Dogs love ice cubes! They are a refreshing treat on hot summer days. Ice cubes are simple frozen water, but there are lots of tasty additions you can mix in to make them even more enticing and nutritious for your pup.
Adding ingredients to ice cubes is an easy way to boost your dog’s hydration while also providing nutritional and sensory benefits. Frozen treats give dogs something to gnaw and crunch on, providing mental stimulation. The coldness is soothing for sore gums if your dog is teething or has had a dental procedure.
When preparing ice cubes for dogs, be sure to use dog-safe ingredients. Some human foods can be dangerous for dogs, so steer clear of anything potentially toxic. Only include dog-friendly, low-sugar ingredients to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
In this article, we will explore different nutritious and flavorful ingredients you can add to ice cubes for dogs. We will cover:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Broths and stocks
- Yogurt, peanut butter and other creamy treats
- Herbs, spices, and supplements
- Dog treats
- Safety tips
Read on to learn about all the tasty possibilities for ice cubes that your dog will love!
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are nutritious additions that can add flavor and variety to ice cubes for dogs. Be sure to only choose dog-safe options and stick to low sugar fruits. Some good options include:
Berries
Berries like blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are packed with antioxidants and provide vitamin C. Be sure to cut any large berries into smaller pieces before freezing.
Bananas
Sliced bananas add potassium and vitamin B6. They have natural sweetness to make ice cubes more enticing.
Apples
Apples are a crunchy, hydrating treat. Core and chop apples before freezing into bite-sized pieces.
Melons
Cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon have high water content plus vitamins A, C and K. Scoop out balls/cubes of melon or chop into chunks.
Pumpkin or Sweet Potato
Pumpkin and sweet potato provide fiber and vitamin A. Mash cooked pumpkin or sweet potato before freezing.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are made up of mostly water. Slice into chunks or sticks to freeze.
Carrots
Carrots are filled with vitamin A and beta carotene. Shred or finely chop before freezing.
Broths and Stocks
Ice cubes made with broths or stocks add savory flavor plus hydration. Only choose low-sodium, dog-safe options. Some good choices include:
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth adds mild meaty flavor as well as minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Look for low-sodium chicken broth without onions or garlic, as those ingredients can be harmful for dogs.
Beef Broth
Beef broth provides B vitamins including niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Select a dog-safe beef broth without seasonings like onion or pepper.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissue. It provides glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Look for bone broth made especially for dogs.
Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth offers minerals and phytonutrients from veggies. Check labels for dog-safe ingredients without garlic or onion.
Yogurt, Peanut Butter and Other Creamy Treats
Mixing in creamy ingredients like yogurt, peanut butter or pureed pumpkin livens up ice cubes for dogs. The richness makes them even more enticing. Some healthy options include:
Plain Yogurt
Plain yogurt provides protein and probiotics for digestive health. Choose unsweetened yogurt and avoid any with artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic for dogs.
Pureed Pumpkin
Pureed pumpkin offers fiber to support digestion. Make sure pumpkin puree does not have added sugars or spices.
Peanut Butter
Look for all-natural peanut butter without added salt or sugars. Peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Check that your dog does not have a peanut allergy first.
Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin offers a convenience option. Look for 100% pure pumpkin without any added ingredients.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt provides an extra protein boost. Choose plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt made from cow or goat milk.
Herbs, Spices and Supplements
Some herbs, spices and supplements are beneficial additions for dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before using. Some options are:
Turmeric
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Look for a dog-safe turmeric supplement and dosage guidelines from your vet.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar. Use a small pinch of ground cinnamon per ice cube. Avoid cassia cinnamon, as it contains coumarin, which can be toxic at high doses.
Ginger
Ginger aids digestion and calms nausea. Use freshly grated ginger or double-check powdered ginger is dog-safe.
Parsley
Parsley acts as a natural doggy breath freshener. Chop fresh parsley leaves finely before freezing into ice cubes.
Calming Supplements
Talk to your vet about dog-safe calming supplements like chamomile, valerian root or hemp. Follow suggested dosing carefully.
Dog Treats
Mixing small pieces of dog treats into ice cubes adds crunch and flavor dogs love. Some treat options to try include:
Dehydrated Liver or Fish
Break up bite-sized bits of dehydrated liver or fish treats into cubes for added protein.
Dog Biscuits
Crumble up dog biscuits into tiny pieces to mix in. Avoid biscuits with milk, salt, spices or sugar.
Jerky Treats
Chop jerky treats and add small chunks to ice cubes. Look for jerky without seasoning or added sugars.
Pup-sicles
Make pup-sicles by freezing broth, fruit or yogurt inside an empty marrow bone for a frozen edible chew toy.
Peanut Butter Biscuits
Crumble up peanut butter dog biscuits for crunchy, peanut buttery ice cubes. Check for peanut allergies first.
Safety Tips
When preparing ice cubes for dogs, follow these safety tips:
- Use dog-safe ingredients – avoid anything potentially toxic
- Prevent choking hazards by cutting ingredients into small pieces
- Give size-appropriate ice cubes to avoid throat obstruction
- Introduce new flavors slowly in case of allergies or intolerance
- Adjust quantity given to avoid overfeeding
- Supervise your dog when eating ice cubes
- Consult your vet if you have any questions about appropriate ingredients or quantities
The Best Ice Cube Recipes for Dogs
Based on the ingredients we’ve discussed, here are some of the best ice cube recipes to try for your dog:
Fruity Chicken Cubes
- Chicken broth
- Diced strawberries
- Blueberries
- Shredded carrots
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cubes
- Pureed pumpkin
- Peanut butter
- Ground cinnamon
Yummy Yogurt Bacons Cubes
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Chopped cooked bacon pieces
- Turmeric
Banana Carrot Sweet Potato Cubes
- Mashed sweet potato
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced banana
- Cinnamon
Chicken Veggie Stock Cubes
- Chicken stock
- Diced zucchini
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped parsley
Conclusion
Ice cubes provide a cool, refreshing treat for dogs, especially on hot days. Simply freezing water into ice cubes gives dogs something tasty and hydrating, but you can also mix in a wide variety of healthy, pet-safe ingredients to make them even more nutritious and delicious. From fruits and veggies, to broths, yogurt and peanut butter, the possibilities are endless. Just be sure to use only dog-safe ingredients. Your canine companion is sure to love chomping on flavored or nutrient-boosted ice cubes on a sweltering summer day.
