Feeding dogs fresh food is a great way to boost their health and create a bonding experience between you and your furry best friend. Assembling the right things can make this a fun process for you and the whole family. It’s something that will take less than 20 minutes and provide enough healthy treats to last all week. The rule of “paw” for how much to feed when it comes to fresh ingredients is to consider a daily portion no bigger than your animals paw. Here are a few recipes that all have great health benefits for your pets.

You will need the following tools:
· Microwave safe bowl or stovetop pot
· Silicone molds of your liking or ice cube trays
· Pyrex or spoon for pouring

When combining ingredients, remember that something high in fat like coconut oil, peanut butter or yogurt should be used sparingly and should make up no more than ½ of the treat.

Coconut and berry blast (high in vitamin C and omega fatty acids)
· High quality coconut oil
· Berries (any choice is great)

Melt coconut oil to a pourable consistency. Fill tray or mat to the ½ way mark. Blend berries for a colorful layer or keep whole for a rustic look and fill tray to the top. Place in freezer overnight.

Belly soothers (good source of fiber and probiotics)
· 2% fat or less plain Greek yogurt (can substitute freeze dried goat milk for convenience)
· Pumpkin puree (fresh or freeze dried for convenience)

Fill tray ½ full with yogurt taking time to get inside all the edges then spoon or pour pumpkin puree over to create a layered look that is sure to please. This treat can help soothe upset tummies or dogs that are prone to constipation or diarrhea. Place in freezer overnight.

Nonna’s feel good soup (good source of trace minerals, omega fatty acids and protein)
· Dog safe bone broth (no salt, garlic or onions)
· Vegetables cubed small (recommend carrots, zuchinni, broccoli, or asparagus)
· Extra bonus: a dash of fish oil, jerky treats or freeze dried fish

Fill tray ½ full with broth and add vegetables till almost full. Top with fish oil, jerky or freeze dried fish. Yummy, just like Nonna used to make. Place in freezer overnight.

Finicky Feline Froyo (good source of protein, probiotics and omega fatty acids)
· Raw Goat Milk (available in your local pet store frozen or freeze dried)
· Freeze dried treats (livers, minnows or even bonito flakes)

Fill tray 1/3 full with goat milk. Press either freeze dried minnows, jerky or your cats favorite treats but no more than 1/3 more making these treats smaller since they are for our smaller feline friends. Place in freezer overnight and enjoy.

Many of these treats can have substitutes. Often natural peanut butter can replace yogurt or goat milk to create variety. It’s also great to use watermelon, or natural apple sauce to replace berries. Giving them something new can also entice those picky eaters who are looking for something else other than a plain bowl of “cereal”. I even need milk and strawberries if I’m going to eat cheerios.

Adding fresh foods in the form of a frozen treat is a great way to beat the summer heat. It’s also a great way to increase the quality of their nutrition and bond with your pets. They know when you take the time to make them something special. It’s great to show them some appreciation for all that unconditional love we get. Live better with your pets!

Sep 26 Spay/Neuter Clinics-
Contact the Veterinary Clinic of your choice directly to schedule a time during our next clinic, spaces fill quickly:
Moab Vet Clinic 435-259-8710, Mill Creek Animal Hospital 435-259-2733. $60 Male Cat • $80 Female Cat • $90 Male Dog • $100 Female Dog. Additional charges for animals in heat, pregnant or lactating, cryptorchids, and dogs over 50 pounds. Sponsored by Humane Society of Moab Valley, 435-259-4862, www.moabpets.org