Best frozen treats for large breeds

When it comes to keeping your large breed dog cool and satisfied during hot weather, frozen treats are an excellent option. Not only do they provide hydration, but they also offer a tasty snack that can help keep your dog entertained. Large breed dogs often require special consideration in terms of portion size and ingredients to ensure they stay healthy while enjoying their frozen treats. Here are some of the best frozen treat ideas for large breed dogs.

1. Peanut Butter and Banana Ice Cubes

Peanut butter and banana are both dog-friendly and full of nutrients that dogs love. Combining these two ingredients into a frozen treat offers a delicious, easy-to-make snack that can help cool your large breed dog down.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana

• ½ cup of unsweetened peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)

• Water or low-sodium chicken broth

Directions:

1. Mash the banana and mix it with peanut butter.

2. Add water or chicken broth to thin the mixture to a liquid consistency.

3. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze for a few hours.

4. Serve as a refreshing, cool snack.

Why it’s great: The banana offers potassium and fiber, while peanut butter is packed with healthy fats and protein. These are important nutrients for active dogs. The cubes are easy to portion out, and the combination is rich in flavor.

2. Yogurt and Berry Popsicles

Yogurt is another dog-friendly ingredient, providing calcium and probiotics to aid digestion. Pairing yogurt with berries, like strawberries or blueberries, adds antioxidants and vitamins that benefit your dog’s health.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Directions:

1. Blend the yogurt and berries together in a blender.

2. Pour the mixture into a popsicle mold or an ice cube tray.

3. Freeze until solid, usually about 4 hours.

4. Serve a popsicle as a treat when needed.

Why it’s great: The yogurt gives your dog a good dose of probiotics and calcium, while the berries provide antioxidants, which help to fight off inflammation. For large breeds, this treat can be a cooling snack that’s healthy and rich in nutrients.

3. Carrot and Apple Ice Blocks

Carrots and apples are natural, low-calorie snacks that provide your large dog with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Frozen into blocks, these fruits become a great way to keep your dog entertained.

Ingredients:

• 1 carrot, finely chopped

• 1 apple, cored and chopped

• Water or low-sodium beef/chicken broth

Directions:

1. Chop the carrot and apple into small, bite-sized pieces.

2. Add the chopped fruit and vegetables to an ice cube tray or silicone mold.

3. Pour water or broth over the ingredients and freeze until solid.

4. Serve the blocks as a cool snack.

Why it’s great: This treat is full of crunch and fiber, which helps keep your dog’s digestive system healthy. Carrots are excellent for teeth cleaning, while apples provide vitamin C and fiber.

4. Watermelon and Coconut Milk Ice Cubes

Watermelon is hydrating and low in calories, making it a fantastic snack for your large breed dog. Pairing watermelon with coconut milk creates a creamy treat your dog will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup watermelon (without seeds)

• ¼ cup coconut milk (ensure it’s unsweetened and xylitol-free)

Directions:

1. Blend the watermelon until smooth.

2. Mix the coconut milk into the watermelon puree.

3. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.

4. Serve as a refreshing treat.

Why it’s great: Watermelon is full of water, helping to hydrate your dog in the summer heat. Coconut milk provides healthy fats, and when frozen, it creates a satisfying texture that keeps your dog busy.

5. Chicken Broth and Veggie Popsicles

A savory frozen treat is a great alternative to sweet options, especially for dogs that might prefer something more meaty. Chicken broth combined with dog-safe vegetables makes for a nutritious and hydrating snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (ensure it’s free of onions and garlic)

• ½ cup carrots, chopped

• ½ cup green beans, chopped

Directions:

1. Chop the carrots and green beans into small pieces.

2. Pour the chicken broth into a popsicle mold or ice cube tray.

3. Add the chopped vegetables to the broth.

4. Freeze until solid, about 4 hours.

5. Serve a popsicle as a savory treat.

Why it’s great: This recipe uses low-sodium chicken broth, which is hydrating for your dog. The vegetables provide additional nutrients, making this a healthy snack that will keep your dog cool and nourished.

6. Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Frozen Bites

Pumpkin is a great ingredient for dogs, as it’s full of fiber and aids in digestion. Combined with sweet potatoes, which are rich in vitamins A and C, these frozen bites are both nutritious and tasty.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked pumpkin (unsweetened)

• 1 small sweet potato, cooked and mashed

• ½ cup plain yogurt

Directions:

1. Mix the pumpkin, mashed sweet potato, and yogurt together.

2. Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.

3. Freeze until solid, usually 3-4 hours.

4. Serve as a cold, nutritious treat.

Why it’s great: Pumpkin and sweet potatoes are excellent for your dog’s digestive health, while the yogurt adds a creamy texture. This treat is also very easy to prepare and can be stored in the freezer for weeks.

7. Frozen Tuna and Broth Cubes

For dogs who enjoy fish flavors, tuna is a protein-rich treat that can easily be made into a frozen snack. Combining tuna with some low-sodium broth makes for a savory frozen treat that many dogs will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna in water, drained

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or fish broth (ensure it’s free from onions or garlic)

• 1 tablespoon parsley (optional, for fresh breath)

Directions:

1. Blend the tuna, broth, and parsley together.

2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or molds.

3. Freeze for several hours.

4. Serve the frozen cubes as a savory and refreshing treat.

Why it’s great: Tuna is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for your dog’s skin and coat health. The broth adds flavor and hydration, making this a perfect summertime snack.

Conclusion

Frozen treats are an excellent way to keep your large breed dog cool and content, especially during warm weather. These treats are not only delicious but also provide health benefits like improved digestion, hydration, and healthy skin and coat. Make sure to choose ingredients that are dog-safe and free of any harmful additives like xylitol or artificial sweeteners. With these frozen options, you can keep your furry friend both happy and healthy all summer long.