5 Easy Homemade Frozen Dog Treats to Keep Your Pup Cool

Stay cool and keep those tails wagging! When the temperature rises, there’s no better way to spoil your pup than with a refreshing, homemade frozen treat. Not only are these "pupsicles" a great way to help your dog beat the heat, but they also provide mental enrichment and extra hydration.

Here are five fun, easy, and healthy frozen recipes to try this weekend.

1. The Classic "Pawsicle" (Peanut Butter & Banana)

This is a fan favorite for a reason—it’s creamy, delicious, and packed with protein and potassium.

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana (mashed)

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)

How to Make:

1. Blend or mash the banana, yogurt, and peanut butter until smooth

2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or Kong-like toy

3. Freeze until solid

2. Tropical Watermelon Coolers

Watermelon is over 90% water, making this the ultimate hydrating snack for a hot afternoon.

Ingredients:

2 cups seedless watermelon (cubed)

¼ cup plain coconut water or yogurt

How to Make:

1. Puree the watermelon and coconut water in a blender

2. Pour into ice cube trays

3. Freeze until solid

Fun Tip: Add a blueberry (or other fruit) to the center of each cube before freezing for a "fruit salad" surprise!

3. Savory Chicken & Veggie Broth Bites

Not every dog has a sweet tooth. These savory bites are perfect for dogs who prefer a "meaty" snack.

Ingredients:

1 cup dog-friendly chicken broth (low-sodium, onion/garlic free)

½ cup cooked peas

½ cup finely diced carrots

How to Make:

1. Place a few peas and carrot bits into each mold.

2. Fill the rest of the mold with chicken broth.

3. Freeze until solid. These are great for tossing into your dog's water bowl too!

4. Triple-Layer Berry Blast

If you want to get fancy for a doggy birthday or photo-op, these layered treats are beautiful and healthy.

Ingredients:

Blueberries

Strawberries

Plain yogurt

How to Make:

1. Blend a handful of strawberries and pour a thin layer into your molds; freeze for 30 minutes

2. Add a layer of plain yogurt; freeze for 30 minutes.

3. Blend blueberries and add the final layer; freeze until solid.

Fun Alternative: Instead of blending and freezing, you can make a doggie parfait with these ingredients! Simply put a layer of strawberries, then a thin layer of yogurt, and a layer of your dog's kibble. Repeat the three layers again but instead of strawberries use the blueberries.

5. Pumpkin "Ice Cream" Cups

Pumpkin is excellent for digestion and gives these treats a festive, creamy texture.

Ingredients:

1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

1 cup plain yogurt

A pinch of cinnamon

How to Make:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Spoon the mixture into small paper cups or silicone molds.

3. Freeze until solid. If using paper cups, peel the paper off before serving.

Remember We Want Tasty and Safe Frozen Dog Treats!

Before you start blending, keep these important safety tips in mind:

• Check for Xylitol: This is an artificial sweetener often found in peanut butter and yogurt. It is highly toxic to dogs. Always read the label to ensure your ingredients are 100% natural.

• Skip the Bad Stuff: Never use chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or macadamia nuts in your treats. If you're not sure if an ingredient is bad then, look it up!

• Pure Pumpkin Only: Ensure you are using 100% pure pumpkin puree. Canned "pumpkin pie filling" contains spices and sugars that can upset your dog's stomach.

• Moderation is Key: Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

• Supervise: If your dog is a "gulper," supervise them while they enjoy their frozen treat to prevent choking or dental issues from biting into hard ice.

Pro Tip: Use silicone molds for easy removal! They come in fun shapes like stars, hearts, and paws, making your treats look as good as they taste.

Happy Freezing!