Great Summer Snacks For Dogs

During the hot months we as humans crave cooler foods such as frozen treats so it seems like a good idea to give them to our pups too.  Here are some great low calorie ideas to have fun with during the hot months. 

• Freeze watermelon for a delicious snack for Fido
• Freeze low sodium chicken or beef broth in ice cube trays
• Yogurt, peanut butter and banana blended and frozen in cups or ice cube trays
• Frozen strawberries dipped in yogurt
• Ice cubes - some dogs love playing with these and some have no interest 
• Celery sticks/carrots - I don't freeze these but my dogs love to chew on them

Tuna Pops

Ingredients:

• 1 - 5 oz. can of tuna in water
• 2 cups of plain nonfat yogurt
• 1 tbsp. dried parsley

Instructions:

1. Empty the contents of your can of tuna in a medium bowl. Do not drain the water.
2. Using a fork, break apart the tuna until it is completely shredded into small pieces.
3. Add the yogurt and dried parsley.
4. Stir until thoroughly combined.
5. Using a spoon, carefully fill each compartment of your ice cube tray.
6. Freeze until solid, a couple hours, depending on the size of your cubes.
7. Release only the amount of cubes from your tray that you will be serving immediately.
8. Store the unused cubes in the tray, or in a labeled freezer bag.

Remember when you give your dogs treats these are extra calories so it may be a good idea to decrease the amount of food they get at meal time.    The frozen treats can be messy depending on how fast your dog will eat it so be prepared to give it to them on a towel or sheet or outside.  

ENJOY!

Get Fit With Fido And Have Fun

Sometimes the daily walk with Fido gets a little boring so here are a few ways to spice it up a bit. You can do any of these before, after or during your walk.  I suggest doing these all with your dog on the leash just be careful and try not to get the leash tangled in you or the dog.  Keep in mind the number of repetitions is a suggestion, it is important to know you and your dogs limits.

1. Try and find a bench or short wall or planter that you can step up on.  Do about 20 step-ups and then have your dog go up and down the same amount of time.  You can repeat that 3 times for each of you.
2. Find a steep hill and run or walk up and down several times.  
3. Find a short wall that your dog can jump over and have them do it 6-10 times each time they jump you can go over it as well climbing over. 
4. If you can find a stairs in a park those are always good to go up and down for you and your dog. Climb up and down the stairs and then do a set of walking lunges with your dog along side you.
5. Have your dog carry a backpack during the walk and you can put water for you and your dog in the backpack.  

 During the summer months it is important to get out early for your walks or go late when the sun is down.  Carry enough water for you and your dog during the summer you both will need more water than you think and its important to be prepared.