Simple and Healthy Homemade Frozen Dog Treats You Can Make Today
When the temperature rises, both dogs and their humans look for ways to cool off. While you might reach for a cold drink or a popsicle, your furry friend could benefit from something just as refreshing: homemade frozen dog treats.
These chilled snacks are more than just fun summer goodies. They’re a smart way to give your pet something safe, tasty, and healthy without turning to processed treats full of artificial ingredients.
Making frozen treats at home lets you choose every ingredient. Whether your dog has food sensitivities, specific dietary needs, or just a picky palate, homemade frozen dog treats allow you to adjust flavors and textures to fit them perfectly.
Best of all, most recipes require no cooking, take only a few minutes to prepare, and cost far less than most store-bought alternatives.
In this article, we’ll answer common questions dog owners have about creating homemade frozen dog treats, from ingredients and tools to recipe ideas, storage tips, and more.
Why Should You Make Frozen Dog Treats at Home?
Many pet owners are surprised by how easy it is to make frozen dog treats from scratch. But aside from convenience, there are several reasons to consider making these yourself.
1. Healthier Ingredients
Most commercial frozen dog treats contain fillers, dyes, artificial flavors, and preservatives. When you make them at home, you use whole, natural ingredients like fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and broth.
This can reduce the chances of digestive upset or allergic reactions.
2. Customizable for Allergies and Sensitivities
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or known food allergies, homemade frozen dog treats give you full control. You can swap out ingredients, use dairy-free options, and skip anything that might trigger a reaction.
3. Budget-Friendly
Many boutique dog treats are expensive. With homemade options, you often use ingredients already in your fridge or pantry. A banana, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a silicone mold can produce enough treats for weeks.
4. Easy to Prepare
No baking or long prep times are needed. Most recipes involve blending or mixing a few ingredients and pouring them into molds before freezing.
What Ingredients Are Safe for Homemade Frozen Dog Treats?
Not all foods that are healthy for humans are safe for dogs, so ingredient selection is important. Below is a list of dog-friendly ingredients often used in frozen treat recipes.
Safe Ingredients:
Plain Greek yogurt (no sugar or sweeteners)
Natural peanut butter (must be xylitol-free)
Pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
Bananas, blueberries, strawberries, carrots, and apples (no seeds)
Coconut oil
Unsalted, onion-free broth (chicken or bone)
Oats, sweet potatoes, spinach, and green beans
Ingredients to Avoid:
Xylitol (found in some peanut butters and yogurts)
Chocolate
Grapes and raisins
Onions and garlic
Sugary flavored yogurt
Salty or heavily seasoned broth
These guidelines are supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the ASPCA’s list of toxic foods for dogs. Always introduce new ingredients slowly and in small amounts.
What Kitchen Tools Do You Need?
To make homemade frozen dog treats, you don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what most recipes require:
Silicone molds or ice cube trays – Fun shapes or standard cubes work well
Measuring cups/spoons – To keep portions consistent
Blender or food processor – Especially helpful for recipes using whole fruits or veggies
Mixing bowls and spoons – For simple stir-together recipes
Freezer-safe containers or zip bags – For storage and portioning
Optional but useful tools include funnel pitchers for mess-free pouring or reusable dog treat pouches for serving on the go.
What Are Some Easy Homemade Frozen Dog Treat Recipes?
Here are ten simple and healthy recipes for homemade frozen dog treats that you can prepare in under 15 minutes (excluding freezing time).
Each one includes ingredients that are easy to find and generally well-tolerated by most dogs.
1. Peanut Butter and Banana Bites
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients. Pour into molds and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Why it works:
Bananas provide potassium and fiber. Peanut butter adds healthy fats, while yogurt offers probiotics for digestion.
2. Blueberry Yogurt Freezies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
Blend together or leave whole blueberries for texture. Pour into trays and freeze.
Health benefit:
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which support immune function and brain health.
3. Pumpkin and Apple Pucks
Ingredients:
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 apple (peeled and chopped, seeds removed)
1/4 cup water
Instructions:
Blend until smooth. Freeze in silicone molds.
Bonus tip:
Pumpkin is a natural remedy for digestive issues, while apples add vitamin C and a bit of crunch.
4. Chicken Broth Ice Pops
Ingredients:
1/2 cup low-sodium, onion-free chicken broth
1/2 cup water
Optional: diced carrots or green beans
Instructions:
Combine and pour into molds. Freeze for several hours.
Why dogs love it:
The savory flavor is especially appealing to picky eaters.
5. Frozen Watermelon Chunks
Ingredients:
Seedless watermelon, cut into cubes
Instructions:
Freeze the cubes on a tray before storing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Caution:
Always remove seeds and rind to avoid choking or digestive issues.
6. Coconut Oil and Berry Buttons
Ingredients:
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 cup mixed berries (chopped)
Instructions:
Mix and spoon into small molds. Freeze until solid.
Note:
Coconut oil is great for skin and coat health, but serve in small portions to avoid excess fat intake.
7. Sweet Potato Yogurt Treats
Ingredients:
1/2 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
1/2 cup plain yogurt or goat milk
Instructions:
Blend and freeze.
Health boost:
Sweet potatoes are full of fiber and beta-carotene, supporting eye and digestive health.
8. Carrot and Apple Rounds
Ingredients:
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 apple (peeled and chopped)
1/4 cup water
Instructions:
Blend and freeze in small portions.
Great for:
Dental health and natural sweetness.
9. Spinach and Cheese Cubes
Ingredients:
1/4 cup chopped spinach
2 tablespoons shredded low-fat cheese
1/4 cup plain yogurt
Instructions:
Blend or mix and freeze.
Tip:
Serve in moderation, especially if your dog has lactose sensitivity.
10. Chicken and Veggie Mix
Ingredients:
1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
1/4 cup carrots or green beans
1/4 cup low-sodium broth
Instructions:
Blend until smooth. Freeze in single-serving portions.
Why it's smart:
It’s a good use of leftovers and works as a meal topper or high-protein snack.
How Many Frozen Treats Can a Dog Have Each Day?
Treats should only make up about 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake. General guidelines are:
Small dogs: 1 to 2 small treats per day
Medium dogs: 2 to 3 treats
Large dogs: 3 to 4 treats or 1 to 2 larger portions
Be mindful of what else your dog eats during the day, especially if treats include ingredients like peanut butter or yogurt.
Conclusion
Homemade frozen dog treats are a great way to give your pet something refreshing, healthy, and enjoyable. With just a few ingredients and basic tools, you can create snacks that support your dog’s wellness while offering variety and fun.
You don’t need complicated recipes or expensive products to make treat time special. Whether you're whipping up peanut butter bites for a summer afternoon or a soothing blend for a teething puppy, homemade frozen dog treats are a safe, simple, and budget-friendly way to care for your dog.
If you're looking for more ways to support your dog’s health and behavior beyond the kitchen, contact The Trusted Companion to see how we can help you succeed with dog training in Virginia. Together, we’ll help your dog thrive in every season.
FAQs
Are frozen treats safe for puppies?
Yes, as long as the ingredients are safe and the portions are small. Start with mild options like banana or plain yogurt.
Can I use flavored yogurt?
No. Only use plain yogurt with no added sugar or sweeteners. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs.
Can I add supplements to frozen treats?
Yes, but only after consulting your vet. Adding fish oil, glucosamine, or CBD oil should be done with care.
What if my dog doesn’t like frozen treats?
Let the treat thaw slightly to soften it. You can also try savory options like broth-based treats if your dog avoids fruit.