This is a guest post by Laura Ehrke, CE Writing Instructor.

It’s the middle of blueberry season and, since we’re also in the dog days of summer, what better time to make blueberry ice cream for your dog? If you don’t have a blueberry-picking farm near you, visit your local farmers market for a fresh pint of these blue wonders. Most markets are dog-friendly, so your canine companion can shop with you.

Besides being delicious, blueberries are rich in antioxidants, fiber and vitamins C and K. Even my fussy dog loves them! This easy-to-make recipe also contains banana, for an extra dose of potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and fiber, and plain nonfat yogurt, for probiotics and calcium. Just be sure the yogurt does NOT contain artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is toxic for dogs.

If you follow our blog, you’ll know that I usually write about writing—and this still falls under that category. While working on my cozy mystery series, I develop recipes for dog treats to include in each book. My main character runs a bakery for dogs, while solving the odd murder as an amateur sleuth.

Since we writers tend to write what we know, I draw upon my experience having done the same (sans sleuthing). Also like my protagonist, I have a very finicky Eurasier, who tastes my new creations and is not afraid to tell me if they are less than paw-fect. He is pictured here, testing a sundae recipe from my first book in the Pawtisserie Mysteries series, Three Woofs for the Dead, White and Blue. As you can see, it was a lip-smacking success.

You can create a similar dish for your furry friend, using your dog’s favorite cookie, a scoop of Barking Blueberry Ice Cream, and a dollop of whipped cream. Of course, before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet, you should check with a veterinarian. Some dogs have lactose intolerance, in which case you could substitute a dog-safe, non-dairy milk for the yogurt. For variety, add a spoonful or two of peanut butter for PB&J ice cream.

Bone Appetit!

Barking Blueberry Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 16-Ounce Container Plain, Non-Fat Yogurt (with no artificial sweeteners!)
• 1 Ripe Banana, Peeled and Quartered
• ½ Cup Blueberries

Instructions

1. Pour all three ingredients into blender and blend until fully pureed.
2. Pour into a freezer-safe container, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until solid. Then, scoop and serve. Or, for individual portions, use small paper cups, ice cube trays or silicone molds. Note: you may want to set out briefly to soften before serving.
3. Treat your dog—and yourself—to this frozen blueberry bliss!

About: Laura Ehrke is a published novelist, blogger, marketing specialist and writing coach. Her education includes studying British literature and poetry at Oxford University, a bachelor’s degree in communications from DePaul University and a master’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Chicago, with supplemental graduate coursework in writing at Northwestern University. As an author, Laura has been featured at several events, including Comic Con, Pop Culture Con, the University of Chicago Liberal Arts Panel, NaNoWriMo forums, and library programs. She brings her passion for writing into her courses, inspiring students to have fun while developing their creativity and writing skills.

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