Arizona summer requires strategy.
Shade. Cold floors. Plenty of water. And, occasionally, something frozen.
These little Blueberry Summer Pup Cups are one of my favorite warm-weather treats because they are simple, refreshing and appropriately tiny-dog sized — the same spirit as Luxury Desert Life: How to Sizzle Without Burning.
The most important word there is tiny. Treats are treats — not dinner.
What You'll Need
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- A few extra blueberries for topping
Make sure the yogurt is plain and unsweetened and does not contain xylitol or other added sweeteners.
How to Make Them
1. Blend
Add the blueberries, yogurt and water to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Portion
Pour the mixture into a small silicone ice cube mold. For tiny dogs, use very small portions rather than full-size frozen treats.
3. Add the finishing touch
Place one small blueberry on top of each cup. Naturally, presentation matters.
4. Freeze
Freeze for approximately 3–4 hours, or until completely firm.
5. Serve
Remove one little pup cup and allow it to soften slightly before serving. Then prepare to be watched very intensely until a second one appears.
The Umka Presentation
I prefer mine served in a tiny bowl. Preferably chilled. Preferably while lounging somewhere comfortable. Preferably delivered personally.
Standards are standards.
For an extra summer touch, you can also make the mixture slightly thinner and serve a spoonful unfrozen as a cool blueberry yogurt snack.
Tiny-Dog Portion Control
Small dogs do not need large treats.
For a very small dog, a teaspoon-sized portion can be plenty. Introduce new foods gradually, and if your dog has allergies, digestive sensitivities or a prescribed diet, check with your veterinarian before adding something new.
And remember: summer treats never replace fresh drinking water.
Why I Love This Recipe
It looks pretty. It takes minutes to prepare. It stores easily in the freezer.
And most importantly, it makes an ordinary summer afternoon feel like an occasion. Which is really the Umka philosophy about everything.
You do not need a special reason to make life a little more beautiful. Sometimes all you need is a tiny dog, a sunny afternoon and a blueberry pup cup.
Umka's Rating: ★★★★★
Would absolutely stare at the freezer until another one appears.
THE UMKA EDIT — Life, travel and beautiful things, for exceptionally small dogs.
Small Dog. Big Influence.