Chill out with these frozen dog treats recipes

Updated 29/09/2023

Is there anything better than a poolside popsicle while the sun’s shining? While our furry friends might not be so into topping up their tan, they’re not ones to turn their noses up at something ice-cold to snack on. Enter frozen dog treats recipes: the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer’s day, these frozen treats are so quick and easy to whip up that there’s no excuse not to have a load of them in the freezer at all times! And the cherry on top? You can share the treats with your fur baby, although some of the flavor combinations might appeal more to those on four legs than two (you’ll know what we mean later!). So if you and your pooch pal are drooling at the thought of these frozen dog treats recipes, go get stuck in with these vet-approved recipes - you can thank us later!

Homemade frozen dog treat recipes

These frozen dog treats are so tasty, brain freeze will be the only thing stopping you and your furry family from gobbling them up all at once! Treats should be enjoyed in moderation, but they can be a tasty form of positive reinforcement when training and a great way of helping new pet parents and strangers form bonds with four-legged friends. Whether you’re introducing Fido to a new dog sitter this summer or you just want to be prepared for the heat, here are some frozen treat recipes for dogs you don’t want to miss out on! They’re easy, affordable, healthy, and tasty… which one will be your dog’s favorite? 

Watermelon and blueberry recipe frozen dog treats 

Watermelon and blueberry… can you name a better summer duo?

Ingredients:

• 1 cup diced watermelon (remove seeds and rind)
• ½ cup blueberries
• 1 cup water

Method:

1. Add the fruit and water to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into your molds and freeze until hard.
   

Blueberry frozen dog treat recipe

This frozen dog treats recipe comes to you courtesy of Peel with Zeal!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup blueberries
• ¾ cup plain yogurt
• ½ a ripe banana

Method:

1. Blend all three ingredients in a blender or food processor, or mix by hand. 
2. Pour into molds and freeze for around 5 hours.

Chicken and carrot recipe for frozen dog treats 

Remember what we said about some being less appetizing? We think you get it now, but Fido will be sure to lap these up!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chicken broth (low salt versions are best)

Method:

1. Mix together the shredded chicken and carrots in a bowl.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and carrot mixture and stir well.
3. Pour the mixture into your chosen container, and leave to cool.
4. Freeze until hard and ready to devour!

Pumpkin and Greek yogurt frozen dog treats

Looking for frozen dog treats with yogurt? These are sure to go down a treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin puree (can be easily swapped for pureed sweet potato)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup water

Make sure to check that the yogurt doesn’t contain xylitol (otherwise known as birch sugar). This ingredient is an artificial sweetener, but is toxic to dogs!

Method: 

1. Mix the pumpkin puree and the Greek yogurt in a bowl.
2. Add the water and stir well.
3. Pour into your mold and freeze until completely solid. 

Peanut butter and banana frozen dog treats

When it comes to frozen dog treats recipes, peanut butter banana combos are an age-old classic!

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 
• ½ natural peanut butter
• ¼ cup of water

Again, remember to check that the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol (otherwise known as birch sugar). This ingredient is an artificial sweetener, but is toxic to dogs!

Method:

1. Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add the yogurt, peanut butter, and water, and mix well.
3. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
4. Freeze until solid.

Apple and peanut butter frozen dog treats

Another tasty blend of ingredients!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (you can make your own by simply blending apples in a blender or food processor)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (check the ingredients that there is no xylitol)
• ¼ cup water

Method:

1. Mix the applesauce with the peanut butter in a bowl.
2. Add the water and stir well.
3. Pour the mixture into your chosen mold and freeze for 3 hours.

Tips on how to make frozen dog treats  

Frozen dog treats recipe: utensils

Using a blender or a food processor to make these frozen dog treats recipes might be easier, but don’t let that put you off! They can be made by hand and mixed in a large bowl or even in the container you plan to freeze them in to save on washing up. Once combined, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container - ice cube trays, silicone molds, and muffin trays work well, or you can turn these treats into dog ice creams! Consider the size of your fur baby when deciding which container to use - muffin trays will work well for bigger fur babies and small ice cube trays can be better suited for toy breeds. 

Frozen dog treats recipe: ingredients

All of the ingredients in the recipes above are dog safe, and you’ll probably find you already have most of them in your fridge or freezer. That’s not to say that they will be safe for all pups, so make sure to switch ingredients if you know your Fido has a dairy intolerance or an allergy to certain foods. When it comes to choosing the ingredients, avoid products with artificial ingredients, added sweeteners, and keep things as natural as possible. Better yet, make your own!

• The yogurt in frozen yogurt dog treats can be substituted for lactose-free varieties, and if your pooch pal’s watching their waistline, you can use one that’s low in fat. 
• When using peanut butter, always buy one that’s xylitol free and unsweetened. 
• Many of the ingredients can be substituted for other dog-friendly products. Blueberries, for example, can be swapped for strawberries or another fruit that’s safe for dogs to eat. 
• Don’t worry about measuring everything out perfectly - as long as the mixture binds together you’ll be good to go! 

Frozen dog treats: storage

These frozen dog treats will keep in the freezer for around 2 months (as long as Fido doesn’t get his paws in before that!). If you want to save freezer space, remove the treats from the container once they’ve hardened - soaking the mold in warm water makes them easier to get out. Final tip: frozen dog treats can be messy to eat, so they’re best enjoyed outside.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community.