Is your dog tired of his regular treats? Are you looking for a healthy option to use for training? Or do you just want to pamper your pup with homemade recipes that will make her smile? The DogWatch team has pulled together some yummy dog treat recipes for you to try at home, featuring fresh spring and summer ingredients!

A Strawberry Smoothie for Spot?

Strawberries are typically in season in late spring/early summer, and are a great, healthy treat for dogs. If you have a blender, you can try these two “smoothie”-inspired dog treat recipes.

Doggy Dessert Chef’s appealing Strawberry Banana Smoothie Biscuits are a great seasonal treat for special occasions. (Plus, bananas are another healthy, safe fruit for dogs.) Cooking time is 15-20 minutes, and you’ll need a blender. (Note: these treats contains milk, so they are not suitable for lactose intolerant dogs.)

On the lighter side, there’s this Frozen Strawberry Smoothie recipe from Irresistible Pets. Strawberries and bananas are the only ingredients needed – simply combine them in a blender until smooth, pour the liquid into ice cube trays (heart-shaped ones are optional!), freeze for a few hours, and voila! Pair these treats with a smoothie of your own, and you’ve got a relaxing treat for the both of you to enjoy!

Give Peas a Chance!

Fresh peas – from English to snow to sugar snap – are also in season. Peas are healthy for dogs, providing them with a good source of the B vitamin Thiamin, phosphorous, and potassium. Plus, many dogs love them!

Peas make a good treat for training because of their small size. For a more filling snack, you can try this low-calorie “Green Dog Treats” recipe from Two Little Cavaliers, which can be made with fresh or canned peas. You can also go “super green” by mixing the peas with green beans, another dog-friendly veggie.

Is Your’s Dog’s Breath in Mint Condition?

Did you know mint is also in season in spring? The popular herb is also a great ingredient for dog treats, since it adds flavor while also helping freshen your dog’s often-stinky breath. We found two simple recipes featuring mint that we are looking forward to trying out. The first recipe call for only three things: fresh mint, water and unsalted crushed crackers. After mixing these ingredients together, pop them in the freezer until frozen and voila, a quick, cool snack for your pup!

The second recipe, from the blog The Nerdy Farm Wife, requires a blender but again has only three ingredients – unsweetened plain yogurt, fresh mint and fresh parsley. (If you have an herb garden, you can pick the last two at home!) Blend these, place the mixture in ice cube trays, freeze and serve. Fresh, healthy and refreshing – a perfect summer treat for your dog!

Do you garden at home? Need help preventing your pets from stomping on, digging up, or otherwise destroying all your hard work? Check out our DogWatch’s Dog-Friendly Gardening Checklist, which will help you ensure that this year, you and your dog will fully enjoy your beautiful backyard!

Featured image: “Strawberries” by Sharon Mollerus is licensed under CC BY 2.0 – image is cropped. “peas” by Isabel Eyre is licensed under CC BY 2.0 – image is cropped. “Kentucky colonel spearmint harvest” by Quinn Dombrowski is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Strawberry image: “Pint of Strawberries” by Mr.TinDC is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Peas image: “Peas and Pod 07.11.09 [192]” by timlewisnm is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Mint image: same as featured image.