While in the dog days of summer, it’s important to consider the comfort of our beloved furry friends. My St. Bernard did a great job at reminding me of this fact. Wanting to give my spoiled boy anything that made him happy, I decided to try ready-made puppy ice cream that I found at the grocery store. But between the hefty price tag and knowing it wasn’t the most healthful option to cool him down, it wasn’t a sustainable option for my household. I knew I could make frozen dog treats that were just as refreshing, and which also contained ingredients that would support my dog’s overall wellbeing.

What I love about these recipes is that you can use them to hide herbs and other ingredients that your dog may not otherwise be willing to take. I enjoy these two recipes as a base, and then I add or replace ingredients according to what the lucky dog(s) may be needing. I often refer to Herbal Dog Care by Randy Kidd to research dog-safe ingredients.

Puppy Pops for Fresh Breath

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1 medium organic carrot
• 1/3 cup pure, filtered water
• 1/3 cup organic yogurt
• 1/4 tsp. organic peppermint leaf

Directions

1. Combine carrot and water in a blender or food processor and blend until mostly smooth.
2. Add yogurt and peppermint leaf and blend on lowest setting until thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
3. Pour into molds of your choice.

Banana-Basil “Pupsicles” with Watermelon

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pureed organic watermelon (deseeded)
• 2 organic bananas
• Pure, filtered water
• 1/4 tsp. organic basil leaf

Directions

1. Puree watermelon in a blender or food processor and set to side.
2. Blend banana with a splash of water
3. Pour banana in molds, filling halfway.
4. Add a sprinkle of basil leaf to each mold and stir.
5. Gently spoon watermelon on top to achieve two-tone affect.

Pro Tips

• Some dogs are pickier than others. If your canine companion is more of a puritan, you can try infusing herbs into a tea and then replace some or all of the water with tea.
• These can also be made into ice cubes for smaller dogs.
• Putting the banana on the bottom will prevent it from oxidizing and turning brown in the freezer.
• If you decide to choose tree sticks for your popsicle sticks, be sure that the species of tree is not toxic to dogs. If you do not wish to have your dogs chew on sticks, you can always make these into cubes for them.

*Due to regulatory restrictions, we are unable to recommend specific herbs or offer medical advice for animals.

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