Homemade dog treats using fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden or a farmer’s market are healthy snacks your pet will enjoy.
When slicing fresh vegetables for a salad, don’t forget your dog. Diced carrots, cucumber slices and green beans are healthy summer treats. Creating a fruit smoothie? Share some banana chunks, apples slices and blueberries with your dog too, or use these nutritious foods to create fun treats.
Need a few ideas for your summer gourmet creations? Here are a few simple recipes…
Summer Pupsicles
Using an ice cube tray, place selection of chopped veggies (and pieces of dry kibble if desired) in each section. Fill with chicken or beef broth (organic/low sodium is best). Freeze.
Banana Split
Mix small banana chunks with mashed potatoes and place in small wafer cone to create “ice cream cone.” Top with a dollop of peanut butter.
AmeriCONE
Mix blueberries and crumbled bacon with mashed potatoes and fill a small wafer cone. Top with a strawberry.
Doggie Chili
Dogs need large amounts of protein to keep them healthy and active. Your pup should get the majority of his protein from whole meat sources, such as fresh chicken. Beans also have a good amount of protein.
This recipe blends chicken, beans, and vegetables to create a healthy and tasty mix.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup of kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup of black beans, drained
- 1 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of tomato paste
- 4 cups of chicken broth
Directions
- Remove the excess fat and dice the chicken breasts into nickel-sized pieces.
- Cook the chicken breasts in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
- Add the chicken, beans, carrots, tomato paste, and chicken broth into a large pot and cook over medium heat until heated through – about 10 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool before serving.
- Store leftover chili in the fridge for up to five days.
Pro Tip: You can add a 1/2 tablespoon of fish oil to this recipe. The flavors are strong enough that even picky eaters won’t notice the added healthy ingredient.
Many of these homemade dog treats are very popular with canine lodgers at Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center in Doylestown, PA. If you are interested in learning more about how proper nutrition for your dog or cat can help with weight or disease management, please call Doylestown Veterinary Hospital at 215-345-6000. Dr. Laura Weis can also help you transition your pets from commercial diets to home-cooked meals.
