However, shortly after Austin and I got married, our vet found a tumor in Yasha that turned out to be cancerous. She was only 7 years old at that point, and even though they were able to surgically remove most of the tumor, it quickly grew back and continued growing rapidly. The next step in their protocol was to offer her radiation and chemotherapy, but these treatments were not only pricey, they also sounded like a scary experience for us all– so we decided to enjoy the time we had left with our dog (they gave her about 6 months with the rapid growth rate of her tumor) and to change her diet to see if that would help keep her more comfortable.
Well, wouldn’t you know it, the diet change had a profound affect on her health and her tumor stopped growing completely soon after we switched her to a grain-free dehydrated dog food. (We feed her The Honest Kitchen’s Embark formula.) Instead of having 6 months left with our dog, we’ve had another 6 years(!), and we couldn’t be more grateful. I’m especially happy that she’s been around to bond with our son, and I hope she’ll get to meet our newest little one soon, too.
We’ve been pretty diligent about keeping Yasha grain-free, so I thought I’d share one of my favorite 2-ingredient frozen treats that we like to make for her. Since her high-quality food is significantly more expensive than the dry kibble we used to feed her, making her healthier treats at home are an easy way to save money while ensuring I know what ingredients are going into her little body. (We also save money by having fewer trips the vet… which she appreciates, too.)
I hope your own furry friends might enjoy them, as well! — 2-Ingredient Frozen Dog Treats Makes 12 small treats Ingredients: 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup unsalted & unsweetened peanut butter 1/2 cup of water, or more as needed to blend Directions: Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth. If your batter seems too thick to pour out of the blender, add more water 1/4 cup at a time– if your dog loves ice as much as mine does, it doesn’t really matter if the flavor gets diluted a bit. (The icier the treat, the longer it lasts, too!)
Arrange a silicone mold like this one onto a sturdy baking sheet and pour the batter into each crevice, making about a dozen treats. (It’s important that the silicone mold is on a sturdy baking sheet BEFORE pouring the batter into the mold, as the silicone is very flexible and could cause the batter to spill when you transfer it to the freezer.) Freeze until firm, about 2 hours, then pop the little treats out of the mold and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months. These treats can clearly be customized as you see fit, and would also be a great way to sneak any supplements into their diet. (We give our dog a cranberry supplement to help with urinary tract health, so sometimes I’ll add that in, too.) Note: Certain nuts are not recommended for dogs due to their high fat content and other properties. If making substitutions, be sure to research if another nut is safe for your dog to ingest. I’ve heard that there are concerns around almonds, walnuts, pistachios and macadamia nuts, among others. If you’d like a lower-fat treat for your pup, double the banana in this recipe so it will stretch further! I’ve totally been tempted to pour this batter into the mini popsicle molds we use for my son, too. They are just as human-friendly as they are pet-friendly! — Reader Feedback: Do you make any homemade treats for the pets in your home?
