If you live in the Midwest, you know the summer weather is a total guessing game, especially for us fur babies. One hour it’s breezy, and the next, it feels like I’m wearing a fur coat in a sauna. To help my fellow furry friends handle the heat, I’ve asked my human to help me share my favorite “pups” cream recipe and a few safety tips to keep cool.
The Star of Summer: Banana Sunflower Butter “Pups” Cream
This ice cream, I mean, “pups” cream, is so good! It’s cold, creamy, and much better than licking a stray ice cube off the kitchen floor. And, from what I’m told, it’s pretty easy to make, requiring just a few quick pulses of the blender before it’s ready for the freezer. It’s the perfect reward after a long day of napping in the sun or guarding the house from the neighborhood squirrels.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why)
Bananas: you’ll need one ripe banana, chopped and frozen. Bananas are great for a boost of potassium and fiber.
Sunflower Seed Butter: besides being a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is a great protein source and, most importantly, it’s free from xylitol, which is harmful for us pups.
Honey: adds a touch of sweetness and antioxidants.
Helpful Baking Tools
Blender/Food Processor: either a blender, immersion blender or food processor can be used to achieve a smooth consistency.
Ice Cube Tray/Small Container: use an ice cube tray for portioning out the treats. A small freezer-safe container can be used, just be sure to cut into small portions once frozen.
Storing Frozen Treats
Even though you can freeze “pups” cream for up to 3 months, follow these basic tips to keep things fresh. Since the recipe is so quick to make, it’s recommended to make smaller batches more often so they always taste as fresh as the day they came out of the blender.
- Airtight is key. Once the treats are frozen solid in the ice cube tray or flat container, pop them out and move them into a freezer bag or an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
- The tail-wag standard. While these treats can technically last longer than 3 months while frozen, they are at their peak “tail-wag-worthiness” within the first 4-8 weeks. If the treats are covered in heavy ice crystals or the banana has turned a very dark brown, it’s best to toss them and start a fresh batch.
- Label the date. Since it’s easy to forget when things are made, use a marker to write the date on the bag so you know exactly how long they’ve been frozen.
Five Tips to Keep Your Fur-Baby Cool and Safe
While the “pups” cream helps us stay cool from the inside out, here are five ways to keep us safe when the sun is high.
- Grooming is key. Good grooming is important. Matted hair is itchy and hot, but please don’t shave us down to our skin. Our fur actually acts as insulation against the heat and protects our skin from the sun.
- Keep us hydrated. Staying well hydrated is always a good idea when it’s hot out, so be sure to keep our bowl filled with clean, cool water. Just make sure we don’t drink too much water too fast after we’ve been running around.
- No hot cars. This is an important rule, so be sure not to break it! Even with the air conditioning on or the windows cracked, a locked car turns into an oven in minutes. If you can’t bring us inside with you, then leave us home.
- Morning walks. I love my morning walks. The air is crisp and cool, and I can take my time sniffing every single blade of grass. Getting a walk in before the midday heat hits keeps everyone happy.
- Test the pavement. Asphalt and pavement can get incredibly hot and burn the pads on our paws. A good rule to follow: if the sidewalk is too hot for your bare feet, then it’s too hot for our paws.
Stay Cool
Stay cool out there, my furry friends. If you’re still hungry for more, check these Cheesy Dog Treats or these Homemade Pumpkin Doggie Biscuits. Both are delicious and pup-approved.
“Pups” Cream
Ingredients
- 1 banana, chopped and frozen
- 1 tbsp sunflower seed butter
- 1/8 tsp honey
Instructions
- Place a frozen banana, sunflower seed butter and honey into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray or a small flat container. Freeze until solid. If freezing in a small container, cut into bite-sized cubes once frozen.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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