry coat! What many pet parents don’t know is that in addition to keeping them warm in the winter, our dog’s fur protects them from the heat in the summer. Dog fur acts as a thermal regulator, slowing down the rate at which our pups absorb heat.
Despite this, a cool snack will always be a welcomed treat during a hot day. We’ve put together a list of our favorite summertime snacks for dogs as well as some fun ways that you can serve them.
Best healthy treats for
dogs this summer
Fruits, vegetables, Freshpet Dog Joy and Dognation treats make for great healthy snacks for dogs during the summer months. Some of our top choices include:
- Carrots: This tasty veggie is a great source of fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, the crunchy texture can help keep your dog’s teeth clean.
- Green beans: Fresh green beans are rich in vitamin A, C, and K, as well as folic acid and fiber, which can help them feel full for longer. This makes them a great treat of choice if your dog is working towards reaching their ideal weight.
- Pumpkin:
Antioxidant-rich pumpkin does wonders for your dog’s immune system, thanks to
its high levels of vitamin A. It contains a blend of soluble and insoluble
fiber, which is why it’s often recommended for dogs who are experiencing some
digestive issues.
- Blueberries: This superfood
is high in antioxidants like vitamin C to support a healthy immune system.
They’re also a great source of fiber and phytochemicals, which are believed to
protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer.
- Peas: Green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden peas are all great sources of vitamins A, B, and K. They’re also chock full of minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. They shouldn’t be fed to dogs with kidney problems, however, as they contain purines that produce uric acid which can cause kidney stones and other problems if not fully filtered out.
- Watermelon: Watermelon may be 92% water, making them a refreshing treat, but they’re also rich in potassium, vitamin C, A, and B6. Just make sure to remove any seeds as well as the rind before you give it to your dog, as both can cause gastrointestinal distress or even blockage in the case of seeds.
- Freshpet Dog Joy and Dognation treats: Our two lines of healthy treats are made from ingredients sourced using the same rigorous process we have for all our food, then are cooked right here in the USA. Real meat is the number one ingredient and they contain no artificial flavors or by-products.
Fun ways to give your
dog healthy treats
If you want to maximize the enjoyment your pet gets out of these
treats, we’ve come up with a few fun things you can experiment with.
- Frozen Kong: Start by
lining the inside of the Kong with peanut butter or another pet-safe spreadable
treat. Next, add in a mixture of your pup’s favorite treats from the list
above. Finally, put the entire stuffed Kong in the freezer and leave it for a
few hours. If your dog is unfamiliar with Kongs, you could freeze just the
first layer and then stuff it with unfrozen treats to make it a bit easier for
them to get out.
- Homemade frozen dog treats: Using silicone trays that are BPA free, PVC free, phthalate and nitrosamine free, you can make delicious icy treats for your pup. Simply dice their favorite snacks, such as Freshpet Dog Joy and Dognation treats, into bite-sized morsels, sprinkle a selection of your pet’s favorite treats into the trays, pour water or broth over each mold, pop the molds into the freezer for about 3-4 hours or until they are completely frozen.
Please keep in mind if you decide to freeze your pup’s regular Freshpet recipes, you may see slight changes in color and texture when they thaw. However, this won’t change the nutritional value or taste of our meals.
We hope this gives you some inspiration into ways you can get
creative with the snacks you give your pup this summertime!
