Frozen Dog Treats: 5 Amazing DIY Recipes (2024)
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5 Frozen Dog Treats DIY Recipes Your Dog Will Love
Frozen Dog Treats are almost a must have item here in Southwest Florida. Our year-round temperatures feel like summer almost 11 months out of the year (as a person who grew up in West Virginia, it’s humid here always), but it also means endless days that can leave your dogs feeling the heat. While we humans can easily cool down with a dip in the pool or a refreshing beverage, our dogs rely on us to help them beat the heat.
One awesome way to keep your dogs cool and comfortable is by offering them homemade frozen dog treats. Not only are these treats a delicious way to help regulate their body temperature, but they also provide mental stimulation and a tasty reward.
The best part? Making frozen dog treats at home is incredibly easy and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring your pup gets a healthy and safe snack. So, grab your ice cube trays and the shopping list at the bottom of this post, and let’s whip up some refreshing treats for your four-legged friend!
Frozen Fruit Medley
This simple yet satisfying treat is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Feel free to customize it with your dog’s favorite fruits.
Ingredients:
- Assorted dog-safe fruits such as:
- Blueberries
- Strawberries (remove the stems)
- Apples (remove seeds and core)
- Bananas (remove the peel)
- Watermelon (remove seeds and rind)
- Pineapple (remove the skin and core)
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth (optional, for freezing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the fruits: Wash all the fruits thoroughly. Remove any stems, seeds, cores, or inedible parts as necessary. Chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces if they are too large.
- Arrange in molds: Place the prepared fruits into ice cube trays, silicone molds, or small paper cups. You can mix and match the fruits or create layers of different fruits for variety.
- Add liquid (optional): If desired, you can add a small amount of water or low-sodium chicken broth to each mold to help bind the fruits together and make it easier to remove the frozen medley later. This step is optional, especially if the fruits are juicy enough on their own.
- Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer and freeze the fruit medley for at least 4-6 hours, or until they are completely solid.
- Serve: Once the fruit medley is frozen solid, remove them from the molds. You can store them in a freezer bag or container until ready to serve. Give your dog one or two pieces at a time, depending on their size, and watch them enjoy the refreshing and nutritious treat!
This frozen fruit medley is a healthy and hydrating option for dogs, providing a mix of vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. It’s important to use dog-safe fruits and avoid any fruits that may be toxic to dogs, such as grapes, raisins, and cherries.
Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pupsicles
The combination of peanut butter and pumpkin is a flavor explosion dogs adore. Plus, pumpkin is excellent for digestive health.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for added creaminess and probiotics)
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth (optional, for thinning the mixture)
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and Greek yogurt (if using). Stir until the ingredients are well combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water or low-sodium chicken broth to thin it out to a pourable consistency.
- Pour into molds: Pour the mixture into ice cube trays, silicone molds, or small paper cups. Fill each compartment about three-quarters full, leaving room for expansion as the mixture freezes.
- Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer and freeze the popsicles for at least 4-6 hours, or until they are completely solid.
- Serve: Once the popsicles are frozen solid, remove them from the molds. You can store them in a freezer bag or container until ready to serve. Give your dog one or two popsicles at a time, depending on their size, and watch them enjoy the tasty and refreshing treat!
These peanut butter and pumpkin popsicles are not only delicious but also nutritious, providing fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. The Greek yogurt adds probiotics, which can be beneficial for your dog’s digestive health. Plus, the cold temperature can help keep your pup cool and hydrated during hot weather.
Chicken Soup Cubes
These savory ice cubes are perfect for dogs who prefer a meaty flavor. They’re also great for adding extra hydration on hot days.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (make sure it does not contain onions or garlic, as these can be harmful to dogs)
- Optional: Small pieces of cooked chicken or vegetables (such as carrots or peas) for added flavor and nutrition
Instructions:
- Prepare the broth: In a saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium heat until it simmers. If you’re adding cooked chicken or vegetables, you can also add them to the broth at this stage. Let the broth simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cool the broth: Once the broth has simmered, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. If you added any solid ingredients like cooked chicken or vegetables, allow them to cool as well.
