Spinach-mint-blueberry-kefir frozen breath mints

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to reach for commercial pet treats without giving much thought to their ingredients or nutritional and enrichment value. However, many store-bought treats are filled with artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers that may not be beneficial for our pets’ health in the long run. 

Moreover, feeding them as just a random treat throughout the day is not really adding to your dog’s health in any way and treats are one of the best way to add not only nutritional health but also to be used in enrichment for mental stimulation which most home pets have a lack of. 

This is why I always recommend trying to make homemade treats for your dog or cat using natural, wholesome ingredients which will not only be a special treat that your furry baby is going to love but will also allow you to include beneficial ingredients to their diet and create enrichment opportunities.

Homemade treats offer several benefits over their store-bought counterparts. Firstly, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring that you make the most of a little treat using only the best quality and most nutritious foods. This is particularly important for pets with dietary sensitivities or allergies, as you can tailor the treats to meet their specific needs. Additionally, making treats at home allows you to avoid harmful additives and preservatives commonly found in commercial products, giving you peace of mind about what you’re feeding your furry friends.

But perhaps the most significant advantage of homemade treats is the opportunity to add beneficial ingredients specific for your pet’s needs that your pet might not get on their regular feed and turning the experience of actually feeding the treat into an enrichment opportunity by adding it to water, stuffing it in a toy or licky mat or, in the case of frozen treats, helping your pet cool off on a hot summer day (although they enjoy them year-round). 

As an added bonus, just like preparing a meal for your family, making treats for your pets fosters a sense of love and care, strengthening the bond between you and your furry companions. And when you see the joy and excitement in their eyes as they enjoy their homemade goodies, you’ll know that you’re giving them something truly special.

Now, let’s delve into one of my favorite homemade treat recipes: Mint, Spinach, Kefir, and Blueberry Frozen Breath Mints (sorry for the long name). Not only are these treats delicious and refreshing, but they also provide a host of benefits for your pets’ oral health.

Ingredients:

For the green part:

Fresh mint leaves: If you have a mint plant in your garden even better, and don’t worry if the leaves are not the prettiest since they are all going to be blended for the recipe.

Fresh spinach leaves: Of course you can also use frozen, might need to defrost them first so they blend easily.

For the purple part:

Kefir (plain, unsweetened): you can also use plain yogurt or low fat in this recipe. If your pet is sensitive to dairy products, using goat kefir or yogurt will help, or you can leave the dairy out and just do more berries and water.

Blueberries (fresh or frozen): cranberries or other berries will also work great, I really like the purple color the blueberries though.

Additional ingredients:

Water or broth: to add to your blender if it needs liquid. Using bone broth will add collagen to the mix so it’s an amazing option for pets with mobility issues.

Catnip (optional): I added it to make the treats a bit more appealing to my feline babies (and of course it won’t harm dogs either) but you can leave it out. A good option would also be to steep it in warm water and use that for your liquid!

Instructions:

1. Start by washing the mint leaves and spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the mint leaves, spinach leaves and liquid of choice. Blend until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture. 
3. Once the mixture is smooth, pour it into silicone molds or ice cube trays, it should fill up about half of the depth of each space. I used little size ones but feel free to use bigger ones or even little cups or bowls for bigger doggos. Put the mold in the freezer to settle the green part while you prepare the purple one (make sure it stays flat).
4. Add the kefir and blueberries to your blender and repeat the process. Make sure the green part is frozen to the touch before adding the purple one on top if you want to get the two separate levels (if it gets mixed, too bad, it’ll be equally yummy!).
5. Sprinkle the catnip on top if using.
6. Place the molds or trays in the freezer and allow the mixture to freeze completely, usually for about 2-3 hours or until firm.
7. Once the frozen breath mints are fully set they are ready to be enjoyed! To store them easily in your freezer you can remove them from the molds and transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Benefits:

• Mint: Mint has natural antibacterial properties that help freshen breath and promote oral hygiene by reducing bacteria in the mouth.
• Spinach: Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and calcium, which support strong teeth and gums and is also rich in fiber.
• Kefir: Kefir contains beneficial probiotics that promote good gut health and may help prevent bad breath by balancing the bacteria in the mouth, it also adds some protein to these treats.
• Blueberries: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support overall oral health. Plus usually pets love the flavor of blueberry so it makes them super yummy!

