With more individuals returning to an office-based work week or even a flex model, you might find yourself in the boat of people who get home around 6pm and are a little too tired to take your dog on an hour-long walk. We don’t judge. As long as they get out to do their business, there are some days when the extra-long walk just isn’t feasible.

So, what’s one the easiest (aka the best) way to keep their mind working and tucker them out? Leverage some stuffable toys!

Simply pick some puppy-safe foods, layer in a freezer-safe toy, and pop in the freezer overnight. Then, the next day when you get home you can take it out and let your dog go to town! Layered, frozen treats keep their mind activated by forcing them to go after the treat like a puzzle – plus, they’ll be doing scent work with all the layered smells!

Some Examples of Drool-Worthy Freezer Treats

A Howling Good Fruit Bowl

For pups who like the sweeter side, try out this recipe that combines fruits and applesauce.

• ¼ Cup blueberries
• 2 Tbs watermelon
• 2 Tbs banana slices
• 2 Tbs kiwi
• ¼ cup no sugar added applesauce

Chop fruit into small pieces and mix with the apple sauce, if desired, you can also add Greek yogurt or coconut milk for added flavor and fat. Then, insert the mix into a toy and nestle the jerky treats into the bottom. Freeze for at least four hours.

PB & Jerky

No, it’s wouldn’t be our first choice either; but to a dog, peanut butter, bananas, and chicken jerky sound like a flavor-bomb they can’t wait to get their paws on.

• ½ a banana
• 2 Tbs peanut butter
• ¼ cup cooked oats
• 2 pieces of chicken jerky

Set aside the jerky and combine all other ingredients. Insert the mix into a toy and nestle the jerky treats into the bottom. Freeze for at least four hours.

Freezing the mixture with half of a high-value treat sticking out will pique their interest and keep them occupied.

Extra Tips

For easy clean up, store the layered treats in an empty egg carton in the fridge – it will prop them up and keep them from spilling the contents as they set.

Make their treats extra Instagram-worthy by using paw or bowl-shaped silicone molds to make little popsicles out of chicken/beef stock or fruit puree and popping on top of the toy. If you want to get fancy with it you can also use organic fruit powders like beet-dye BUT don’t be alarmed if their #2s look a little funky for the day or two after.

It’s easy to use part of whatever you have for dinner before adding salt or seasoning (and Googling first to make sure all elements are non-toxic if you’re unsure); versus doing a specific grocery order for your pups treats – not that we would judge if you did.

Safe fruits and veggies for dogs include but are not limited to: dragon fruit, melons, apple (without seeds), blueberries, green beans, cucumber, carrots, sweet potato, butternut squash, and tons more!