- Pour into ice cube trays: Once the broth has cooled, pour it into ice cube trays, filling each cube slot about three-quarters full. If you added solid ingredients, make sure they are evenly distributed among the cubes.
- Freeze: Place the ice cube trays in the freezer and freeze the broth cubes for several hours or until they are completely solid.
- Serve: Once the broth cubes are frozen, remove them from the ice cube trays and store them in a freezer bag or container. When you want to treat your dog, simply give them a frozen broth cube to enjoy. They’ll love the refreshing taste, and it’s a great way to keep them hydrated, especially during warmer weather.
Watermelon & Mint Refreshers
Watermelon is a hydrating and refreshing treat for dogs, and the addition of mint adds a cooling touch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups seedless watermelon, chopped
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash the watermelon and mint leaves thoroughly. Remove the seeds from the watermelon and chop it into small cubes. Pick the leaves off the mint sprigs.
- Blend the ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped watermelon and mint leaves. Blend until smooth. If you’re adding Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and probiotics, you can blend it with the watermelon and mint until well combined.
- Pour into molds: Pour the blended mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds. You can also use small paper cups or ice cube bags if you don’t have molds. Fill each compartment about three-quarters full, leaving room for expansion as the mixture freezes.
- Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer and freeze the treats for at least 4-6 hours, or until they are completely solid.
- Serve: Once the treats are frozen solid, remove them from the molds. You can store them in a freezer bag or container until ready to serve. Give your dog one or two treats at a time, depending on their size, and watch them enjoy the refreshing taste!
These watermelon mint frozen treats are not only delicious but also hydrating and packed with nutrients. The watermelon provides hydration and vitamins, while the mint adds a refreshing flavor. The Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and additional nutrients, but you can omit it if your dog is lactose intolerant or has dairy allergies.
Frozen Yogurt & Banana Bites
These bite-sized treats are perfect for smaller dogs or as a quick snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- ¼ cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
- Optional: ½ cup unsweetened carob chips or dog-safe chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Slice the bananas: Peel the bananas and cut them into ½-inch thick slices.
- Spread peanut butter: Take one banana slice and spread a thin layer of peanut butter on top. Then, sandwich it with another banana slice to make a banana peanut butter bite. Repeat this process until all banana slices are used.
- Freeze: Place the banana peanut butter bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the bites for at least 1-2 hours, or until they are firm.
- Optional carob coating: If you want to add a carob coating, melt the carob chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler until smooth. Dip each frozen banana peanut butter bite into the melted carob mixture, using a fork to coat them evenly. Place the coated bites back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze again: Return the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze the carob-coated banana peanut butter bites for an additional 30 minutes to allow the carob to set.
- Serve or store: Once the carob is set, you can serve the banana peanut butter bites immediately or transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for longer storage in the freezer. These treats should be served in moderation as occasional snacks for your furry friend.
Where to Look for More Frozen Dog Treat Recipes
A great place to beat the heat (unfortunately without your dog) are the great local libraries we have here in Southwest Florida. They all have online catalogs and even e-books if you want to find awesome recipe books for dog treats or even your humans without even leaving home.
- Lee County Library
- Charlotte County Library
- Collier County Library
- Sarasota County Library
- Hendry County Library
- DeSoto County Library
Shopping List for All Frozen Dog Treats
Produce:
- 6 ripe bananas
- 2 cups seedless watermelon
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- Assorted dog-safe fruits:
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Bananas
- Pineapple
Dairy:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Pantry:
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (or any nut or seed butter of your choice)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 Cup unsweetened carob
Optional Additions:
- Small pieces of cooked chicken
- Vegetables such as carrots or peas
Note: Make sure to avoid any ingredients that may be toxic to dogs, such as xylitol (found in some peanut butter brands) or fruits like grapes, raisins, and cherries. Always check the labels and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about specific ingredients or dietary restrictions.
This shopping list should cover all the ingredients needed to make the five recipes.
If you are new to Southwest Florida or thinking about moving here, our 25 Proven Tips For Moving to Southwest Florida With Dogs (2024) is a great resource.
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