15 Dog Friendly Summer Smoothies

When the summer heat kicks in, you probably reach for a refreshing smoothie to cool down. But did you know that your furry baby can share in on this little joy? Now, I’m not suggesting that you pour some of your own into your dog’s bowl. That can be risky because, as I’m sure you know, not all foods that humans consume are good for our canine companions. But there are tones of dog-friendly summer smoothies that you can blitz up for your pet in a matter of minutes and make sure they have something cooling and delicious to slurp on as well. 

In this article, I tell you all about homemade dog smoothies—benefits, choosing the right ingredients, and of course, some irresistible canine smoothie recipes. Let’s get started, shall we?

Benefits of Summer Smoothies for Dogs

Dog-friendly summer smoothies not only make for a tasty and fun treat that your pet will love to gorge on, especially on those sweltering days, but when you pick the ingredients wisely, they can also offer a ton of health benefits. Here are the key benefits of these nutritious summer drinks for dogs: 

1. Keeps your dog hydrated

Just like you, your dog needs extra hydration in the summer. “Dogs can get dehydrated quickly in hot weather, and adding moisture-rich foods to their diet can help keep them cool and refreshed,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a veterinary nutritionist. While water is essential, a smoothie packed with hydrating ingredients like watermelon, cucumber, and coconut water can give them an extra boost.

2. Provides essential nutrients

A well-made dog smoothie isn’t just a treat—it’s a nutritional powerhouse! Dog smoothie ingredients like blueberries and bananas provide essential micronutrients like vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health. Likewise, adding leafy greens like spinach can also give your pup a boost of iron and vitamins A, C, and K.

3. Supports healthy digestion

If your dog ever deals with tummy troubles, homemade dog smoothies with probiotics and fiber-rich ingredients can work wonders. “Plain yogurt or kefir can introduce beneficial probiotics into your dog’s gut, supporting digestion and reducing the risk of an upset stomach,” explains canine nutritionist Lisa Hamilton, “Pair that with fiber-rich pumpkin or chia seeds, and you have a gut-friendly, delicious treat.”

4. Aids in cooling down

Ever notice your dog panting excessively in the heat? That’s because dogs, unlike us, do not have sweat glands. “Dogs regulate their temperature differently than humans, mostly through panting,” says Dr. Carter. This makes regulating body temperature in heat that much harder for your furry baby. 

A cold smoothie can be a great way to help them cool down from the inside out. “A chilled or frozen smoothie helps lower their body temperature while providing essential hydration,” she adds. 

5. Boosts immunity

Your pet’s immune system needs support all year round, and dog-friendly summer smoothies can be a tasty way to provide it. “Fruits like strawberries and mangoes are packed with vitamin C, which can help boost immunity and keep your dog feeling their best,” says Dr. Carter. 

6. Encourages picky eaters to eat more

If you have a picky eater, you’d know how hard it is to get them to show any interest in their meals, especially on hot days. Smoothies are a novel way to entice them to consume nutritious foods.

“Some dogs refuse to eat certain foods, but blending them into a tasty smoothie can make them more appealing. Adding a bit of peanut butter or bone broth can make the smoothie even more enticing,” says Hamilton. 

7. Promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin

Does your dog suffer from dry skin or a dull coat? They can benefit from Omega-3-rich food in their diet. “Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds and fish oil help reduce skin irritation and promote a glossy coat,” explains Dr. Carter. Given the versatility of smoothies, you can easily find healthy dog drink recipes that allow you to incorporate ingredients like flaxseeds, fish oil, and coconut oil.

8. Helps with weight management

Smoothies are a great low-calorie, nutritious alternative to store-bought treats, making them ideal for puppers who need to watch their weight. “Many commercial treats are high in fat and unnecessary fillers,” says Dr. Carter, “A smoothie made with low-calorie, high-fiber ingredients like berries and veggies can satisfy your dog’s cravings without adding extra pounds.”

How to Select Dog-Safe Ingredients for Smoothies

DIY dog beverages for summer can be a great seasonal addition to your pet’s diet as long as you’re mindful of what goes in them. Not all foods are safe for dogs, some can even prove to be lethal even in small quantities, so picking the ingredients carefully is non-negotiable. Here are some things you need to keep in mind when choosing ingredients for dog-friendly summer smoothies: 

1. Stick to dog-friendly fruits

Fruits are a great way to add natural sweetness, fiber, and essential vitamins to your dog’s smoothie. But not all fruits are safe!

Safe fruits for dogs

• Bananas – High in potassium and fiber, great for digestion
• Blueberries – Packed with antioxidants, great for brain and immune health
• Strawberries – Rich in vitamin C, helps with immunity and skin health
• Watermelon – Hydrating and low in calories
• Mango – Full of vitamins A, C, and E
• Apples – High in fiber and vitamin C
• Pineapple – Contains digestive enzymes and vitamin C

Fruits to avoid

• Grapes & raisins – Highly toxic; can cause kidney failure even in small quantities
• Cherries – The pits contain cyanide, which is dangerous for dogs
• Avocado – Contains persin, which can be harmful in large amounts

Pro Tip: Always remove seeds, cores, and pits from fruits to prevent choking and toxicity.

