The past few weeks, summer has hit hard. We already had a heat wave and it is only June. I wonder what the dog days of summer will have in store for us? For our furry friends, that extra layer of fur will have them finding shady places to lay and relax. I decided to whip my dog a couple of healthy and tasty treats. One will help keep him cool, while the other is a nice little chew for anytime.
Frozen Blueberry and Banana Treat
- 3/4 cup Blueberries
- 3/4 cup chicken stock (onion and garlic free) OR unsweetened Plain greek yogurt
- 1/2 banana, ripe
Add all the ingredients into a blender of food processor. Mix until thoroughly blended and then pour into molds. Allow 4-5 hours to freeze.
Most of the recipes I have seen for this use greek yogurt in place of the chicken stock. I do not give my dog a lot of dairy, therefore replaced the yogurt with the chicken stock. If you do this, make sure you do not use chicken stock that contains garlic or onions as these may be toxic to the dog. If you use yogurt, buy greek yogurt as it has lower levels of lactose which dogs may have trouble digesting just as some humans do.
I had one happy dog looking forward to his treat.
Treat your pup to some Sweet Potato Chews
All you need for this is sweet potatoes and an oven preheated to 250℉
Wash the sweet potatoes and peel them.
Cut the sweet potato in half lengthwise. Then cut into strips about 1/3″ wide.
Place a cookie rack on a cookie tray. Place the sweet potatoes on the cookie rack in a single layer. ( placing them on the cookie rack allows the heat to get on all sides of the sweet potatoes and eliminates the need for flipping).
Bake in oven at 250 ℉ for about 3 hours until they reach a chewy texture, or longer if you want them crispy
Store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Not a cook?
If you don’t want to spend time in the kitchen, you can pick up some all natural dog treats at Dog Daze Pet Shop at 309 South main St. North Syracuse.
So these treats sound tasty, but what makes them healthy?
Being a Registered Dietitian, I have always been interested in using healthy ingredients in my food. That carries on when I think about my dogs treats as well. So not only do these treats taste good, but they are healthy as well.
Chicken Broth- chicken broth contains collagen which is good for joint health. It can also relieve upset stomachs. However look for broths without garlic and onions which can be toxic to dogs
Blueberries- they contain antioxidants, fiber and vit C and K which supports the immune system
Bananas – High in potassium vitamins B6 and C, fiber and magnesium. Bananas can help settle a dog’s stomach. They do have a high sugar content therefore they should only be given as a treat occasionally.
Sweet potatoes- Filled with beta Carotene which is healthy for eyes, skin and coat. They also have vit C, Vit B6, potassium, calcium, iron and dietary fiber.
Greek Yogurt- is high in protein and calcium, but many dogs may be lactose intolerant which may cause some diarrhea. Use in small amounts to see how your dog tolerates it. Always use plain yogurt without any added sugar and no artificial sugar such as xylitol. This one can be toxic for dogs.
This post is part of circular blog with other Professional Pet Photographers. Our goal is to focus on a particular topic/assignment each week and put our own spin on it. There are photographers from all over the world participating. Follow the next link to view how the next amazing photographer tackles this weeks challenge. Follow each link at the end of each blog until you return to me. Then you have successfully completed our blog circle. Enjoy!
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Terri J Photography, Toronto’s pet photographer shares her frozen dog treat recipes. 
Come and find your Best Friend!
Second Chance has a unique program near Syracuse N.Y. where inmates train the rescued dogs. This program gives both the dogs and the inmates a second chance in life. Appointments currently required related to Covid-19 protocols.
Peach is waiting for her forever home.
Please contact Friends of Second Chance.
Friends of Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter
6660 E. Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
315-435-5584
http://jamesvillesecondchance.com
