Homemade Wimbledon Dog Treats: Edible Tennis Balls!
|
Game, set, snack!
Wimbledon season is all strawberries, sunshine and pretending we understand the scoring system, so naturally your dog needs their own little centre court moment too.
These edible tennis ball dog treats are fruity, veggie packed and just the right amount of fun. Moulded into mini tennis balls, they might look a bit suspicious going in, but once they’ve set, they come out looking almost like the real thing. Almost...
Made with dog safe fruit, vegetables, yogurt and beef gelatin, they’re an easy homemade dog treat for summer snacking, garden parties and Wimbledon watch-alongs.
Serve them chilled for a soft summer snack, freeze them for a cooling treat, or bring them out when your dog is giving “I would very much like to be included in this garden party” vibes.
Table of contents
Edible tennis ball dog treats
Ingredients
Ball 1: banana and peanut butter
1 ripe banana, mashed
2 tbsp peanut butter, xylitol free
1 tbsp carrot powder
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp beef gelatin powder
Ball 2: carrot and yogurt
1 cup carrots, chopped
3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp beef gelatin powder
Ball 3: mixed berry
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup strawberries, chopped
1 tbsp beef gelatin powder
Ball 4: spinach and tuna
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 small tin tuna in spring water, drained
1 tsp Years plaque guard powder, optional
1 tbsp beef gelatin powder
Method
-
Make each tennis ball mixture separately by mashing or blending the ingredients together.
-
Stir 1 tbsp beef gelatin powder into each flavour.
-
Spoon each mixture into round moulds.
-
Chill in the fridge for around 3 hours, or freeze if you need them to set faster.
- Turn out and serve chilled.
@yearsuk This is a tennis ball your dog can actually eat🎾 comment “tennis” for the recipe card #dogtreats #dogrecipes #dogfood #homemadedogtreats #dogtoy ♬ Rock and Roll Session - Canal Records JP
Why these homemade dog treats are an ace
These little edible tennis balls are fun, but they also bring a nice mix of dog safe fruit, vegetables and protein to your pup’s snack routine.
Banana adds natural sweetness and a soft texture, while xylitol free peanut butter makes the first ball extra tempting for dogs who need a bit of convincing that fruit is not just suspicious plant nonsense.
Carrots are a lovely everyday ingredient for dogs. They bring fibre and a mild sweetness, while plain Greek yogurt helps create a creamy texture. Just stick to plain, unsweetened yogurt and avoid anything flavoured or sweetened.
The mixed berry ball gives your dog a bright, fruity option using raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. These berries are naturally colourful and can be a refreshing choice when served chilled, especially on warmer days.
Then there is the spinach and tuna ball, which is definitely the wildcard of the tournament. It might not win prettiest mixture before setting, but tuna in spring water gives it a savoury smell dogs absolutely love.
Plus, you can add Years plaque guard powder to give each of these brilliant balls a little extra oomph!
Beef gelatin helps the treats hold their shape, giving you that soft, jelly like tennis ball texture without needing to bake anything. Perfect for a low faff summer dog treat.
Serving tips
Serve these treats as an occasional snack, not as a main meal. The right amount will depend on your dog’s size, age, activity level and what else they have eaten that day.
As a general guide:
Smaller dogs may only need a small piece or half a ball
Medium dogs may enjoy one small ball
Larger dogs may be able to have one or two, depending on size
Puppies and sensitive dogs should start with a tiny amount first
You can serve them chilled from the fridge for a softer treat, or lightly frozen for more of a cooling summer snack. If serving from frozen, let them sit for a few minutes first so they are not rock hard.
And yes, your dog may try to play with them before eating them. That is between them and the umpire.
Storage advice
Keep your edible tennis ball dog treats in an airtight container in the fridge and use them within 2 to 3 days.
You can also freeze them for longer storage. Pop them into a freezer-safe container or bag, then defrost slightly before serving. This makes them especially handy for hot days, garden snacks and Wimbledon watch parties where your dog would very much like to be included.
A few dog safe notes before you serve
Always use xylitol free peanut butter, as xylitol is toxic to dogs. Check the label carefully before using it in any homemade dog treat recipe.
Use tuna in spring water rather than brine or oil, and keep tuna-based treats occasional rather than everyday. It is tasty, but it should not become the main event in your dog’s diet.
If your dog is sensitive to dairy, skip the yogurt based versions or only offer a very small amount to see how they get on. New treats are always worth introducing gradually, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
FAQ
Can dogs eat homemade tennis ball treats?
Yes, dogs can eat homemade tennis ball treats when they are made with dog safe ingredients and served in sensible portions. These edible tennis balls use fruit, vegetables, yogurt, tuna and beef gelatin, but they should be treated as occasional snacks rather than a replacement for your dog’s complete food.
Can dogs eat real tennis balls?
No, dogs should not eat real tennis balls. While many dogs love chasing them, tennis balls are not food and can be risky if your dog chews pieces off and swallows them. These edible tennis ball dog treats are simply a fun, dog safe themed alternative made with food ingredients.
Are frozen dog treats good for summer?
Frozen dog treats can be a lovely way to help your dog cool down in summer, especially when made with dog safe ingredients. Just avoid serving them rock solid, particularly for smaller dogs or enthusiastic chewers. Let frozen treats soften slightly before offering them.
Can dogs eat peanut butter in homemade treats?
Dogs can eat peanut butter as long as it is xylitol free. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, so always check the label before using peanut butter in dog treat recipes. Choose a plain peanut butter with no added sweeteners where possible.
How many homemade dog treats can I give my dog?
Homemade dog treats should be given in moderation and counted as part of your dog’s daily treat allowance. A small dog may only need a small piece, while a larger dog may manage a full treat. Keep the majority of your dog’s diet complete, balanced and suited to their individual needs.