Feeding Instructions:

Give your dog or cat one frozen breath mint as a refreshing treat after meals or as a midday snack. Be sure to supervise your pet while they enjoy their treat, especially if they are prone to gulping or swallowing large pieces, 

You can also hold it in your hand so they bite pieces or even add them as toppers to their meal. 

Inspo for similar recipes:

These homemade treats are a delicious and nutritious way to freshen your pets’ breath and promote healthy teeth and gums but this is not by all means the only frozen treats you can make for your pets to enjoy, possibilities are endless.

As a veterinarian and pet care advocate, I encourage you to explore the world of homemade treats for your pets. Not only will you be providing them with nutritious and delicious goodies.

Here’s a list of ingredients that are safe to use in pet-treat recipes. Of course they all need to be fed in moderation and in the amount that makes sense for the size of your pet. Try to add only one ingredient your pet has never had to each recipe to test if they like it and if doesn’t upset their digestive system.

Fruits and Veggie Ingredient Ideas

• Apples
• Blueberries (Raspberries, Cranberries…)
• Cantaloupe
• Carrots
• Coconut Oil
• Cucumber
• Celery
• Kefir
• Plain Yogurt (no sugar added)
• Pumpkin
• Peanut Butter (without xylitol)
• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Vegetable broth (no salt added)
• Watermelon

Optional Health Boosting Options

• Flax Seeds: high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
• Parsley Leaves: Breath freshener, Good for Urinary Tract Infections. Do not use in pregnant or lactating females.
• Mint Leaves: Breath freshener, Rich in Vitamins A and C. 
• Bone Broth (with no salt): contains collagen, which is good for joint health, and glycine, an amino acid that helps detox your dog’s kidneys and liver.

Other combination ideas:

• Pumpkin and Yogurt Frozen Treats:
  • Ingredients: Canned pumpkin puree, plain yogurt.
  • Benefits: Pumpkin is rich in fiber and can aid in digestion and regulate bowel movements. Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health and calcium for strong bones and teeth.
• Carrot and Apple Frozen Treats:
  • Ingredients: Carrots, apples, water or low-sodium broth.
  • Benefits: Carrots are crunchy and great for dental health, while apples provide vitamins and antioxidants. This treat is low in calories and high in fiber, making it ideal for weight management. You can puree the apples and leave the carrot in sticks for teeth cleaning.
• Chicken and Sweet Potato Frozen Treats:
  • Ingredients: Cooked chicken breast, cooked sweet potato, bone broth (unsalted).
  • Benefits: Chicken is a lean protein source that supports muscle health, while sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals. Bone broth provides joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Salmon or tuna and Pea Frozen Treats:
  • Ingredients: Cooked salmon (flaked), green peas (cooked or frozen), parsley (optional).
  • Benefits: Salmon is a high-quality protein source and provides omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. Peas are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber.
• Turkey and Cranberry Frozen Treats:
  • Ingredients: Cooked turkey meat (shredded), unsweetened dried cranberries, plain Greek yogurt.
  • Benefits: Turkey is a lean protein source and provides essential amino acids for muscle health. Cranberries offer antioxidants and may support urinary tract health.

These are just a few ideas for frozen treats that you can make for your pets using a similar recipe format. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients to tailor the treats to your pets’ preferences and nutritional needs. 

As always, consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your pets’ diet, especially if they have any existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.

Have you tried making this frozen treats for your furry babies? Leave a comment if they loved them and make sure to tag @carelikeavetblog if you post them (or your puppy with a crazy face like Olivia) on ig!