July is National Blueberry Month, and it’s a great time to celebrate the tiny, tasty, refreshing fruits that can be enjoyed by humans and canines alike.
Blueberries are healthy snacks for dogs; they’re full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C which can aid in digestion, boost the immune system, and fight medical conditions like cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. They really are a super food, and they’re especially delicious on a hot summer day.
Ask your vet if blueberries are appropriate for your pup, and try these six yummy ways to share some with your dog during National Blueberry Month in July!
1. Freeze For A Quick Treat
One of the easiest ways to share blueberries with your dog is to freeze them for a quick treat that’s nice and refreshing during the hot, sticky dog days of summer.
You can use frozen blueberries as a reward for performing tricks, and because they are low in calories and sugar, they’re a much healthier alternative to most store-bought, commercial dog treats.
Ask your veterinarian about appropriate serving sizes.
A word of caution: frozen blueberries may cause a choking hazard for smaller dogs if they get caught in their throats. While this is unlikely to happen, the danger can be avoided by making sure the blueberries are defrosted enough to be a little soft or to skip the freezing process entirely.
2. Mash & Mix
Of course, blueberries can’t fulfill all of your dog’s nutritional requirements for the day, but they are an excellent, health-boosting supplementary food that can be added to your dog’s regular diet.
Try mashing up or blending some blueberries, and mix them into your dog’s regular food.
The sweet flavor can be a much-needed change of pace for your dog, and they won’t cause weight gain.
3. Yogurt & Berries Treats
The yummy yogurt and berries treats in the video above only require three ingredients: blueberries, strawberries, and plain yogurt.
Use a tray with treat-shaped molds, like in the video, or you can use a regular ice cube tray. Fill with blueberries and strawberries, then cover with plain, unsweetened yogurt.
Pop them in the freezer for a cool summer snack, perfect for July!
4. Summer Birthday Cake-Cicle
If your dog has a July birthday, or if they would just appreciate a delicious, cold delicacy, try out the cake-cicle in the video above.
The recipe requires dog treats, peas, carrots, bacon, apple slices, chicken broth, and — of course — blueberries. Mix them all together in a freezer-safe bowl or mold and put it in the freezer overnight.
The next day, you’ll have a summer cake-cicle that can be shared among doggy buddies. This one can get messy as it melts, so serve it somewhere that’s easy to clean.
5. Brain Booster Treats
These simple treats are designed to help give your dog’s brain a boost while still being delicious. All of the ingredients can help your pup’s cognitive function. Just make sure they’re natural with no sugar or artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol.
Mix coconut oil, almond butter, and blueberries into a mold or ice cube tray and freeze, just like in the video above.
You’ll have some yummy, brain booster treats that you can even eat, yourself, if you get jealous of your spoiled pooch.
6. Blueberry Banana Granola Bars
If you’re more of a baker than a freezer, these granola bar treats will get your oven going.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, microwave 1/2 cup of peanut butter (with NO xylitol), and pour it over 1 and 1/2 cups of rolled oats. Add 1 mashed banana, 1/3 cup of raw honey, and 1 cup of blueberries.
Press the mix into an 8″ by 8″ baking pan and pop it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Let it cool, then cut into treat-sized squares or bars.
Follow the instructions in the video above if you need some guidance. Your pup will love these granola bar treats, and you can sneak a taste, too, if you want to celebrate National Blueberry Month with your best buddy.
Are you going to try feeding blueberries to your dog during National Blueberry Month? What’s your favorite way to share a blueberry snack with your pup? Let us know in the comments below!
