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When temperatures rise, there’s nothing better than a cool treat—and your dog may appreciate one just as much as you do! 🐶❄️
Frozen dog treats are an easy way to give your pup something refreshing while also making snack time a little more fun. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker or spend hours in the kitchen.
With a few simple, dog-friendly ingredients and a freezer, you can make delicious frozen treats right at home.
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Here are 5 easy frozen dog treat recipes your pup may love.
A quick safety note: Every dog is different. Before introducing a new ingredient, make sure it is appropriate for your dog. Avoid ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, grapes and raisins, xylitol (also called birch sugar), onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts. If your dog has food allergies, dietary restrictions, or a medical condition, check with your veterinarian before trying new treats.
1. Peanut Butter Banana Frozen Bites
If your dog loves peanut butter and bananas, this simple combination can make a tasty frozen snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1/2 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
Directions
- Mash the banana in a bowl.
- Add the peanut butter and yogurt.
- Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into small silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for several hours, or until completely firm.
- Pop one out and let it sit for a minute or two before giving it to your dog.
Tip: Always check the peanut butter label to make sure it does not contain xylitol.
2. Berry Yogurt Pup Pops
Want to add a little fruity flavor to your dog’s frozen snack? These berry pops are simple to make and colorful enough to look adorable.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup strawberries, with the stems removed
Directions
- Wash the fruit thoroughly.
- Mash or blend the berries.
- Combine the fruit with the yogurt.
- Spoon into small molds.
- Freeze until solid.
For smaller dogs, use smaller portions so the treats aren’t unnecessarily large.
3. Pumpkin Yogurt Frozen Bites
Pumpkin isn’t just for fall! These frozen bites are an easy way to turn plain pumpkin into a refreshing snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
Directions
- Mix the pumpkin and yogurt together.
- Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze until firm.
- Remove one treat at a time as needed.
Important: Use plain pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling can contain ingredients that aren’t appropriate for dogs.
4. Watermelon Frozen Dog Treats
Watermelon can make a wonderfully refreshing summertime treat for dogs when served appropriately.
Ingredients
- Seedless watermelon
- A small amount of plain unsweetened yogurt (optional)
Directions
- Remove the rind and any seeds.
- Cut the watermelon into small pieces.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into small molds.
- Freeze until solid.
For a creamy version, mix the watermelon puree with a little plain yogurt before freezing.
Remember: The rind and seeds should not be included in your dog’s treat.
5. Chicken Broth Ice Cubes
Not every frozen dog treat needs to be sweet!
These savory little cubes can be a fun option for dogs who aren’t particularly interested in fruit.
Ingredients
- Plain, low-sodium chicken broth
Directions
- Pour the broth into a small ice cube tray or silicone mold.
- Freeze until solid.
- Remove a cube when you’re ready to give your dog a treat.
Important: Check the ingredient list carefully. Many commercial broths contain onion or garlic, which should not be given to dogs.
You can also freeze plain water with a few pieces of your dog’s favorite dog-safe fruit inside for a simple hydrating treat.
What You’ll Need to Make Frozen Dog Treats
One of the best things about these recipes is that you don’t need much equipment.
A few useful kitchen items can make the process even easier:
Silicone Treat Molds
Small silicone molds make it easy to create appropriately sized frozen treats and pop them out once they’re frozen.
You can even find molds shaped like bones, paws, or other cute designs. 🐾
Ice Cube Trays
Don’t have a silicone mold? No problem!
A regular ice cube tray can work perfectly well. Just keep the size of the cubes appropriate for your dog’s size.
Blender or Food Processor
A blender can make recipes such as watermelon or berry treats especially quick and smooth.
You don’t necessarily need a fancy appliance, though. A fork or potato masher can work for softer ingredients such as bananas.
Freezer-Safe Container
Once your treats are frozen, storing them in an airtight, freezer-safe container can help keep them organized and fresh.
Marigold’s Dogdom Tip: Make a batch of several flavors at once and keep them separated in the freezer. That way, you’ll have a variety of treats ready whenever your pup needs a cool snack!
How Many Frozen Treats Can My Dog Have?
Frozen treats should be considered treats—not a replacement for your dog’s regular, balanced diet.
The appropriate amount depends on your dog’s size, activity level, overall diet, and the ingredients used. Treats can add calories quickly, especially when recipes contain ingredients such as peanut butter or yogurt.
Start with a small portion and see how your dog responds.
If you’re unsure how much is appropriate for your dog, ask your veterinarian for guidance.
How Should I Store Homemade Frozen Dog Treats?
Keep homemade frozen treats in a sealed, freezer-safe container.
It’s also helpful to label the container with the recipe and date you made the treats.
Although freezing helps preserve them, homemade treats don’t necessarily have the same shelf life as commercially prepared products. When in doubt, make smaller batches and use them while they’re fresh.
Final Thoughts
Making frozen treats for your dog doesn’t have to be complicated.
With ingredients such as banana, pumpkin, berries, watermelon, yogurt, and dog-safe broth, you can create simple frozen snacks that make summertime a little more exciting for your pup.
And who knows? Your dog may decide that your homemade frozen treats are the best part of summer. 🐶❤️
The next time you hear those little paws heading toward the kitchen, you might just know exactly what they’re hoping you’ll make!
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Dog Treats
Are frozen treats safe for dogs?
Frozen treats can be safe for dogs when they are made with dog-safe ingredients and served in appropriate portions. Always avoid toxic ingredients and consider your dog’s individual dietary needs.
Can I freeze regular dog treats?
Some dog treats can be frozen, but check the product’s packaging or manufacturer’s recommendations first. You can also use small pieces of your dog’s regular food as an ingredient in some homemade frozen treats.
Can dogs eat frozen fruit?
Some fruits can be safe for dogs in appropriate amounts. However, remove seeds, pits, stems, leaves, and rinds when applicable, and avoid fruits that are toxic to dogs.
Can I use peanut butter in frozen dog treats?
Yes, peanut butter can be used in many homemade dog treats, but always check the ingredient label first. Never use peanut butter containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Can puppies have frozen dog treats?
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and some ingredients may not agree with them. If you’re making homemade treats for a puppy, it’s best to check with your veterinarian about appropriate ingredients and portions.
How long do homemade frozen dog treats last?
Storage time can vary depending on the ingredients and how the treats are stored. Keeping them sealed in a freezer-safe container can help maintain quality. For the best quality and freshness, make smaller batches and use them within a reasonable period rather than storing them indefinitely.
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Disclaimer
This is my personal blog containing content for informational purposes only. The information shared at marigoldsdogdom.com is not intended to diagnose, treat any medical condition or health problems, or replace your veterinarian’s or other pet professional’s advice. The content includes my personal opinions and are not intended to give any advice. The owner of this blog will not be held liable for any inaccuracies or incompleteness of the information shared, or for any damages, injury or loss from use of this information.