That being said, when it's hot outside you long for a cold treat. Well so does your dog! Unfortunately the ice cream treats sold for dogs in the grocery store can get expensive. Here's a more economical, not to mention healthier frozen treat to help even the most panting pooch enjoy the dog days of summer.
The treat is ice, but not just a run of the mill ice cube. This ice is flavored with things like chicken stock and apple slices, and might just have a surprise inside that will keep your dog amused the whole hot summer afternoon. The most difficult part of this for us, besides waiting for the water to freeze, was figuring out how to float ingredients in the water. Fortunately we found an easy method that we are sharing with you here.
How to Fill a Large Container in 3 Easy Steps
Some of the ingredients float. Some of them sink. If you are wondering how to fill a large container so the ingredients are spread out, here is the method I use.
1. Fill container 1/3 filled with water and ingredients that float and freeze.
2. Add ingredients that both sink and float. Fill 1/3 of the way with water and freeze again.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients and fill with water, leaving room at the top for the water to expand as it freezes into ice.
- Frozen Fruit Water - Use clean drinking water, apples, and bananas. Then fill container using the 3-step method.
- K9 Frozen Beef Stew - Beef broth, chunks of potato or sweet potato, green beans, and carrots. Then fill container using the 3-step method.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Blast - Freeze the bottom third of the container with plain water and freeze. Spread a generous portion of creamy peanut butter on the ice before filling the middle third with chicken broth and freezing again. Finally spread plain, cooked (non-instant) oatmeal on the frozen chicken broth before filling with clean water and freezing again.
Be sure to let things like broth and oatmeal cool enough so that they won't melt the frozen sections of your dog's new favorite summertime treat. You can also fill using broth or water and your dog's favorite pepperoni or bacon style treats. Just make sure you clear any homemade recipes with your vet before allowing your dog to enjoy them.
No Bones About It - Your Dog Will Love This!
We quickly learned that plastic food storage tubs are not ideal for freezer use. Over time they tend to crack and break apart. And they can leak BPAs into your dog's frozen water treats if the plastic is not graded for use with food products. A better option is silicone, like this particular item.
In addition to its trendy bone shape, the pan is as safe for freezer use as it is for oven use. And with the generous size, it is enough to keep your dog busy for hours, even on the hottest of summer days. Or you could make several and invite your dog's favorite neighborhood friends over to join in the summertime fun.
Click the picture of the pan above to go straight to Amazon. And as an added bonus, Prime members will receive complimentary 2-day shipping on this item. Don't make your dog wait any longer than necessary to indulge in this fun way to enjoy summer. Click on over to Amazon and order the pan, and you can have treats in time for the weekend!
