Frozen chicken treats are perfect right now

Most of the country is baking hot right now; other than perhaps Seattle. As my dogs were flat on the tile floor in front of the fans today I decided to make one of their favorite hot weather treats.

You’ll need a muffin tin, to hold either six or twelve muffins. You will also need some paper liners, some shredded cooked chicken, and water.  Place a paper liner in each hole of the muffin tin. Divide the chicken into six or twelve portions and place it in the liners. (I’m not giving you any set amount because it doesn’t really matter as long as there is some for each treat.) Then cover the chicken with water and place the muffin tin in the freezer.

When the treats are frozen, pop them out of the muffin tin, peel off the paper and give them to your dog. I give them outside because they can be messy.

To make a variation of this treat, I have often added bits of grated carrot, apple slices, or blueberries. A word of warning, though, if you add blueberries the treats will really be messy so be prepared.

I always make these with chicken because I cook it a lot for me and there are usually leftovers. However I don’t see any reason why you can’t use other meats.

Now Xena, the Warrior Cat also likes these treats so I have use a miniature muffin tin for her. Although she likes chicken and often tries to swipe some of the dogs’ treats, when I make hers I often use a little tuna. I don’t give it to her for meals so it’s a special treat when she gets some.

Top: Ready for the freezer.

Bottom: Riker enjoying his treat.

Photos by Liz Palika

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