Here in West Linn and the surrounding Portland suburbs, our pets are truly part of the family. Whether you’re exploring the shaded trails at Mary S. Young Park, taking a neighborhood stroll in the crisp Pacific Northwest air, or just relaxing on the back patio, our dogs are usually right there by our sides.

Making homemade dog treats is surprisingly easy, and it’s a wonderful way to know exactly what’s going into your pup’s snacks. We’ve rounded up these four simple, frozen pet recipes that you can whip up with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Here are a few refreshing treats to keep your dog cool, happy, and healthy!

Breath Freshening Mint Freezies

Perfect for keeping those puppy kisses minty fresh.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• Small handful fresh parsley leaves
• Small handful fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Scoop yogurt into a blender and add parsley and mint leaves.
2. Blend until herbs are evenly spread. If needed, you can add a little water to thin out the mixture.
3. Fill ice cube trays to the brim and put them in the freezer.
4. Freeze until solid, then serve.

Apple-Topped Peanut Butter Bites

A classic flavor combination that is practically guaranteed to get a tail wag.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 apple
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt and peanut butter together in a mixing bowl and add a splash of water if needed.
2. Slice the apple into bite-sized chunks and remove the seeds.
3. Fill ice cube trays almost to the top and place an apple chunk in the center of each slot.
4. Pop into the freezer and serve when frozen.

Coconut and Blueberry Drops

These little bite-sized drops are packed with antioxidants and healthy fats. (Note: Be sure to gently mix your blueberries and honey into the softened oil before shaping!)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic coconut oil, softened but not melted
• A handful of blueberries
• A teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Add coconut oil to a bowl and place over a pan of warm water.
2. Wait until the coconut oil softens, then shape into bite-sized balls.
3. Place the balls on a tray and put them in the freezer.
4. Serve when coconut oil has hardened. Because the coconut oil stays hard in cool temps, you can easily store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.

Fruity “Pupsicles”

A fun, dog-friendly twist on a summertime classic, complete with a biscuit “popsicle stick”!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup of strawberries
• 2 bananas
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• Dog biscuits
• A splash of water

Instructions:

1. Blend strawberries and bananas together until smooth, and heat the coconut oil until melted.
2. Stir the fruity mixture and coconut oil together. The mixture should be thick like a soft ice cream, but if it’s too thick, simply add a splash of water.
3. Add the mixture to paper cups and cover them with cling film.
4. Make a hole in the middle of the cling film with a knife and push a dog biscuit through. This keeps the biscuit upright when freezing.
5. Serve when frozen.

Treat Your Pup, Treat Your Home

We love seeing our local community thrive, both the two-legged and four-legged residents! Making your own dog treats is a fun weekend activity, and your pups will undoubtedly appreciate the extra effort.

If you try any of these recipes, let us know which one your dog loved the most. And as always, if you’re curious about the most pet-friendly neighborhoods in our area, or you’re starting to dream about a home with a bigger backyard for your dog to roam, we’re always here to help you navigate the West Linn and Portland real estate market. No pressure, just friendly, local advice.