DIY Summer Dog Treats

When the Pensacola heat sets in, both you and your pup start looking for ways to cool down. The good news is you can whip up simple, dog-safe frozen snacks right in your own kitchen.

Below are five easy DIY summer treats your dog will love, followed by essential warm-weather safety tips to keep your best friend comfortable all season long.

Why Skip the Store-Bought Ice Cream

It's tempting to scoop human ice cream into your dog's bowl, but resist the urge. Ice cream made for people often contains added sugar and ingredients that can make dogs sick. Many dogs are also lactose intolerant, so dairy needs to be offered carefully, if at all.

The treats below give your dog all the fun of a cold snack without the risk. When in doubt about a new food, check the ASPCA's list of people foods to avoid feeding pets.

5 DIY Summer Treats for Dogs

1. Homemade Doggy Ice Cream

Purina makes a supermarket product called Frosty Paws, available in original and peanut butter flavors, that dogs love. Prefer to make your own? Combine a cup and a half of chopped strawberries with two mashed bananas, then melt about half a cup of coconut oil and blend it all together.

The mixture should have the texture of ice cream; thin it with a little water if needed. Pour into paper cups, cover with plastic film, and stand a dog biscuit on end in each one to create a fun "pupsicle."

2. Peanut Butter Fruit Bites

Dogs adore peanut butter, and these frozen bites are a breeze. Blend strawberries and blueberries together, drop a teaspoon of peanut butter into each well of an ice-cube tray, then fill with the blended fruit. Freeze until solid and store in plastic bags for grab-and-go snacking.

3. A Spoonful of Greek Yogurt

If your dog tolerates dairy, a small serving of Greek yogurt makes a refreshing treat. Keep portions modest, though, because dairy can cause loose stools. A little goes a long way.

4. A Puppuccino Pit Stop

Starbucks has a secret menu item for our furry friends. Next time you grab your favorite drink, ask for a Puppuccino and the barista will serve up a small cup of whipped cream. Like the yogurt, this one is only for dogs who handle dairy well.

5. Frozen Bone Broth Cubes

This one couldn't be simpler. Pour low-sodium chicken or beef bone broth into an ice-cube tray and freeze. The result is a savory, hydrating treat your dog can enjoy on the hottest afternoons.

Summer Safety Tips for Your Dog

Cool treats are only part of keeping your pup safe when temperatures climb. Keep these guidelines in mind all summer.

Walk during cooler hours. Schedule daily walks for early morning and late evening to avoid the midday heat.
Never leave your dog in a parked car. Even on a mild 75-degree day, a car can reach 100 degrees in just 10 minutes, leading to heatstroke, brain damage, or death.
Offer fresh, cool water often. Keep the bowl full, and if you're outside in the heat, offer water every fifteen minutes.
Protect those paws. If the pavement feels too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for your dog. Use protective booties or carry your pup across hot spots.

For more guidance on spotting and preventing overheating, review the AVMA's warm-weather pet safety recommendations. Small dogs like Pomeranians and thick-coated breeds such as Siberian Huskies may need extra attention during Florida's hottest months.

Find Your Own Summer Sidekick

Whether you're dreaming of a playful Labrador Retriever or a cuddly French Bulldog, there's a perfect pup waiting to share these frozen treats with you. Come meet our available puppies at Petland Pensacola, and be sure to ask about our flexible financing and payment options to bring your new best friend home.