Last Updated: 06/10/2026
Homemade Summer Recipes for Dogs and Cats
Vet-approved homemade summer treats for dogs and cats: easy frozen pupsicles, KONG stuffers and cooling recipes to keep your pet safe and hydrated.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read
Nothing says Summer quite like hot, sunny days and delicious cooling treats. So why should our pets miss out on all the fun? Check out our Summer Ready hub for everything you need to keep your pet safe this season, including the signs of heatstroke in dogs to watch for, and more Spring and Summer Activities for Dogs.
Spoiling your pet at home this Summer is easy with these home-made recipes. Veterinary formulated, these treats are not only healthy, delicious and free from any nasties, but contain ingredients which are 100% safe for your pet.
Why not try the Bone Broth Sorbet, Berry Yoghurt Pupsicles, Tuna Kitty Cubes or Purr-fect Cat Popsicles, to keep your fur baby cool and hydrated during the hot Summer days. The Frozen KONG Stuffers are a great way to keep your pet occupied while the 3 Ingredient Home-made Cookies make a delicious, healthy treat.
Bone Broth Sorbet
Bone broth is rich in nutrients and has many benefits. Not only does it provide a collagen-rich source of omega fatty acids and protein, but it also supplies a natural source of beneficial bacteria to nourish gut microflora. Discover the benefits for your pet with this delicious, cooling treat.
Products such as Lickimat are designed to keep your pet stimulated and entertained, reducing boredom and anxiety as well as slowing those that eat too quickly. The flexible mat design and raised grooves allow food to be spread or sprinkled on the surface and encourage licking to retrieve the tasty treat, all while releasing relaxing endorphins.
Bone Broth Sorbet
Ingredients
Method
- Pour bone broth onto a Lickimat and freeze until solid
Suitable for dogs and cats
More Summer Lickimat Ideas:
- Doggylicious Peanut Butter or natural peanut butter - ensure it is xylitol-free
- Pumpkin, sweet potato or apple puree - why not mix them together and try different combinations
- Canned fish (salmon, tuna or sardines)
- Natural yoghurt
- Pastes such as KONG paste for dogs or Dine Creamy Treats for cats
- Wet food options such as Royal Canin wet food, Wellness wet food or Ziwi wet food
- Sprinkle with dog or cat treats
*freeze for a cooling, long-lasting treat. Browse more ideas in our Healthy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes guide.
Berry Yoghurt Pupsicles
Packed full of anti-oxidants and calcium, these healthy home-made Pupsicles make the perfect cooling treat for a hot Summer's day. You can even try them yourself!
Berry Yoghurt Pupsicles
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of strawberries
- 1/4 cup of blueberries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened yoghurt
- Silicone baking mould
Method
- Puree the strawberries and blueberries in a blender until combined
- Add yoghurt and blend until combined
- Spoon into silicone mould and freeze until solid
In clinic, we occasionally see dogs get a bit of an upset tummy from dairy - if your dog isn't used to yoghurt, start with a small amount to see how they go before making it a regular treat.
Suitable for dogs
Tuna Kitty Cubes
Looking for a Summer treat to keep your cat cool and hydrated? Try these easy to make kitty popsicles. Not only are they delicious and cooling on hot summer days, but are a great way to encourage your cat to stay hydrated and consume more water during the warmer months.
Tuna Kitty Cubes
Ingredients
- 1 tin tuna, in springwater, undrained
- water for blending
- 1 ice cube tray
Method
- Add undrained tuna to a blender and mix with enough water for a watery consistency
- Add to an ice cube tray and freeze until solid
Suitable for cats
Spoil your dog with these easy to make cookies using only 3 ingredients! Healthy, with no hidden nasties, these cookies are quick and easy to make at home and are the perfect treat for your dog!
