The heat is strong during the summer months and our furry friends also deserve something delicious, fresh and different to cope with the high temperatures, don't you think? Keeping dogs well hydrated and cool when the thermometer goes up doesn't have to be boring or require you to spend hours and hours cooped up in the kitchen.
Here's a complete compilation of summer snack tips and ideas that you can whip up in four minutes. Level zero complications! Find out how to make your best friend happy while taking care of their health.
Can dogs eat ice cream and what ingredients are safe for them?
Dogs can eat ice cream as long as it is homemade with natural and suitable ingredients, using natural yogurt without sugar (and lactose) or homemade broths without salt, completely avoiding sugar, chocolate and xylitol.
When we think about cooling our dog, we are sometimes tempted to give him some of our own ice cream. This is a serious mistake, as human ice cream contains large amounts of sugar, dairy products that can cause diarrhea and intolerances, or even sweeteners such as xylitol, which is highly toxic to canines.
The good news is that making the "doggy" version is super easy, inexpensive, and very healthy. Homemade ice creams provide extra water ideal for hot days, help lower your body temperature after a walk (always at hours of less sun) and work as an excellent tool for mental stimulation.
How to prepare frozen dog snacks in a few minutes?
To prepare frozen dog snacks you only need suitable natural ingredients and an ice mold. The easiest options are plain yogurt with fruit, frozen unsalted chicken broth, and diced fruit.
If you're looking for quick and hassle-free ideas, take note of these options that will make your furry friend suck his whiskers:
Yogurt and fruit ice cream express
For those days when the thermometer does not give a break, this ice cream is a saint's hand. Just mix plain unsweetened yogurt with apple bites or fresh blueberries. Divide the mixture into small molds or plastic cups, leave it in the freezer for 4 hours and that's it! You will have a creamy, healthy and delicious treat.
Homemade broth poles
The lightest, most economical and hydrating snack of the season. When you prepare chicken at home, make chicken broth without salt or seasonings, freeze it in molds... and you will have the most refreshing snack of the summer! You can offer it in the garden or on the terrace and you will have it entertained and fresh for a good while.
Crunchy cubes of watermelon and apple
If you are looking for an idea that requires exactly one minute of preparation, direct fruit is your best ally. Cut some watermelon (make sure to remove all the seeds and skin) or apple into small cubes and put them in the freezer for a couple of hours. The frozen touch gives them a crunchy texture that fascinates them and provides them with a huge amount of water directly.
How to use canine toys to cool your dog at home?
Apart from classic ice creams, you can take advantage of indoor play moments to achieve a refreshing effect while helping them relax. As we often explain, at home it is better to bet on calming activities that do not overexcite you.
Grab their favorite washable or interactive rubber toy (such as Kong toys). Fill its interior with a little wet food or with its own daily food previously hydrated with water or a little homemade broth. Put the whole toy in the freezer a few hours before giving it to her.
By having to lick the contents little by little to get it out, we get three benefits in one: the dog concentrates, entertains himself calmly in the living room, is refreshed thanks to the cold and the licking action helps him to release endorphins and to be totally relaxed and rested.
What are the caloric and resting needs of a dog in summer?
In summer, dogs' behavior changes. It is normal for you to see them more apathetic, to look for the coolest tile floor in the house and to spend more hours sleeping. If you want to know more about their sleep routines, you can check out our article on how many hours a dog sleeps, where you will see that rest is vital for their physical and emotional balance.
In addition, due to the heat, many dogs reduce their physical activity and, therefore, their caloric expenditure. This makes it vitally important to take great care of the quantity and quality of treats we give them to avoid being overweight. The basic diet must always be natural and adapted.
If your dog has a tendency to suffer from delicate digestion, remember that in our Ownat range we have options formulated specifically for them, with high-quality ingredients and ideal for reducing adverse reactions to food. You can learn how to choose the best food according to its characteristics in our guide to dog food according to its size.
One last tip Ownat: remember that these frozen snacks are the ideal complement or reward for summer, but they should never replace your daily diet or your daily and necessary walks (always in the coolest hours). Enjoy the good weather together and get cool!
