Want to treat your dog? You’ll love these six recipes for frozen dog treats!
The dog days of summer are upon us. Your dog always needs access to fresh water, but coming home to a frozen dog popsicle is extra refreshing after a long afternoon of romping in the park. Store-bought popsicles for dogs can be expensive, but homemade ones can come cheap, especially if you already buy fruit in bulk.
These DIY dog popsicle recipes use fresh ingredients that make them an easy and affordable treat you can make in minutes. You’ll just need to let them chill for a few hours, so plan to make them in the morning before you take your dog on their next adventure.
One of the biggest perks about making your own doggie treats is that you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog. Some dog treats can be loaded with preservatives you’d never want to eat, but these frozen dog treat recipes are safe for human consumption.
You can go ahead and make some for you, too, so you and your dog can enjoy snacking together. Just be aware that they won’t be as sweet as treats made for people, since they don’t contain any added sugar or artificial flavors.
While it might be tempting to only think of one or two treats when you consider some frozen goodies for your dog, there are a variety of ways you can treat your dog to a frosty treat on a hot summer day. Here are a few options your pup will love.
If you have fresh or frozen fruit such as blueberries, watermelon, or bananas, you can make your own doggie pops. Other ingredients like yogurt, peanut butter, or oatmeal will add a premium touch, and give your dog nutrients such as protein and fiber.
Below is a list of common human foods dogs can safely eat. Feel free to mix and match to create your own flavors!
👉 If you’re using peanut butter, make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is poisonous for dogs.
It’s also best to use unsweetened peanut butter if possible. If your dog tolerates dairy, you might try to include unsweetened yogurt in some of your recipes because it’s an excellent source of probiotics, which can give their digestion a healthy boost. However, it’s no problem if your dog needs to skip dairy products. You can simply substitute milk or yogurt for unsweetened oat milk.
While there are many safe choices for your pet, never give your dog these dangerous ingredients:
Fruit can be a yummy and colorful ingredient for your popsicles, but make sure to never give your dog any part of the pits or seeds. Apple seeds in particular contain a trace amount of cyanide.
Many ingredients in a DIY frozen dog treat, particularly the ones we’ve listed below, have health benefits for your dog.
Treat your dog to these six frozen dog treats today and find their new favorite!
Is there anything cuter than watching a couple Cavaliers crunch on homemade popsicles? We didn’t think so. These patriotic-colored pops by Herky the Cavalier would make festive Fourth of July treats, but they’re tasty enough for your pup to enjoy anytime you can find watermelon and blueberries.
Watermelon is excellent for your dog because it refreshes them on a hot summer’s day, and keeps them hydrated by supplying them with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. The seeds can obstruct your dog’s GI system, so it’s important to buy seedless watermelons or make sure the seeds are completely removed before blending them into tasty treats.
The blueberries add a pop of color and some extra antioxidants. Also, the American Veterinary Medical Association (Trusted Source) advises everyone to wash fruits and vegetables prior to feeding them to your dog.
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These popsicles will be the first thing on your dog’s mind when they need to chill out after a fun day of play. Blueberry-banana is a popular combination in human and dog fruit snacks, packing in antioxidants and potassium. Peanut butter is a perennial protein-packed favorite amongst puppers.
If your dog can tolerate dairy, we recommend adding some unsweetened probiotic yogurt for tummy support. I made these Berry Banana Blast Freeze Pops from scratch in my kitchen where they were eagerly tested by Tuggles the Maltipoo, my dog and blueberry connoisseur. He fully approved.
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Nothing says summer’s here like banana cream pie. This recipe takes four simple ingredients and combines them into a decadent snack for your pup that could double as dessert for you. You could use yogurt instead of oat milk if you prefer, depending on your dog’s health needs. Just make sure that whatever you choose is unsweetened, as dogs don’t need added sugar.
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These back-to-school themed pops taste like a blended peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the grapes or added sugar, both of which are bad for dogs. On the contrary, these oat & apple pops are very beneficial for your dog because they contain whole grain oats, a heart-healthy source of fiber, and peanut butter, which provides protein. Applesauce is rich in vitamin C, and oat milk is a great choice for dogs who are lactose intolerant.
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Although summer is the supreme popsicle season, the frozen fun doesn’t have to end when fall arrives. As you curl up on your sofa with your long-awaited pumpkin spice latte, give your dog a coffee-free pumpkin spice alternative that’s gentle on their tummies and tasty to their tongues.
Better yet, it’s healthier than a “pup cup” of sugary whipped cream from your local coffee shop, and a safe choice for dogs who don’t do dairy-free. Always check the can of pumpkin carefully to make sure you’re buying pure canned pumpkin, not canned pumpkin pie mix, which can contain harmful sugar and spices.
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Bone broth has a lot of benefits for both humans and dogs. Stock and bone broth are created the same way — in both cases, items are simmered over typically between five and seven hours. From there, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or the freezer for a month. While your bone broth is likely more flavorful and may include other ingredients, for your dog a simple bone broth is a very healthy choice!
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Once cooled to room temperature, pour bone broth into molds (like these cute doggie molds!) and store in the freezer for up to two months.
Making popsicles is a fun and enjoyable way to keep your dog cool and hydrated during the hottest parts of the year, and treat them with healthy snacks year-round. All you need to make dog popsicles is a little bit of free time and some healthy ingredients. You also need something to serve as a popsicle mold, whether that be ice cube trays, silicone baking pans, or popsicle molds made for humans or dogs. You can use 1-cup-sized popsicle molds designed for dogs, or improvise with what you have on hand. You might want to tailor the exact measurements in the recipes around what equipment you use, but the proportions will be the same.
While making homemade frozen dog treats is a great experience for both you and your dog, it’s also important to realize that some treats can be dangerous. Here are a few things to watch out for when creating and providing your dog with DIY dog treats.
While it’s best to consult with your vet before introducing anything new to your dog, typically DIY dog treats, when done carefully and with attention to detail, are a healthy choice for most dogs and a great way to beat the summer heat.
Simply freezing their favorite, prepared fruit or vegetable is a great way to make a quick treat. You can also create bone broth biscuits, pup cups, and popsicles!
Yes, peanut butter freezes, although the denser the container (e.g. a large tub vs a teaspoon glass) the longer it takes. Spread xylitol- free peanut butter in thinner layers to promote faster freezing.
Dog-safe fruits, vegetables, plain yogurts, and even dog-safe bone broth can be frozen in molds to create a tasty treat for dogs to enjoy during hot summer days, or while cuddling with you in the house during the winter. And if you don’t have any fun molds on hand, plain old ice cube trays will work just as well!
