Summer Treats for Dogs
Summer snack and recipe ideas for your dog
The internet offers plenty of recipe suggestions for pets. You may be surprised to learn that summer refreshments can come in more than just fruity flavours. Vegetables, vegetarian food and organic meat are also all great options. Unleash your creativity or take a look at our recommendations for inspiration to get started.
You can find a list of healthy summer treats for cats here.
A selection of healthy fruit
Apple
Apples are rich in vitamin C, A, calcium and fiber, among other things. However, make sure to remove the seeds as they are dangerous for your dog in large quantities1.
Banana
Bananas are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin B6 and C. But don't give your dog too much, as bananas are relatively high in sugar and can lead to constipation2.
Watermelon
Makes the perfect summer refreshment! It is low in calories, rich in valuable nutrients and vitamins, it is also an excellent source of water3. Just make sure to remove the seeds and rind before giving this to your dog.
Strawberry
Rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber and antioxidants that can help strengthen your dog’s immune system4. For smaller dogs, cut the fruit into small pieces.
Blueberry
These offer several nutritional benefits due to their ‘phytochemicals’, which support the heart and can help prevent cancer, among other things5. They also contain important vitamins as well as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus6.
Peach
The fruit is rich in vitamins A, C, K, fiber and minerals such as iron and zinc7 and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects8. Careful: remove the pit before you give your four-legged friend this treat.
A selection of healthy vegetables
Important to note: Please make sure to not season these vegetables with spices as your dog may react sensitively to them.
Carrot
Apart from the important minerals and vitamins they have to offer, they are also a fantastic source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A9. Advantage of carrots: They contribute to quick feeling of satiety due to their high fiber content.
Maize
Boiled maize kernels can very well be part of a summer refreshment. They provide protein, carbohydrates and antioxidants for your dog. However, due to the high sugar content, the amount should be kept small10.
Green pea
They are rich in protein, various vitamins, minerals and fibre11.
Sweet potato
What makes them so special is their high content of vitamins A, B6 and C as well as fiber and minerals12.
Cucumber
Cucumbers make an ideal refreshing snack on hot summer days. Cucumbers contain lots of liquid, which ensures your dogs water intake. They are low in calories and therefore also suitable if your dog has a weight problem.
Cauliflower
A vegetable with few calories and plenty of fiber, which stimulates intestinal activity. It is therefore a suitable ingredient for a summer snack once it is either boiled or steamed. Don't offer your dog too much of it, it can give him flatulence13.
Summer cooling ideas
Fill a fillable toy with natural yogurt, dog liver sausage, wet food, salmon paste, fruit/vegetable smoothie or similar, freeze it and serve it cold to lick.
- Cut ready-made treats or dog sausage into small pieces, put everything in a food storage container filled with water and freeze. Try testing the treats in the water first, as some float on the surface and some sink - a mix would be best so that everything doesn't just freeze on top.
- There are ready-made rubber/silicone toys that you can purchase, fill with water and freeze. Your dog can play with and lick the chilled toys.
- Throw different treats that either sink or float into slightly cooler water. Your four-legged friend can fish them out and drink more, staying hydrated at the same time.
- Spread yogurt, liver sausage, or other tasty treats onto a licking mat or bowl and freeze them for your pup to enjoy.
- You can also put carrots, melon (and other suitable fruit or vegetables) or some chews in the freezer and then offer them either half-frozen or frozen to cool them down.
Doggy-friendly Fruity Frosty Treat
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 1 handful of strawberries, blueberries or raspberries
- 1/2 apple
- 1/2 banana
- Ice cube mold or popsicle mold
Preparation:
Mix the fruit with water, puree and divide the mixture between the molds or. A teaspoon of honey is also allowed, but sweetener and sugar are taboo if you are making your own dog ice cream. If your dog tolerates lactose, the ice cream can also be enriched with a little natural yogurt.
Source
4. Rowlands R. The 10 Best Summer Treats for Your Pup. Looking for healthy and refreshing summer treats for your pup? Check out these 10 safe and amazing seasonal snacks for dogs, including bananas and carrots. [accessed 2024 Apr 15]. https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/the-10-best-summer-treats-for-your-pup 5. Blueberries: Increase Antioxidant Activity in the Blood. American Institute for Cancer Research. [accessed 2024 Apr 15]. https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/food-facts/blueberries/
6. Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? [accessed 2024 Apr 15]. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-blueberries 7. 12 Surprising Health Benefits and Uses of Peaches: Nutrition Facts. MedicineNet. [accessed 2024 Apr 15]. https://www.medicinenet.com/12_surprising_health_benefits_and_uses_of_peaches/article.htm
8. Eat these fruits for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Harvard Health. 2023 Oct 20 [accessed 2024 Apr 15]. https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/eat-these-fruits-for-their-anti-inflammatory-benefits
9. Are Carrots Good For Dogs? A Veterinarian Explains | Kingsdale Animal Hospital. 2024 Apr 9 [accessed 2024 Apr 15]. https://www.kingsdale.com/are-carrots-good-for-dogs-a-veterinarian-explains
10. Is corn on the cob safe for dogs? [accessed 2024 Apr 15]. https://www.hawickvets.co.uk/news/246-is-corn-on-the-cob-safe-for-dogs
11. Can dogs eat apples, grapes, potatoes and other fruit and veg? Blue Cross. [accessed 2024 Apr 15]. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/can-dogs-eat-apples-grapes-potatoes-and-other-fruit-and-veg
12. Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes? A Vet Weighs In | BetterVet. [accessed 2024 Apr 15]. https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-nutrition/can-dogs-eat-sweet-potatoes 13. Safe and Unsafe Vegetables For Dogs & Cats | Preventive Vet. [accessed 2024 Apr 15]. https://www.preventivevet.com/pets/safe-vegetables-for-dogs-and-cats