Hey hot stuff -

The heat is unrelenting, isn’t it…we need more chilly treats! I wanted bone shapes, so I repurposed a halloween bone baking mold, and the results did not disappoint. You could use ice cube trays or plastic cups just as easily – those “stick-maker” ice cube trays that are usually at the dollar store would make a nice sized pupsicle, I reckon.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been keeping an eye out for dogs left in cars on hot days like this. It seems so obvious that you shouldn’t do it, yet we keep hearing stories about people going to malls etc. and leaving their poor dogs in the car. Don’t we all feel sick to our stomachs when we hear about it in the news? Common sense does not always prevail, so let’s all spread the word and do what we can to prevent such senseless suffering.

Back to the bones – these only have a few ingredients in them, after all, less is more in the summertime.

Berry Bones
1/2 cup frozen raspberries/blueberries/strawberries, thawed
1/2 cup chicken stock (or water)
TSP coconut oil (optional)

(makes 5 large bones, or a couple of ice cube trays worth)

Simply thaw the berries to room temperature and mix with chicken stock and coconut oil. The latter of which is optional – I included it because it has so many positive benefits for dogs – it improves their skin & coat, promotes weight loss, aids digestion and more. And as if that isn’t enough, it adds a really nice dimension, flavour-wise. I’ve been using it in a lot of non-dairy desserts for myself as a matter of fact. Now, you may need to heat this mixture up a bit to get the coconut oil to melt. Or let it rise to room temp. Give this mixture the what for with a fork to break up those berries. Then, simply spoon mixture into your mold and freeze. SO EASY. I used frozen berries because they break up better than fresh ones. I’m all about making less effort.

Apple Cinnamon Bones
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 cup chicken stock (or water)
1/4 TSP cinnamon

This recipe is even easier!! Simply mix the applesauce, chicken stock or water and cinnamon together and spoon into your mold. Apparently cinnamon is great for senior dogs with arthritis – like Hank. And the smell of apple cinnamon is just one of those winning combinations. IMHO these are healthy, delicious treats for your dog on a hot summer day. Chicken stock can tempt even the fussiest of fruit rejecters like Hank.

Enjoy, and stay out of the sun -
xo/J