Summer in the Trossachs means warm afternoons by the loch, muddy paws from an unexpected shower, and two dogs who think every kitchen noise means food is coming. I have made plenty of treats over the years, but I keep coming back to simple recipes with ingredients I can recognise. Homemade summer treats should be a small pleasure, not a replacement for a balanced diet.
I always keep portions sensible, especially with Skye now being twelve and less active than she once was. Treats are meant to be extras, and veterinary nutrition guidance commonly recommends keeping them to around 10% of daily calories.
Frozen Yogurt Paw Pops
These little paw-shaped frozen treats are a favourite in our house because they are easy to prepare before a warm walk. I use plain unsweetened yogurt only if my dog tolerates it, and I check labels carefully because xylitol-free ingredients matter when choosing any human food for dogs.
- Blend. Mix plain yogurt with a small amount of banana or pumpkin.
- Freeze. Spoon into silicone moulds and freeze until firm.
- Serve. Let the treat soften slightly before offering it.
Check the label first
I avoid flavoured yogurts and anything containing artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs.
Watermelon and Mint Dog Treat Bites
When the weather warms up, I like recipes with plenty of moisture, and watermelon bites are wonderfully refreshing. I remove seeds and rind before blending because simple preparation is usually the safest approach.
I blend seedless watermelon with a few mint leaves, pour it into small trays and freeze. These are best treated as a little summer extra rather than a daily snack bowl.
- Use seedless watermelon only
- Remove the rind completely
- Make small portions for easier feeding
Peanut Butter Banana Frozen Treats
This is one of those recipes that smells good enough to tempt Rab into the kitchen. I use banana with a small amount of plain peanut butter, but I only choose xylitol-free peanut butter after checking the jar carefully.
- Ingredients: Banana, plain peanut butter and water or plain yogurt.
- Method: Mash, mix, portion and freeze.
- Storage: Keep frozen and remove only what you need.
Blueberry Coconut Ice Cubes for Dogs
Blueberries make cheerful little frozen bites, especially on days when Skye would rather lie in the shade than chase a ball. I keep these tiny frozen cubes because large hard pieces are not suitable for every dog.
Mix blueberries with a little unsweetened coconut milk or water, then freeze in an ice cube tray. Dogs with medical conditions or special diets should have new treats checked with their own vet.
Why I like them
- Quick to prepare
- Easy to portion
Things to remember
- Not every dog suits dairy or richer ingredients
- They still count as treats
Chicken and Vegetable Summer Treats
Not every dog wants sweet treats. Tam would happily choose chicken over fruit every time, so these savoury bites are a useful option. I use plain cooked chicken with vegetables and avoid seasoning because onion and garlic risks are not worth taking.
I freeze small portions or keep baked pieces chilled for a short period. Homemade snacks do not contain preservatives, so I am careful about storage.
My kitchen rule
If an ingredient would not be safe for a dog, it never goes into the mixing bowl.
Apple Carrot Crunchy Dog Biscuits
I made biscuits regularly during my home boarding years because crunchy treats travelled well. Apple and carrot work nicely together, but I always remove apple seeds and core before preparing crunchy dog biscuits.
These are handy for keeping in a sealed container, although I make smaller batches now that I only have my own two dogs to spoil.
Salmon Sweet Potato Training Treats
Although I do not write training advice, small treats are often used as rewards, and these salmon sweet potato bites can suit dogs who prefer savoury flavours. I keep the pieces small and think of them as occasional treats, not part of the main diet.
I cook salmon plainly, remove bones, combine with sweet potato and bake small pieces until firm.
10%
A commonly recommended upper guide for calories from treats
Cooling Cucumber Dog Snack Cups
Cucumber is one of my favourite warm-weather additions because it feels light and fresh. I make little cups with chopped cucumber and a dog-friendly base, keeping summer snacks simple for easier digestion.
I introduce any new ingredient gradually. A sore tummy is no fun for a dog, and nobody enjoys a midnight clean-up after an enthusiastic snack experiment.
Pumpkin and Oat Summer Cookies
Pumpkin and oat cookies are a year-round favourite here, but I particularly like them in summer because they store well. I use plain pumpkin rather than sweetened pie filling and make small baked cookies that are easy to break apart.
- Combine. Mix plain pumpkin with oats and suitable ingredients.
- Shape. Make small biscuits sized for your dog.
- Cool. Store only after they are completely cooled.
Frozen Berry Smoothie Dog Treats
Frozen smoothies are brilliant when the garden is warm and the dogs have spent the morning outside. I blend dog-friendly fruit with a suitable base and freeze portions as lickable summer treats.
I avoid adding sugar, syrups or anything designed for humans. Dogs do not need our desserts; they need sensible little extras.
Turkey and Rice Mini Treats
These are a good choice when I want something savoury and gentle. I use plain cooked turkey and rice without gravy, seasoning or stock cubes, because plain ingredients matter more than fancy recipes.
I make these in tiny portions and freeze extras. It saves waste and means I always have a little something ready after a warm countryside walk.
Coconut Water Hydration Treats
Coconut water treats sound wonderfully summery, but I still keep them occasional and simple. I use only suitable products without added sweeteners and remember that fresh water remains the most important summer hydration choice for dogs.
For Skye, the biggest improvement in hot weather has always been sensible routines: shade, rest, water and shorter walks. Frozen treats are just the enjoyable little bonus.
A final kitchen reminder
Never use chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic or xylitol-containing products in homemade dog treats.
