I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up homemade treats for my golden retriever, Bailey. After one sniff of those watermelon and coconut gummies, he sat at attention like I’d uncovered the secret to eternal dog happiness! Let me tell you, there’s something magical about watching your pup’s tail go wild over something you made with your own two hands.
These watermelon and coconut gummies became our summer staple – the perfect way to sneak extra hydration into Bailey during those scorching afternoon walks. Unlike store-bought treats packed with mystery ingredients, these gummies contain just four simple things: juicy watermelon, creamy coconut milk, gelatin for that satisfying chew, and a touch of honey (which I sometimes skip if we’ve got canine visitors watching their sugar intake).
What I love most? Watching Bailey’s “serious snack face” as he carefully nibbles each gummy. He gets the cooling benefits of watermelon while I get peace of mind knowing exactly what’s into his belly. Trust me, once you see your dog’s reaction to these homemade goodies, you’ll be hooked too!
Why Your Dog Will Love These Watermelon and Coconut Gummies
Let me count the ways these gummies will make your pup’s tail wag:
- Super hydrating: Watermelon is 92% water – perfect for hot days or active dogs who forget to drink enough
- Cooling relief: That juicy watermelon naturally helps regulate body temperature (Bailey pants way less after his gummy snack!)
- Gentle on tummies: Coconut milk soothes digestion while adding healthy fats for a shiny coat
- No weird additives: Just real food you can pronounce – no artificial flavors or preservatives
- Fun texture: The gelatin gives that satisfying chew dogs go crazy for (but won’t stick to teeth like some treats)
The best part? Watching your dog get that “is this really for me?!” look when you pull these out of the fridge!
Ingredients for Watermelon and Coconut Gummies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these tail-wagging treats:
- 1 cup seedless watermelon juice (strained – save those pulp bits for smoothies!)
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (the canned kind gives the creamiest texture)
- 2 tbsp unflavored gelatin (this is what gives that perfect gummy bounce)
- 1 tbsp raw honey (optional – Bailey loves it but I skip it for his diabetic buddy Max)
That’s it! Four simple ingredients hiding in your fridge and pantry right now.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Doggy dietary needs? No problem! Here’s how to adapt:
- For diabetic dogs: Simply leave out the honey – the watermelon provides natural sweetness
- Vegan option: Swap gelatin for 1 tbsp agar agar powder (note: texture will be slightly firmer)
- Coconut-free: Use unsweetened almond milk instead (but you’ll lose some of that creaminess)
- Extra boost: Stir in 1 tsp chia seeds after mixing for added omega-3s
The beauty of this recipe? It’s flexible enough to suit nearly every pup’s needs!
How to Make Watermelon and Coconut Gummies for Dogs
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these gummies is easier than teaching a puppy to sit (well, almost). Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Juice that watermelon: Toss seedless chunks in the blender until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve. Pro tip – press the pulp with a spoon to get every last drop of that pink juice!
- Warm the coconut milk: Heat it gently in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. You want it warm enough to dissolve gelatin, but never boiling – that would destroy the nutrients.
- Bloom the gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin over the warm coconut milk and let it sit for 1 minute (this prevents clumps!). Then whisk like you’re trying to impress a food critic until completely dissolved.
- Bring it all together: Stir in the watermelon juice and honey (if using). The mixture should look like a tropical sunset – all creamy pink perfection!
- Mold time! Pour into silicone molds (I use bone-shaped ones because, duh). Tap the molds firmly on the counter to release any sneaky air bubbles.
- Chill out: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The waiting is the hardest part – Bailey always stares at the fridge like it’s withholding state secrets!
Pro Tips for Perfect Gummies
After making hundreds of these (no joke), here’s what I’ve learned:
- If your mixture starts thickening too fast before pouring, just warm it gently while stirring – it’ll loosen right up
- Can’t find silicone molds? Use an ice cube tray, but spray lightly with coconut oil first
- For extra-fancy pups, dust the finished gummies with shredded coconut before serving
- Leftover mixture? Pour it into a shallow dish and cut into squares after setting
Remember – dogs don’t care about perfect shapes, just delicious flavors!
Storing and Serving Suggestions
These watermelon coconut gummies keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days – though Bailey usually helps me “test” them much sooner! I love giving one as a post-walk reward or mixing a few pieces into his kibble for a special breakfast surprise. For smaller pups, I’ll cut them in half. Just watch those puppy eyes light up when they hear the fridge door open – they know what’s coming!
Nutritional Information
Just like my grandma used to say, “Good food tells its own story!” These watermelon and coconut gummies pack wholesome nutrition in every bite. Each little treat contains about 15 calories with just 1g of natural sugar from the fruit. They’re low-fat (only 0.5g per gummy) but deliver a nice protein boost (1g) from the gelatin. Of course, these are estimates – your pup’s actual portion size may vary depending on how big you cut them! Remember, these are treats, not meal replacements, so I keep Bailey’s snacking to 2-3 gummies per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can puppies eat these watermelon coconut gummies?
Absolutely! These gummies are puppy-approved, but I recommend cutting them into smaller pieces for tiny mouths. Just like with adult dogs, treats should only make up 10% of their daily calories – so maybe start with half a gummy and see how they like it!
Q2. How often can I give these to my dog?
I stick to the 90/10 rule with Bailey – 90% of his diet is balanced dog food, and 10% can be treats like these gummies. For an average-sized dog, that means 2-3 gummies per day max. They’re healthy, but we don’t want to spoil dinner!
Q3. My dog has allergies – are these safe?
Since every dog is different, I always recommend checking with your vet first. The great thing about homemade treats is you control the ingredients – no mystery allergens! If your pup reacts to coconut, you can try almond milk instead (just watch for nut allergies).
Q4. Can I freeze these gummies for longer storage?
You bet! They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. I pop them in a freezer bag with parchment between layers. Thaw in the fridge overnight or give as a refreshing frozen treat on hot days (Bailey goes nuts for these “pupsicles”).
Irresistible Watermelon and Coconut Gummies for Dogs – 4 Ingredients
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 mins (includes setting time)
- Yield: 20 small gummies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy homemade gummies for dogs made with watermelon and coconut.
Ingredients
- 1 cup watermelon juice (seedless)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp gelatin
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Blend watermelon chunks to extract juice. Strain to remove pulp.
- Heat coconut milk gently in a saucepan (do not boil).
- Sprinkle gelatin over warm coconut milk, whisk until dissolved.
- Stir in watermelon juice and honey if using.
- Pour mixture into silicone molds and refrigerate for 2+ hours.
- Pop out gummies and store in airtight container.
Notes
- Use ripe seedless watermelon
- Skip honey for diabetic dogs
- Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Treats
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Pet Food