Homemade Oat, Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, pureed
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol free)
- Bone-shaped cookie cutter
Method
- Preheat oven to 160 degrees
- Add oats to a food processor and blend into a fine powder
- Add sweet potato and peanut butter and blend until a sticky dough forms
- Place between 2 pieces of baking paper or on a lightly floured surface, and roll out to 3mm in thickness
- Cut out shapes using a bone-shaped cookie cutter
- Place on prepared baking tray and bake for 20-30 minutes until hard and brown on the edges
* ensure treats are cooled before serving
Suitable for dogs
Frozen KONG Stuffers
KONGs are a great way to keep dogs entertained and your pet will love these super simple home-made Frozen KONG Stuffer recipes. Full of healthy, natural ingredients and packed full of goodness, these recipes can be frozen ahead of time for a delicious, healthy Summer treat. See more ideas in our What to Put in a Kong guide.
Candy Corn
Ingredients
- KONG classic
- 1 cup mashed banana
- 1 cup mashed pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup plain yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
Method
- Spoon small amount of banana into silicone mould tray
- Mix cinnamon with pumpkin and spoon small amount on top of banana layer, into silicone mould tray
- Mix maple syrup with yoghurt and fill the remainder of the silicone mould tray
- Freeze for 1-2 hours. Stuff KONG with candy corn treats!
*Tip: Freeze each layer for about 20 minutes to prevent the layers from mixing
We often recommend frozen KONGs to clients whose dogs get restless in the heat when long walks aren't an option - the licking and problem-solving is genuinely tiring in a good way.
Suitable for dogs
Cube Chillerz
Ingredients
- KONG classic
- 12 small KONG biscuit treats
- 1 sliced banana
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 cup water
Method
- Place ingredients into ice cube tray and freeze until solid
- Place the frozen cube into the KONG Classic!
Suitable for dogs
Purr-fect Cat Popsicles
These Cat Popsicles and so quick and easy to make and are the perfect, delicious, cooling treat for your cat. Just make sure you watch your fingers!
Quick and Easy Catsicles
Ingredients
- Churu Liquid Treats or any brand of lickable cat treat
Method
- Place the liquid treat in the freezer until solid
- Cut off the top and serve as a popsicle or cut into pieces and place in a bowl
Suitable for cats
These recipes and treats are not complete and balanced and are not designed to replace your pet's regular diet. Treats should only be fed in conjunction with a complete and balanced diet. For more information on what diet to feed your pet, see our guide on Which Human Foods Can I Feed My Cat or Dog? and check with your vet first to ensure that these treats are suitable for your pet.
Creating treats at home is a simple and enjoyable way to spoil your pet while ensuring they are consuming healthy, safe ingredients. These recipes provide a fantastic opportunity to keep your dog or cat cool, hydrated, and entertained during the warmer months.
As with any treat, moderation is key. These snacks are designed to supplement, not replace, a complete and balanced diet. By following these easy recipes, you can have fun in the kitchen and provide your furry friend with delicious, vet-approved goodies that show just how much you care. Once the weather cools down, swap these for our Homemade Winter Recipes.
Articles recommended for you
Summer fun can turn dangerous if your dog overheats. Learn to recognise the signs of heatstroke, a medical emergency that can be fatal. Our vet explains how to prevent it and what to do if it happens, ensuring your dog stays safe during the hot months.
Cats hide heatstroke well. Spot the subtle signs, know the risk factors, and learn what to do if your cat overheats, straight from our vets.
Get your pet Summer Ready and protect them from dangers that are unique to our Australian climate.
As the weather warms up, it's the perfect time for new adventures with your cat! This article provides a vet-approved list of fun, safe, and enriching spring and summer activities. Discover creative ideas for both indoor and outdoor play to keep your feline friend happy, active, and stimulated.
Spring has sprung! Check out our Vets list of our favourite dog-friendly warm weather activities.
Summer in Australia is great, but the heat can be risky for pets. This vet's guide offers fun and safe activities to keep your dog or cat cool, happy, and healthy. Discover water games, easy-to-make frozen treats, and engaging indoor activities.
Leaving a dog in a car can be fatal in minutes, even on mild days. Discover how to identify a dog in distress, the legal penalties involved, and who to call - from the police to the NRMA - to ensure a safe rescue without breaking the law yourself.
Don't let the dog days of summer put your pet at risk! Whether you're dealing with the blazing sun of the noonday or the muggy warmth of a summer evening there are multiple ways to ensure your dog stays cool and comfortable.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 26 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
