Homemade Frozen Dog Treats: 11 Easy Recipes To Keep Dogs Cool

Hydrating bites designed to engage and refresh furry friends during hot days.

By Medha deb

Created on Aug 28, 2025

Hydrating bites designed to engage and refresh furry friends during hot days.

Homemade Frozen Dog Treats: Keep Your Dog Cool All Summer

As temperatures soar, keeping your dog comfortable and healthy is a top priority. One of the simplestâand most funâways to help your pup beat the heat is by preparing homemade frozen dog treats. Theyâre easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and customizable to suit any dogâs tastes. Whether youâve got a picky eater or a treat-loving canine, these recipes and ideas will keep tails wagging all summer long.

Why Frozen Dog Treats?

Hydration: Many treats are high in moisture, supporting your dogâs hydration during hot days.
Nutrition: Homemade treats let you control the ingredients for optimal health.
Engagement: Licking and chewing icy snacks can help relieve boredom and provide gentle stimulation.
Cooling Effect: Icy snacks provide a fun and effective way to cool your dog down.

11 Easy Homemade Frozen Dog Treat Recipes

Each recipe is customizable to suit your dog’s preferences and dietary needs. Gather your suppliesâa blender, silicone molds, and a freezerâand get ready for cool summer snacking!

1. The Master Frozen Dog Treat Recipe

This versatile basic recipe forms the foundation for countless combos. Adjust the fruit, nut butter, or yogurt bases according to your dogâs likes and needs.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (regular or Greek, unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup blueberries or strawberries
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (no xylitol)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour mixture into silicone moldsâpaw print or bone shapes add fun!
- Freeze for 4â6 hours or until solid.

Tip: Substitute fruits, swap the yogurt for banana or pureed pumpkin, or use a combination to match your dogâs tastes.

2. Seasonal Pup-sicles

Layered frozen treats using plain yogurt and seasonal fruit deliver icy refreshment with a touch of flair. Great for dogs and photo ops alike!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- Assorted seasonal fruits (blueberries, strawberries, banana slices)
- Optional: pretzel sticks (for fun edible “handles”)
Instructions:
- Mix chopped fruits with yogurt.
- Pour into pop molds, add pretzel stick as a handle.
- Freeze 4â5 hours until firm.

3. Two-Ingredient Cantaloupe Ice Cream for Dogs

This summer-favorite uses just cantaloupe and unsweetened yogurtâfor creamy, dog-safe “ice cream.” Quick, cool, and highly nutritious.

Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen ripe cantaloupe chunks
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
Instructions:
- Freeze cantaloupe chunks for 2â4 hours.
- Blend with yogurt until creamy. Add cool water if needed for consistency.
- Serve immediately or refreeze in pop molds.

Option: Skip yogurt for lactose-intolerant dogs or add peanut butter for exptra richness.

4. Fruit & Nut Freezies

Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain/Greek yogurt
- 1 apple, diced (remove seeds)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions:
- Mix yogurt with peanut butter.
- Fill ice cube trays and press one apple chunk per slot.
- Freeze overnight; pop out when ready to serve.

5. Berry Delicious Summertime Ice Lick

Layer berries and goat milk for a vibrant frozen snack resembling a rocket popâbut healthy!

Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen berries
- Goat milk (or dog-safe milk substitute)
- Pureed fruit for color and flavor
Instructions:
- Place berries in bowl or mold.
- Cover with goat milk and fruit puree.
- Freeze layers 30 minutes each for stripes.
- Freeze solid; serve outdoors.

6. Veggie Surprise Summertime Ice Lick

For veggie-loving pups or low-calorie snacking, this treat uses leftover veggies in a big frozen block.

Ingredients: Dog-safe veggies (carrots, green beans, peas), distilled water
Instructions:
- Add veggies to mold or bowl; cover with distilled hot water.
- Freeze in layers for a creative effect, or fill and freeze once.
- Remove from mold with warm water; serve outside for messy enjoyment.

7. Chicken Stock & Parsley Freezies

Flavorful, low-fat, and breath-freshening, these treats rely on reduced-salt chicken stock and fresh parsley.

Ingredients:
- 1 reduced-salt chicken stock cube
- 450ml water
- Small handful fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Dissolve stock cube in water.
- Add chopped parsley.
- Pour into molds or ice trays; freeze until solid.
- Pop out and serve.

