Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, making it the perfect time to spoil your dog with treats and gifts just for them. Keep reading for some inspo to make the day extra special for your furry friend.
DOG TREAT IDEAS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
One way to get to your dog’s heart? Through treats! Homemade dog treats don’t have to be complicated, and it’s a great way to use ingredients you know they already love (and that are approved by your vet). Here are some ideas that you can whip up either before or on Valentine’s Day.
Tip: If you’re making treats ahead of time, refrigerate them to maintain their freshness.
PEANUT BUTTER BANANA HEART BITES
For this recipe, you’ll need one ripe banana, one half cup of plain oats, and two tablespoons of natural peanut butter (without added sugar or xylitol). Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the oats and peanut butter until fully combined, and a thick batter forms. Scoop small portions onto a lined baking sheet and gently shape into hearts for a festive touch. Bake at 350° Fahrenheit for about 12-14 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden and it looks set. Let them cool completely before serving.
BEET AND BANANA PUPCAKES
Naturally pink from beets, these pupcakes are both festive and nutritious. You will need one small, cooked, peeled, and mashed beet, one ripe banana, and one cup of oat flour. Mash the beet and banana together until smooth, then stir in the oat flour until a thick batter forms. If the batter feels overly wet, add one to two tablespoons more oat flour. Spoon into silicone molds or mini muffin cups and bake at 350° Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 minutes, or until set and lightly firm on top. Allow to cool completely before serving.
STRAWBERRY YOGURT FROZEN CUBES
The red from the strawberries can make this refreshing treat on-theme and nutritious! All you’ll need is one cup of unsweetened yogurt (plain Greek yogurt is also a great option) and a few strawberries, finely chopped. Mix the ingredients in a bowl before spooning the mixture into a silicone mold or ice cube tray. Freeze until solid and offer your pup this fun treat that’s full of probiotics and high in calcium and protein.
DOG GIFT IDEAS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
Looking for that special gift to give your dog on Valentine’s Day? Here are some ideas:
QUALITY TIME
Setting aside uninterrupted, quality time to focus on your dog is one of the best gifts you can give them. Dedicating time to extra cuddles, playtime, or a longer walk can make Valentine’s Day extra special.
VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT BASKET
Does your pup need some new toys and accessories? Valentine’s Day can be a great excuse for some cute options! In a basket, combine a new toy, their favorite treats, and a heart-patterned bandana to make the day feel extra special. You have total creative freedom to curate something they’ll love.
A DOGGY SPA DAY AT HOME
Turn Valentine’s Day into a day of pampering! If your dog is a fan of a spa day, a bubble bath with dog-safe shampoo, gentle brushing, and a mani/pedi (aka nail trim) can be a relaxing experience, especially since dog baths can help ease any muscle tension and reduce skin irritation thanks to the soothing massage-like motions.
Check out our Dogtopia Shop spa page to see if there are any new products you may want to try, such as our blueberry facial scrub or our natural bristle brush.
TREAT PUZZLES & SNUFFLE MAT
Who doesn’t love some extra treats on Valentine’s Day? With an interactive treat puzzle, a snuffle mat, or a lick mat, sprinkling your dog’s favorite goodies on these enrichment tools gives them a fun way to work for their treats. Not only does it provide mental stimulation that can boost problem-solving skills and reduce boredom, but it also lets your pup indulge in a little extra love. It’s a win-win!
BRING YOUR DOG TO DOGTOPIA DAYCARE FOR FUN WITH FRIENDS
Valentine’s Day can be even more fun when it’s spent with friends! Drop your pup off at Dogtopia daycare for a day filled with fun and play. Your dog will have the chance to socialize, learn, exercise, and enjoy a tail-wagging good time. Many of our locations also plan festive activities and special treat days to celebrate the occasion, so be sure to ask your local Dogtopia about their Valentine’s Day plans!
Dogtopia boarding can also be a great option if you have Valentine’s Day plans of your own, as you can have peace of mind knowing that your dog is being expertly cared for overnight. Find a Dogtopia location near you to book their visit!
(Photo courtesy of instagram.com/dogtopiaofgilbert/)
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