How to Make Frozen Dog Treats at Home

Many dogs enjoy sharing frozen treats with their owners, but ice cream isn’t always the best option. Because most ice cream is made with milk and cream, its lactose can cause stomach upset, gas or diarrhea in sensitive dogs, and the sugar can contribute to weight gain.

Fortunately, there are plenty of dog-friendly frozen treats that cool dogs down without the drawbacks of traditional ice cream. Whether you’re relaxing at home, enjoying a family picnic, or spending the day at the beach, these frozen recipes can help your dog stay cool and satisfied. As with all treats, feed them in moderation and adjust your dog’s daily calories accordingly.

Make Frozen Broth Treats Your Dog Will Love

Almost any dog-safe liquid can become a refreshing frozen snack. Simply pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze. Consider your dog’s taste preferences and try flavorful options like no-salt-added beef or chicken broth.

For an extra-special treat, hide a surprise inside each cube:

1. Fill the ice cube tray halfway with liquid and freeze.
2. Once frozen, place a small treat like a blueberry or piece of freeze-dried liver in the center of each cube.
3. Add the remaining liquid and freeze again.

You can also freeze broth inside a hollow rubber dog toy. Plug all but one opening with a hard dog biscuit or dog-safe peanut butter. Then, pour in the broth and freeze the toy upright. The frozen toy can help cool your dog on a hot day and provide mental stimulation as your dog works to reach every last bit of flavor.

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Blend Fruit and Yogurt Into a Soft-Serve Treat

For an ice cream alternative with a similar texture, try blending frozen fruit with plain yogurt. Watermelon and cantaloupe chunks are popular choices. Be sure to remove the rind and any seeds before preparing the fruit.

To make the soft-serve yogurt:

1. Cut the fruit into bite-size chunks.
2. Spread out the pieces on a baking sheet or in a freezer bag to prevent clumping and freeze for at least four hours.
3. Once frozen, combine about 2 cups of fruit with ¼ cup of plain yogurt in a blender or food processor.
4. Blend until smooth, adjusting the ratio until you achieve the desired consistency.

Serve the mixture a dog bowl, spoon it over your dog’s food, or stuff in into a hollow rubber toy, and serve right away. For a longer-lasting challenge, freeze the stuffed toy again before serving.

Although yogurt is a dairy product, many dogs tolerate it better than ice cream. Plain yogurt also contains beneficial bacterial cultures that support digestive health. Be sure to choose yogurt without no added fruits, flavors, or sweeteners. Carefully check labels to ensure the product doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

If your dog is sensitive to yogurt, consider lactose-free dairy yogurt or a dog-safe plant-based alternative. Coconut milk can also help thin out recipes when needed, but always read ingredient labels carefully.

Create Dog-Friendly ‘Popsicles’

Frozen smoothie pops are another fun way to help dogs cool off. Bananas make an ideal base because they blend easily and create a creamy texture. Slice and freeze several bananas, then blend them with a few spoonfuls of plain yogurt in a food processor until smooth.

Once you’ve created the base, customize it with dog-safe mix-ins. Try strawberries and blueberries for a colorful fruity treat or pumpkin puree for extra richness. Pour the mixture into ice pop molds or paper cups and freeze until solid.

To remove the frozen treats, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes or briefly run warm water over the molds. If using paper cups, peel away the paper before serving. If you have a toy breed, try using smaller cups for appropriately sized portions.

Avoid wooden popsicle sticks because they can be a choking hazard. Instead, try a dog-safe handle, such as:

• Bone-shaped dog biscuits
• Salmon skin treats
• Bully sticks or other edible chews
• A sturdy nylon chew bone (a non-edible option)

A handle gives your dog something to hold and can extend the fun after their frozen treat is gone.

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Add Peanut Butter for a Richer Frozen Treat

Peanut butter can help create a thick, creamy texture that closely resembles ice cream. Choose unsalted, no-sugar-added varieties, and always verify that the product doesn’t contain xylitol.

Blend a small amount of peanut butter with plain yogurt, fruit, or mashed bananas to add flavor and density. If the peanut butter is too thick to blend smoothly, warm it slightly or add a small amount of broth.

For a simple layered frozen treat:

1. Spread peanut butter into bottom of ice cube trays, molds, or paper cups.
2. Add a top layer of yogurt or broth, then freeze.
3. Once frozen, remove the treats from the mold and serve.

Silicone baking molds can make these treats even more fun. Shapes like dog bones or dinosaurs create snacks that are just as entertaining as they’re refreshing. The peanut butter releases easily from silicone molds once frozen, creating a cool and satisfying summertime treat.

Frequently Asked Questions