8. Summer Melon Ice Lick

Combine honeydew and watermelon for a hydrating, fruity frozen treat. Great for large dogs who love gnawing on sizable ice blocks.

Ingredients:
- Honeydew chunks
- Watermelon chunks
- Distilled or cooled boiled water
Instructions:
- Fill mold with fruit chunks.
- Cover with water, freeze solid.
- Unmold with warm water if needed; serve outside.

9. Watermelon and Cheese Pop

For pups that love savory and sweet, combine watermelon chunks with small cheese cubes.

Ingredients: Watermelon, low-fat cheese (Mozzarella or string cheese)
Instructions:
- Arrange cheese and watermelon in pop mold or freezer-safe cup.
- Add water; freeze until hard.
- Unmold and serve.

10. DIY Bone Broth Ice Cubes

Packed with joint-friendly collagen and flavor, bone broth cubes are a nutritious and cooling treat.

Ingredients: Unsalted bone broth
Instructions:
- Pour cold bone broth into ice cube trays.
- Freeze overnight.
- Serve cubes as treats or topper for kibble.

11. Banana-Carrot Popsicles

Use up overripe bananas and leftover carrots for a fiber-rich snack your dog will love.

Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup carrot (cooked and diced or grated)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened yogurt
Instructions:
- Blend banana, carrot, and yogurt until smooth.
- Freeze in silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Pop out when frozen and serve.

Essential Tips for Homemade Frozen Dog Treats

Use Dog-Safe Ingredients: Always ensure your chosen foods are non-toxic for dogs. Avoid xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and excessive salt.
Molds and Presentation: Silicone molds are easier for popping out frozen treats. Fun shapes add visual interest.
Portion Control: Small treats are safer and help you manage your dogâs calorie intake.
Supervision: Always supervise when offering large ice licks or frozen blocks.
Storage: Keep treats in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.

Table: Ingredient Substitutions for Allergy-Friendly Treats

Allergen	Alternative	Notes
Dairy (yogurt, cheese)	Coconut yogurt, pureed banana	Ensure unsweetened, no xylitol
Nut butter	Sunflower seed butter	No added salt or sweetener
Chicken stock	Vegetable broth, bone broth	Choose low sodium, dog-safe options
Grains	Use grain-free flours (if baking base)	Check dogâs sensitivities

DIY Equipment for Frozen Treats

Blender or Food Processor: For smooth mixtures.
Silicone molds: For easy removal and fun shapes.
Ice cube trays: For perfect portion control.
Bowls: For making large-format ice licks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve frozen treats outside to minimize mess.
Freeze treat mixtures in hollow bones or food puzzle toys for enrichment.
Top regular dog food with a frozen treat to spark your dog’s appetite during heat waves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are these frozen treats suitable for all dogs?

Most healthy adult dogs can enjoy these treats, but always check with your veterinarian if your pup has specific allergies, sensitivities, or health conditions.

Q2: Can I use regular yogurt or must it be non-dairy?

Plain, unsweetened yogurt is safe for most dogs, but if your dog is lactose intolerant, choose non-dairy alternatives like coconut yogurt. Avoid artificial sweeteners and xylitol.

Q3: Whatâs the best way to portion homemade treats?

Portion treats based on your dog’s sizeâuse smaller molds for tiny dogs and larger pops for big breeds. Each treat should be an occasional supplement, not a replacement for proper meals.

Q4: How long do homemade frozen dog treats last in the freezer?

Stored in an airtight container, most treats keep for 1 month. Discard if you notice freezer burn or changes in color, texture, or odor.

Q5: How do I make ice licks last longer?

Layer ingredients and freeze each layer before adding the next. Larger ice blocks melt slower, providing longer-lasting entertainment and cooling.

Summer Safety Reminders

Never use toxic ingredients.
Supervise dogs during treat time.
Provide plenty of fresh water alongside treats.
Limit treats to avoid excessive calorie intake.
Watch for choking hazards, especially with large chunks or sturdy popsicle sticks.

Make Summer Cool and Delicious for Your Dog

Homemade frozen dog treats and ice licks are simple, nutritious solutions for hot weather, blending play, hydration, and health in every bite. Experiment, customize, and share the joy with your canine companionâthen kick back, relax, and enjoy summer together, one icy snack at a time.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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