The Story Behind These Treats
These Easy Veggie Dog Pops were inspired by a sunny afternoon with Benji. While lounging in the backyard, I noticed how much he loved crunching on ice cubes in the warm sun. That’s when it hit me why not make a frozen treat that’s both refreshing and full of healthy nutrients? With Benji’s wagging tail and hopeful eyes cheering me on, I set out to create a fun, wholesome snack that any pup would adore.
I remember grabbing a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer those handy packets I always keep on hand. As I blended them into a smooth puree, Benji was right by my side, nose twitching at every new scent. The kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of fresh veggies, and I just knew this treat was going to be a hit. Benji eagerly tasted each batch, giving his seal of approval with excited barks and a happy spin around the kitchen.
Making these Easy Veggie Dog Pops quickly became a fun tradition in our home. They’re a refreshing twist on regular dog treats perfect for hot days when your pup needs a cool snack. Simple to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, they’re a guilt free way to spoil your furry friend. And the best part? Watching Benji enjoy them with pure joy makes every moment in the kitchen worthwhile.
How to Make Veggie Dog Pops
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen dog friendly mixed vegetables
- ½ cup water
- Optional: 1 low salt veggie stock cube for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Place the frozen vegetables in a microwave safe dish and heat for about 3 minutes, or until soft and tender.
- Transfer the vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add water (and stock cube, if using) and blend until completely smooth. The puree should be silky, with no chunky bits pups can be picky!
- Pour the puree into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Freeze until solid, about 2–3 hours.
- Pop out the Veggie Dog Pops and watch your pup enjoy their cool, healthy treat!
Easy Veggie Dog Pops: Step by Step
Making the Dough
Once your veggie puree is ready, it’s time to turn it into a dough. In a large bowl, combine:
- Veggie puree
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1½ cups wholemeal flour
- 1 cup rice flour
- ½ cup wheatgerm
- ¼ cup brewer’s yeast (available at most health food stores)
Mix everything together until a dough forms. If it feels a little stiff, add a splash of water to make it pliable. Roll the dough out to about 5 mm thick and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for your pup.
Baking the Treats
Place your cut outs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden. Turn off the oven and allow the treats to cool inside for about 90 minutes. Always double-check your veggies to ensure they’re safe for dogs avoid onions and garlic! Once fully cooled, store the treats in an airtight container.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
These Easy Veggie Dog Pops are perfect for making ahead:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a week.
- Freezer: For larger batches, freeze the pops in a moisture free, freezer safe bag or container they’ll last up to 3 months. Let frozen treats thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
If your treats lose their crunch over time, pop them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes to restore their texture. Always check storage conditions to ensure freshness and flavor.
Ingredients & Nutritional Tips
- Vegetables: Use dog safe frozen vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans they’re colorful and packed with vitamins. Avoid toxic veggies such as onions and garlic.
- Flavor Boost: A low salt veggie stock cube can enhance taste without adding sodium.
- Flour Mix: Wholemeal and rice flour give the treats a hearty texture and fiber.
- Nutritional Boosters: Wheatgerm adds vitamin E, while brewer’s yeast supports a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Fun Variations
- Add dog safe herbs like parsley for fresh breath or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a tempting aroma.
- Shape treats with cookie cutters for themed occasions bones for birthdays, stars for holidays.
- Drizzle unsweetened yogurt over cooled pops for a pup friendly glaze that’s perfect for special occasions.
With these tips, your Easy Veggie Dog Pops will be a hit every time delicious, nutritious, and fun for your furry friend. Watching Benji enjoy each bite makes all the effort worthwhile!
FAQs About Easy Veggie Dog Pops
How do you make Easy Veggie Dog Pops?
Blend dog safe vegetables, like carrots and peas, with a little water until smooth. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds designed for pets, and freeze until solid. These pops are a perfect way to keep your pup cool and hydrated on warm days. Always double check that your vegetables are safe for dogs.
Can dogs eat popsicles made with watermelon?
Yes! Dogs can enjoy watermelon popsicles as long as seeds and rind are removed, since they can be harmful. Blend the watermelon flesh with a small amount of water and freeze in molds. Serve in moderation for a refreshing, hydrating treat.
How do you make healthy dog biscuits?
Combine wholemeal flour, rice flour, and dog safe vegetable purees with a little olive oil. Mix into a dough, roll it out, and cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters. Bake until firm, let cool completely, and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can dogs have fruit pops?
Yes! Use dog safe fruits like blueberries or bananas, blended with water or plain yogurt, then freeze in molds. Avoid toxic fruits such as grapes and cherries. Fruit pops are a fun, nutritious way to add variety to your dog’s diet just serve as an occasional treat.
Conclusion
Making Easy Veggie Dog Pops isn’t just about creating a healthy snack it’s about sharing joyful moments with your furry friend. Every chop, blend, and freeze is an opportunity to bond. Watching Benji’s wagging tail and eager eyes when I pull a pop from the freezer is a heartwarming reminder of the simple joys of pet companionship.
Try this recipe and experience the delight of giving your dog a homemade treat. It’s a fun, healthy way to show love and care and nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing your pup enjoy something made with your own hands.
Fun & Healthy Veggie Pops Your Dog Will Love
These Easy Veggie Dog Pops were inspired by a sunny afternoon with Benji. While lounging in the backyard, I noticed how much he loved crunching on ice cubes in the warm sun. That’s when it hit me why not make a frozen treat that’s both refreshing and full of healthy nutrients? With Benji’s wagging tail and hopeful eyes cheering me on, I set out to create a fun, wholesome snack that any pup would adore.
I remember grabbing a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer those handy packets I always keep on hand. As I blended them into a smooth puree, Benji was right by my side, nose twitching at every new scent. The kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of fresh veggies, and I just knew this treat was going to be a hit. Benji eagerly tasted each batch, giving his seal of approval with excited barks and a happy spin around the kitchen.
Making these Easy Veggie Dog Pops quickly became a fun tradition in our home. They’re a refreshing twist on regular dog treats perfect for hot days when your pup needs a cool snack. Simple to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, they’re a guilt free way to spoil your furry friend. And the best part? Watching Benji enjoy them with pure joy makes every moment in the kitchen worthwhile.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (make sure they are safe for dogs)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 low salt vegetable stock cube (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups wholemeal flour
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup wheatgerm
- 1/4 cup brewer’s yeast
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a microwave safe dish, combine the frozen vegetables, stock cube, and a splash of water. Microwave for 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
- Blend the mixture into a smooth puree using a food processor or blender.
- In a large bowl, mix the puree with olive oil, wholemeal flour, rice flour, wheatgerm, and brewer’s yeast. Add a little water if needed to form a workable dough.
- Roll the dough to about 5 mm (1/4 inch) thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Arrange the shapes on baking trays lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Turn off the oven and let the treats cool inside for about 90 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Once completely cooled, store the treats in an airtight container.
Notes
Always use vegetables that are safe for dogs. Avoid toxic options such as onions, garlic, and related alliums.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 treatAmount Per Serving: Calories: 176 kcalTotal Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 51mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 5gSugar: 0.2gProtein: 8g