After what has felt like endless rainy November invading our May, summer has shown up abruptly. And because “summer” is somehow synonymous with “treat” we thought we’d share our favourite pupsicle treats that so while you’re enjoying gelato or ice cream from our North End neighbours Humani-T or Dee Dee’s your dog can enjoy a cooling snack right along with you!
1) The Meatsicle
Stop into your favourite local pet shop (we recommend a visit to Jollytails if you live in our north end neighbourhood) or Getaway Farm in the Hydrostone for marrow or knuckle bones. Not only are frozen meatsicles a nutritious tasty treat but they’ll give your dog a good teeth cleaning at the same time.
2) Chicken Soup(sicle) For The (Canine) Sole(s)
Bone broth is perhaps the most nutritional bang for your buck when it comes to effort - especially for the joints of an active canine athlete - homemade frozen bone broth will take about 30 minutes of your time total, but spread out over a few hours - so a multi-tasker's dream. Dog’s Naturally has a great recipe to follow.The only tweak we make is store portions in freezer friendly containers and let them set in the freezer over night. On the next hot day, pop out a soupsicle to be enjoyed frozen. If you don’t have the time/ability/desire to make your own, read the labels on premade broth from the store - most are loaded with fillers that your dog doesn’t need.
3) Ice Ice Baby
It’s a simple pleasure for your dog, ice cubes straight from the tray are a happy snack that our staff dog love to play with (they will slide across your patio or deck). We like to turbo charge our ice cubes by adding the water from a can of tuna along with a splash of Ascenta Canine Omega-3. Freeze the water mix in your ice cube trays and to create a canine kinder surprise, add a piece of dehydrated liver or your dog’s favourite training treat. If your dog doesn’t self hydrate well, a bowl of tasty ice on a hot day can help make sure your dog gets the water intake they need!
Does your dog have a favourite warm weather treat? We’d love to hear it! Tweet at us or leave a comment on our facebook page.