Easy Homemade Frozen Treats for Your Dog

Summertime calls for fun in the sun, especially with your pet. During these hot months, it’s particularly important for your furry friend to stay healthy and comfortable to avoid overheating. Making homemade frozen dog treats is a delicious and enjoyable way for your pet to beat the heat and stay hydrated.

Read on to learn more about the types of safe and tasty cold treats for dogs and how to make them. 

**What are popsicles for dogs?**

These frozen concoctions are also known as “pupsicles.” They’re much healthier than giving your pet the occasional “puppuccino” from a coffee shop or soft-serve ice cream topped with a dog biscuit.

Many healthy popsicle recipes include ingredients that are safe for canines, such as:

• Peanut butter

• Bananas

• Yogurt

• Coconut water

• Watermelon

• Pumpkin puree

• Chicken broth

• Bacon

If you aren’t sure if a particular ingredient is dog-friendly, check with your vet before feeding it to your pet. Avoid using xylitol — an artificial sweetener that is toxic to canines. It may be in some peanut butter and yogurts, so be sure to shop for safe products.

**How to make frozen treats for dogs**

DIY gourmet popsicle possibilities are endless. They’re easy to make with items you may already have at home, such as a blender, ice cube trays, paper cups, or cupcake liners. You can even buy fun silicone molds that are shaped like bones and paws and adjust the recipe to your dog’s taste.

These frosty treat recipes usually start with a base, such as plain unsweetened yogurt, water, bone broth, or fruit juices. For the filling, choose ingredients your pet enjoys, such as fruits, vegetables, superfoods, or peanut butter.

Popular recipes include:

• Pureed frozen fruit cubes:Homemade dog treats don’t have to be complicated.This simple recipe calls for fruit and water. Simply cut fresh fruit such as strawberries, pineapple, mangos, or bananas into small chunks and add them to an ice cube tray or fun mold. Top with water and freeze for several hours.

• Pet-friendly soft serve: There’s nothing cuter than dogs eating ice cream. However, it’s not the healthiest snack option. Fortunately, you can make an ice cream alternative that has the same consistency and texture as the real creamy treat. Simply blend plain unsweetened yogurt with frozen fruit such as cantaloupe or watermelon. If your pet is lactose-intolerant, try dairy-free yogurts made from almond or coconut milk.  

• Frozen peanut butter: If your pet loves peanut butter, try giving it to your pooch frozen. It makes a delectable treat. Layer unsalted and unsweetened peanut butter in the bottom half of an ice cube tray and top it with a layer of broth or yogurt, and freeze. You can also blend peanut butter with unsweetened yogurt and fruit.

• Frozen bone broth:This tasty treat is rich in nutrients including collagen, gelatin, magnesium, and calcium. It’s good for strong nails and joints, digestion, and gut health — as well as maintaining a shiny coat. To make this nutritious treat, fill a silicone tray with crushed bacon, bone broth and a dog bone treat. Freeze for a few hours, pop it out of the mold and give it to your furry friend to enjoy.

• Frozen banana bites:Bananas are safe for canines and are loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients. Simply add a slice of banana to each well of an ice cube tray or silicone mold and pour pureed fruit on top. Freeze for about four hours.

These frosty concoctions are a surefire way to keep your four-legged friend cool, happy, and hydrated during summertime. They should be enjoyed in moderation and remember to take the treat calories into account with your dog’s regular diet.

Lizz Caputo is a Content Strategist at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.