When temperatures rise, even the most energetic dogs slow down. Hydration and cooling become essential, and one of the easiest ways to help is through refreshing summer treats. These recipes and ideas keep dogs satisfied, safe, and comfortable – especially in Dubai’s intense summer heat.
Before giving your pup anything new, make sure the ingredients are safe and portioned properly. For outdoor time, check our guide on the best times to walk dogs in summer and how to safely exercise dogs in UAE heat.
What Makes a Good Summer Treat
A great warm-weather treat keeps your dog hydrated, low on calories, and rich in nutrients. Always use dog-safe ingredients and skip the sugar, salt, and dairy-heavy options. According to the AVMA’s pet safety guide and PetMD’s fruit and vegetable guide, here’s what matters most:
- Hydrating: Water-rich fruits and broths help cool your pet.
- Low-calorie: Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
- Simple: Avoid complex mixes, sugars, or artificial flavors.
- Species-safe: Never share human treats that contain xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, or garlic.
Refreshing Treat Ideas for Dogs
1. Frozen Fruit Bites
Blend seedless watermelon, cucumber, and blueberries with water, then freeze into cubes. They’re sweet, low in sugar, and help replenish fluids after a walk. For fruit safety lists, visit PetMD’s dog-safe produce guide.
2. Yogurt & Banana Pops
Mix plain, unsweetened yogurt with mashed banana, pour into silicone molds, and freeze. Use lactose-free yogurt for sensitive dogs and avoid artificial sweeteners.
3. Low-Sodium Broth Ice Cubes
Freeze low-sodium chicken or beef broth into cubes. They make excellent post-walk rewards – just avoid standard salty stocks.
4. Watermelon Sorbet
Puree seedless watermelon, freeze in scoops, and serve small portions. Watermelon is over 90% water, making it ideal for hydration.
5. Frozen Lick-Mats
Spread a thin layer of plain yogurt or pumpkin purée onto a lick-mat, freeze it, and give it as a slow-cooling treat. For outdoor routines, review our summer dog walking tips in Dubai.
Simple Homemade Recipes
Blueberry-Cucumber Coolers
Blend one cup of water with a quarter cup of blueberries and cucumber. Freeze and serve two cubes for small dogs, three to four for larger breeds.
Banana-Yogurt Nuggets
Mash half a banana with half a cup of plain yogurt. Spoon onto parchment in small drops and freeze. For post-walk enrichment, pair them with ideas from Essential Gear for Dog Walks.
Apple Broth Ice Chips
Combine equal parts water and low-sodium broth, add finely chopped apple (no seeds or core), and freeze. Great for quick refreshment after short walks.
Smart Store-Bought Treats
Not all pet owners have time to prepare homemade recipes. In that case, pick limited-ingredient or freeze-dried options from reliable pet suppliers. Look for low-sodium, no-sugar-added treats at the best pet stores in Dubai.
Always read the label: avoid xylitol, high salt, and added flavor enhancers.
Serving Tips and Safety
- Keep treats small – large frozen chunks can cause dental issues or “brain freeze.”
- Always supervise your dog while eating frozen snacks.
- Treats should stay under 10% of total daily calories.
- Watch for signs of overheating or dehydration – see our post on the Nine Signs of Heatstroke.
- Combine treat time with rest and hydration breaks. For more, visit Keep Pets Cool in Summer.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods that seem healthy for humans are dangerous for dogs. Avoid:
- Chocolate, caffeine, or any “sugar-free” products with xylitol.
- Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and avocado.
For a full list of safe fruits, refer to the AKC’s fruit safety guide.
Cooling Beyond Treats
Cooling doesn’t stop at the bowl. Schedule walks during early mornings or late evenings to avoid heat exposure – you can use our guides on the best time to walk dogs in summer and summer dog walking tips in Dubai.
For structured and heat-conscious walks, explore Teef’s Dog Walking Service.
Final Thoughts
Healthy summer treats are a simple way to keep dogs happy while staying cool. They combine hydration, nutrition, and fun – all vital for Dubai’s heat. Whether you make them yourself or buy ready-made versions, what matters most is choosing safe, natural, and refreshing options.
For more local pet-care resources, browse:
