6 Simple Summer Snacks For You And Your Dog

As summer approaches, nobody wants to spend a lot of time in a hot kitchen, so what do you do when you want something quick and healthy that you and your dog can share?

Check out our collection of quick and easy dog- and people-friendly recipes that are perfect for picnic outings or cooling down on a hot day.

Grilled Turkey Sliders with Sweet Potato Buns

Sliders

• 1/2 pound (230 gms) ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil

1. Stir together the ground turkey, egg, and parsley.
2. Form small 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick patties.
3. Heat grill to medium and brush grill grate with oil.
4. Grill the patties for about 10 minutes, turning once.
5. Let cool before serving.

Sweet Potato Buns

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) dried rosemary

1. Cut potato into 1/4-inch (2/3 cm) thick slices; toss with oil and rosemary.
2. Place slices on grill and close lid.
3. Cook about 8 minutes per side, until tender.
4. Place sliders on buns and let cool before serving.

Roasted Yellow Summer Squash

• 1 large yellow summer squash, sliced into 1/2-inch thick (1.25 cm) rounds
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped parsley

1. Pre-heat oven to 425° F (220° C).
2. Line sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Arrange squash in a single layer on sheet pan.
4. Roast for 20 minutes or until crisp-tender.
5. Remove and toss with fresh parsley.
6. Let cool before serving.

Picnic Perfect Egg Salad Sandwich

• 2 hard-boiled eggs *
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chopped fresh or dried basil
• 2 slices of bread

1. Mash the eggs.
2. Mix in cottage cheese and basil.
3. Assemble sandwich and cut into 6 servings.

* Tip: Never feed a dog raw eggs. Always make sure they are thoroughly cooked first!

Peanut Butter and Banana Ice Drops

• 1 cup (240 ml) peanut butter
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

1. Line sheet pan with wax paper.
2. Mash and combine peanut butter and banana in a small bowl.
3. Mix in water (this will help with the freezing consistency).
4. Spoon the mixture onto the tray in drops and freeze overnight.
5. Once frozen, store the treats in a bag or container in the freezer.

Strawberry Coconut-Milk Ice Cream

• 28 ounces (830 ml) coconut milk
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) strawberries, washed and dried
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cinnamon

1. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Transfer mixture to a freezer-safe container.
3. Cover and freeze for several hours, until the consistency of ice cream.

Sweet Frozen Fruit Treats

• 1/2 cantaloupe, peeled and seeded
• 1 cup (240 ml) low-fat blueberry yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey

1. Puree cantaloupe in food processor.
2. Mix fruit, yogurt, and honey together.
3. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze.

Tip: Try different fruit/yogurt combinations. Don’t forget to wash all fruits and remove the rinds, inedible skins, seeds and peels before feeding them to your dog!

Dog-friendly fruits include: apples (without seeds), bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, honeydew, huckleberries, kiwis, oranges, pears, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelon.

NOTE! The following fruits can be deadly to dogs. Do not use any of these when making treats for your dog: grapes, persimmons, peaches, plums, or raisins.

Try one of these recipes and show it off on Instagram or Twitter with hashtag #CesarsDogDishes.