Rising temperatures in the middle of summer can make everyone a little bit warm, including your four-legged friend. Keeping your dog cool in the summer can prove to be a challenge in itself, especially after periods of time doing activity outdoors.
One of our favorite ways to help our dogs cool down is to give them a frozen treat or two throughout the day. An easy thing to do in the summer is to cut up fruits and vegetables and keep them in an airtight container in your freezer. Give them to your dog as a fun treat plain, or put them in a Kong and freeze for a longer lasting treat. The best part, all of the fruits and vegetables below hold great nutritional value for canines too!
BANANAS
High in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber and copper, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for your dog. Peel them, cut them up and freeze them or put half a banana in a Kong for a quick and easy treat.
APPLES
Do you have a senior dog? Apples are a perfect snack for them as they are low in protein and fat and high in vitamins A and C. Cut them up and remove the seeds and core before freezing.
BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries are a dog super-food. Rich in antioxidants and full of fiber, these tiny fruits work great as a treat or snack.
WATERMELON
A great way to keep your dog hydrated on hot summer days is with watermelon. Make sure to remove the rind and seeds first though as they can cause intestinal blockage.
STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries are a common food that can even be bought already frozen. Full of fiber and vitamin C, this fruit might even help whiten your dog’s teeth as he or she eats them.
GREEN BEANS
All types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. Low in calories and high in fiber, these will be your dog’s new favorite treat.
CUCUMBERS
This summer food is great for both people and their dogs. Since they hold very small amounts of carbohydrates, fats or oils, they are especially good for overweight dogs.
CARROTS
Although freezing them might make them extra crunchy, carrots are a fantastic low-calorie snack. These orange veggies are high in fiber and vitamin A.
Although these snacks are great ways to keep your dog cool and healthy, keep in mind there are some fruits and vegetables that you should avoid feeding your dog including avocado, cherries, grapes (and raisins), tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms and onions. As always, make sure to supervise your dog when feeding them any treat.
*nutrition facts from the article were pulled from the American Kennel Club’s website. To learn more about what fruits and vegetables are safe to feed your dog, click here.
© Laura Hills 2019 www.thedogsspot.com
