Late summer brings long afternoons, sunny patios, and – for our dogs – warmer walks that leave them ready to cool down. While we humans might reach for a cold drink, our pups can enjoy something just as refreshing with frozen treats that also provide enrichment. These chilly snacks can help keep your dog hydrated, mentally engaged, and comfortable when the temperatures climb.
Why Frozen Treats Are Perfect for Late Summer
Frozen treats do more than beat the heat. They can:
- Support hydration – a great option for dogs who need a little encouragement to drink more water.
- Provide mental stimulation – working to get to the treat can help relieve boredom and burn energy.
- Soothe teething or provide relief – for younger dogs or those who simply enjoy a cooling chew.
And when you combine functional, wholesome ingredients with these frozen ideas, you’re giving your dog both fun and nutritional benefits.
Easy Frozen Enrichment Ideas
1. Stuffed & Frozen Food Safe Toys
Fill a food-safe toy with a mix of your dog’s favourites. Try:
- Peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free) mixed with a few Apple Bites crumbs.
- Plain Greek yoghurt swirled with mashed blueberries.
- A spoonful of Gutsy Balance Bites broken into small pieces for a functional boost.
Freeze overnight, and you’ve got a long-lasting treat they’ll work on happily.
2. Sweet Potato Pup Pops
Blend cooked sweet potato with water or low-sodium broth until smooth, then pour into silicone moulds. Add a chunk of our Sweet Potato Chews in the middle before freezing for a chewy surprise. These pops are rich in beta-carotene and gentle on sensitive stomachs.
3. Collagen Ice Cubes
Mix water or goat’s milk with small bits of Chicken Collagen Jerky before freezing in an ice cube tray. These provide a fun crunch while delivering collagen to support joint health, skin, and coat.
4. Fruit & Veggie Ice Licks
In a shallow container, freeze layers of dog-safe fruit and vegetables (like blueberries, carrot slices, or apple chunks) in water or diluted broth. Let your dog lick and paw at the block – it’s cooling, interactive, and slow to melt.
5. Frozen Broth Bites with a Crunch
Pour low-sodium bone broth into an ice cube tray and drop in a small piece of Plaque Busters or Venison Jerky with Chia before freezing. Add one or two to your dog’s food bowl for a burst of savoury flavour, extra hydration, and a little crunch as it melts.
6. Watermelon Pup-Sicles
Blend seedless watermelon with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for a smooth, hydrating base, then pour into silicone moulds. Sprinkle in crushed Apple Bites before freezing for an extra crunch dogs love. These pup-sicles are packed with natural sweetness and moisture—perfect for hot summer days.
Tips for Safe Frozen Treat Fun
- Choose dog-safe ingredients – no grapes, onions, or anything with artificial sweeteners.
- Serve in moderation – frozen treats are still treats, so factor them into your dog’s daily calories.
- Supervise during chewing – especially with larger frozen items.
The Takeaway
Late summer is the perfect time to get creative with cool, functional treats that help your dog stay refreshed and entertained. Whether it’s a stuffed toy frozen with peanut butter and Apple Bites, a chewy surprise inside a Sweet Potato Pup Pop, or collagen-packed ice cubes, these ideas turn warm afternoons into moments of pure joy.