Suggested Reading: 8 Best Dog Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

2. Choose dog-safe vegetables

If you’re looking to whip up nutritious summer drinks for dogs, veggies can be your go-to ingredient. They add extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your pup’s smoothie without unnecessary sugar. But are they all safe? No. Here are the ones to pick and ones to steer clear of: 

Safe veggies for dogs

• Carrots – High in beta-carotene, great for eyesight
• Spinach – Packed with iron and vitamins, great when given in small quantities
• Kale – Full of antioxidants but should be fed sparingly
• Pumpkin – Excellent for digestion and gut health
• Cucumber – Super hydrating and low in calories
• Sweet potatoes – Rich in fiber and vitamin A

Veggies to avoid

• Onions & garlic – Toxic to dogs; can cause anemia
• Raw potatoes – Contain solanine, which is harmful to dogs

Pro Tip: Lightly steaming leafy greens can make them easier for dogs to digest

3. Pick a healthy liquid base

To keep the smoothie blendable and hydrating, you’ll need a liquid base. Here are my top picks for making easy homemade smoothies for canine hydration: 

Safe liquid options

• Water – The simplest and safest choice
• Unsweetened coconut water – Hydrating and full of electrolytes
• Plain, unsweetened yogurt – Adds probiotics for gut health
• Low-Sodium bone broth – Boosts flavor and adds joint-supporting nutrients

Liquids to avoid

• Milk & cream – Many dogs are lactose intolerant and these ingredients can cause digestive upset
• Store-bought juices – These often contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners 

4. Add superfoods for extra health benefits

Want to give your dog’s smoothie an extra nutritional boost? Try these safe add-ins!

Healthy superfoods

• Chia seeds – Packed with omega-3s and fiber for a healthy coat and digestion
• Flaxseeds – Great for skin health and anti-inflammatory properties
• Turmeric – Natural anti-inflammatory for joints; great in small amounts
• Peanut Butter – A tasty protein source; always use an unsalted, xylitol-free variant 
• Coconut Oil – Helps with digestion and promotes a shiny coat

Avoid these add-ins

• Artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol) – Highly toxic to dogs
• Excessive sugar or honey – Can contribute to obesity and diabetes

Suggested Reading: 10 Slow Cooker Dog Food Recipes for Busy Parents

5. Watch portion sizes

Even if you’re making the most nutritious summer drinks for dogs, moderation is key. Overfeeding these in addition to their usual meals can lead to weight gain and also cause digestive distress. Limit the consumption to a few ounces, depending on your pet’s size. If you’re not sure how much or how often you can feed these smoothies to your pet, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet or a canine nutritionist. 

Serving suggestions

To help you get started, here are some board guidelines on the quantity:

• Small dogs: 1–2 tablespoons
• Medium dogs: ¼ cup
• Large dogs: ½ cup
• Giant dogs: 1 cup

15 Dog Friendly Summer Smoothies

Now, let’s get down to business and talk about how to make delicious, dog-safe smoothies that are packed with hydration, nutrients, and cooling ingredients. Here are my top picks for healthy dog drink recipes that are ideal for hot summer days. 

How to make dog-friendly smoothies for summer 

The process of making these DIY dog beverages for summer is pretty straightforward and remains the same, no matter what ingredients you’re working with, so I’ll just put it out here for you: blend all the ingredients together until smooth, using a blender or food processor. If the mixture is too thick, add more water or coconut water till you get the desired consistency. 

Serve immediately in a bowl or pour onto a lick mat. You can even freeze these in ice cube trays to serve these as refreshing frozen treats! Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s explore some great ingredient combinations to prepare delicious and nutritious summer drinks for dogs.

1. Banana berry boost

This is one of the best fruit smoothies for dogs packed with flavor and nutrients. 

• 1 ripe banana
• ¼ cup blueberries
• ¼ cup plain unsweetened yogurt
• ½ cup water

Great for: Antioxidants, digestion, and gut health

Suggested Reading: Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit?

2. Watermelon refresher

If you’re looking for easy homemade smoothies for canine hydration, here is one you just cannot go wrong with. Be it watermelon, cucumber, or coconut water, all the ingredients in this smoothie are hydration powerhouses, and they come together beautiful to yield a decadent drink for your furry baby. 

• ½ cup seedless watermelon
• ¼ cup cucumber (peeled)
• ½ cup coconut water

Great for: Hydration and cooling down

3. Tropical sunshine smoothie

Want to make a sweet treat for your pooch without having to worry about the harmful effects of processed sugar or artificial sweeteners? I’ve got just the one for you. Whether you’re looking for flavor or nutrition or both, this is one of the best fruit smoothies for dogs. 

• ¼ cup pineapple (no core)
• ¼ cup mango (peeled, no pit)
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk

Great for: Immunity and skin health

Suggested Reading: 10 Healthy Snacks You Can Share with Your Dog

4. Peanut butter power blend

I think this is one of the most classic canine smoothie recipes made with all the ingredients dogs love. Your pupper just won’t be able to get enough of this

• 1 tablespoon unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 ripe banana
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• ½ cup water

Great for: Energy and protein boost

5. Pumpkin spice delight

Give your DIY dog beverages for summer a healthy and tasty twist by working with ingredients like pumpkin and kefir. It’s unusual, sure, but it is also creamy and delicious. 

