Wellness for the Family: Celebrate Pet Appreciation Week with Healthy Treats for Your Furry Friends

As if you need a reason to shower your furry friend with love, June 5-11 is Pet Appreciation Week!

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Shanthi Appelo joined ‘the four’ LIVE to share ways we can celebrate and what snacks are healthy for both US and our pets. Watch the video above to see her tips. Below are her recipes!

PB & Pumpkin Bites – makes ~20 treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• ¼ cup pure pumpkin
• ¼ cup all-natural peanut butter (no xylitol)
• ½ banana

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients until smooth.
3. Fill in oven-safe silicone molds. 
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes. 
5. Store at room temperature for 3-5 days or freeze.

Frozen Smoothie Treats – makes ~15 treats

Ingredients

• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
• ½ ripe banana

Instructions

1. In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients until smooth.
2. Fill in oven-safe silicone molds. 
3. Freeze and serve when fully frozen. Remove from molds and store in a freezer-safe container.

For more wellness tips, tricks, and recipes from Blue Cross Blue Shield dietitian, Shanthi Appelo, .