• ¼ cup canned plain pumpkin (no spices)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ cup unsweetened kefir
• ½ cup water

Great for: Digestion and inflammation support

6. Berry coconut cooler

Combine the goodness of berries with the hydrating power of coconut water with this dog smoothie recipe. 

• ¼ cup strawberries
• ¼ cup blueberries
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut water

Great for: Antioxidants and hydration

7. Sweet potato surprise

Dogs love a helping of sweet potato and it’s a great choice for satiating their sweet tooth with a healthy dose of fiber on the side. While you can always serve sweet potato in mashed form, why not elevate the experience by incorporating it into a smoothie and preparing one of the most nutritious summer drinks for dogs? 

• ¼ cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
• ½ teaspoon ground flaxseeds
• ½ cup bone broth

Great for: Joint health and fiber boost

8. Apple crunch smoothie

Let your dog cool down after a hot day with the crunchy goodness of apples and carrots served in blended form. 

• ¼ cup apple (no seeds or core)
• ¼ cup carrots
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

Great for: Vitamin A and fiber

9. Cucumber melon chiller

Of all the homemade dog smoothies I’ve tried my hands at, this one is a raging favorite with my dog, who (surprise, surprise) does not like watermelon. So, I experimented with cantaloupe instead and the result was a sure hit. Give it a try with your pet too, I’m sure they’ll lick it to the last drop.  

• ¼ cup cantaloupe
• ¼ cup cucumber
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk

Great for: Hydration and cooling properties

10. Blueberry oat energy shake

If you’re looking for dog-friendly summer smoothies that are not only nutritious but also filling, give this a try. A perfect pick for picky eaters.  

• ¼ cup blueberries
• 1 tablespoon plain oats
• ½ cup plain yogurt

Great for: Sustained energy and gut health

11. Spinach super smoothie

The great thing about canine smoothie recipes is that you don’t have to stay in earmarked lanes of either fruits or vegetables. There is a lot of room to play around and experiment. This spinach and banana combination is the result of one such experiment, and based on my pet’s reaction, it’s a total banger. 

• ¼ cup spinach
• ¼ cup banana
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut water

Great for: Iron and essential vitamins

12. Golden turmeric smoothie

Love yourself some golden latte? Well, share this joy with your pet, with a twist, by serving them this golden summer drink.

• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened coconut oil
• ½ cup bone broth

Great for: Inflammation and immune support

13. Carrot mango fusion

Blend the goodness of carrots with the richness of mangoes to prepare this layered smoothie, abounding in flavor, texture, and nutrients.  

• ¼ cup mango
• ¼ cup carrots
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk

Great for: Eye health and skin support

Here’s a twist to this recipe:

14. Strawberry banana swirl

A sweet and tangy summer treat for the very good boy/girl who needs some cooling down after a day in the sun. 

• ¼ cup strawberries
• ¼ cup banana
• ½ cup unsweetened kefir

Great for: Digestive health and vitamin C boost

15. Protein-packed pumpkin shake

Yup, your dog can enjoy a helping of protein shake too, and you can prepare it from scratch, in a matter of minutes. This healthy dog drink recipe is proof. 

• ¼ cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup low-sodium bone broth

Great for: Muscle recovery and digestion

FAQs 

1. Can I use dairy products in my dog’s smoothies?

Yes, but with caution! Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which can cause stomach upset, gas, or diarrhea. If your dog tolerates dairy, opt for plain, unsweetened varieties in small amounts.

Safe options

• Plain yogurt 
• Low-fat cottage cheese

 Avoid

• Milk and cream 
• Flavored or sweetened dairy 

If unsure, start with a tiny amount and monitor your dog for any digestive issues.

2. Are there any fruits I should avoid in dog smoothies?

Yes, some fruits are toxic to dogs and should never be included in smoothies.

Fruits to avoid

• Grapes & raisins – Can cause kidney failure
• Cherries – Pits contain cyanide, and the fruit can cause digestive upset
• Avocado – Contains persin, which may be harmful in large amounts
• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes) – Can cause stomach upset due to acidity

Stick to safe fruits like bananas, blueberries, watermelon, and apples. Always remove pits, seeds, and skins that may be unsafe.

3. How often can I give my dog these smoothies?

Smoothies should be an occasional treat, not a daily diet replacement.

General guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1–2 tablespoons, 2–3 times a week
• Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): ¼ cup, 2–3 times a week
• Large dogs (50+ lbs): ½ cup, up to 3 times a week

Avoid overfeeding! Too much fruit can lead to weight gain or digestive upset. Always adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s activity level and overall diet.

Final Thoughts

Summer smoothies are a fun way to spoil your pup sans guilt because they come loaded with health benefits too—keeping them hydrated and healthy on some of the harshest days of the year. Just be sure to stick to dog-safe ingredients, start small, and see how your pet responds.