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It’s 93 degrees out, the pavement’s sizzling, and my dog Tiny’s sprawled out like he’s melting. Tongue out, ears twitching, eyes fixed on the freezer, because he knows what’s in there. Not boring old ice cubes, but frozen dog treats made just for him.
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We used to toss him ice to cool off, until our vet warned that hard cubes can crack a dog’s teeth. That’s when we started making frozen treats at home: simple, safe, and packed with real ingredients Tiny already loves (like peanut butter, blueberries, and chicken broth).
Now? Treat time is the highlight of his hot summer days. He perks up the second he hears the ice tray, and we know we’re giving him something both fun and healthy.
If you’re looking to keep your pup cool, happy, and safe, these easy frozen dog treat recipes are about to become your go-to summer solution.
Why Frozen Treats Are Great for Dogs
When summer hits, dogs can struggle to beat the heat. With no sweat glands and thick coats, they rely on panting and shade, but sometimes, that’s not enough. Frozen dog treats provide a simple and effective way to help your pup stay cool, hydrated, and happy during hot weather.
Beyond cooling them down, frozen treats can also support digestion, provide extra hydration, and deliver key nutrients from healthy ingredients like yogurt, pumpkin, and fresh fruit. For teething puppies, the cold texture soothes sore gums, and for senior dogs, soft frozen treats are easier to chew than crunchy biscuits.
Recent research highlights the rise of “pet ice cream” and frozen snacks, designed not only for taste but also for functional benefits such as hydration and gut health through the use of probiotics and prebiotics.
They’re also great for mental stimulation, licking frozen treats takes time and focus, which helps reduce boredom and anxiety. And with just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a freezer stash of safe, wholesome snacks your dog will love all season long.
As you can see from the video below, frozen treats are a huge hit with our dogs!
5 Nutrition Tips for Frozen Dog Treats
Frozen dog treats can be fun and refreshing, but they should also support your dog’s overall health. Here are some simple guidelines to keep these cool snacks both safe and nutritious:
1. Stick to Dog-Safe Ingredients
Not all human foods are safe for dogs to eat. Avoid toxic ingredients like xylitol, chocolate, grapes, and anything with added sugar or salt. Use safe, wholesome options such as:
- Plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
- Pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Fresh fruits like blueberries, bananas, and watermelon
2. Watch the Calories
Even healthy treats can contribute to weight gain if overused. Frozen snacks should complement your dog’s daily calorie needs, not replace meals. Treats should make up no more than 10 percent of their total diet.
3. Incorporate Hydrating Ingredients
Water-rich ingredients, such as watermelon, cucumber, or diluted low-sodium broth, can help your dog stay hydrated during hot weather or after physical activity.
4. Tailor Recipes to Your Dog’s Needs
Puppies may benefit from soft textures and gut-friendly probiotics like plain yogurt. Senior dogs often need low-calorie, easy-to-chew options. For dogs with food sensitivities, consider allergy-friendly alternatives such as coconut milk, goat yogurt, or vegetables like peas and carrots.
5. Keep It Simple
Fewer ingredients usually mean fewer risks. Aim for short ingredient lists with minimal processing, no artificial sweeteners, and no additives.
What You’ll Need to Make Frozen Dog Treats
While you can use a regular ice cube tray, we love these adorable frozen dog treat molds in the shape of paws and bones. You’ll also need a popsicle mold for our dog popsicle recipes. Finally, some recipes call for a blender or food processor.
Dog-Safe Ingredients: What’s In & What’s Out
To help you choose the healthiest and safest options for your pup, we have some guidelines on dog-safe versions of some of the ingredients in the recipes below.
- Peanut Butter: All-natural plain peanut butter is best for dogs. Steer clear of any product with additives, preservatives, sugars, or added salt. At a minimum, make sure your peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s extremely toxic in dogs.
- Yogurt: Plain, Greek-style yogurt is the ideal choice for dogs. It contains less sugar and carbohydrates than regular yogurt. But keep in mind, while small amounts of yogurt in these treats are likely okay, many dogs are lactose intolerant, so too much can cause digestive issues.
- Pumpkin Puree: Plain canned pumpkin without added sugars, fillers, spices, or other ingredients is the way to go here. Don’t give your dog a canned pumpkin pie mixture or sugar-free canned pumpkin. Plain fresh pumpkin is also safe.
Our 9 Favorite Frozen Dog Treat Recipes
Making your own frozen dog treats at home is easier than you might think, and it gives you complete control over what goes into your pup’s snacks. Whether you’re looking for fruity refreshers or savory bites, these DIY recipes are simple, safe, and tailored to your dog’s taste and health needs. They are sure to be a hit with your pup on a hot summer day or anytime during the year.
Fruit-Based Frozen Treats
If your dog loves sweet, juicy flavors, fruit-based frozen treats are a great way to beat the heat while sneaking in some extra nutrients. These recipes are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients that dogs love, and they’re just as easy to make as they are to serve.
1. Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats
If your pup is a peanut butter fan, you’ll want to have these tasty and healthy treats on hand. Peanut butter is a healthy source of fat and nutrients, but don’t overdo it. Too much peanut butter can cause weight gain and obesity.
Ingredients & Instructions
- 1 cup all-natural peanut butter
- 32-ounce container plain Greek-style (don’t use sweetened yogurt)
- 1 large sliced banana
Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Fill a silicone mold or ice cube tray with the mixture. Freeze for at least two hours until hard. Pop out of the mold and serve.
Source: Cooking With Janica
2. Frozen Banana, Blueberry & Yogurt Bites
These refreshing frozen bites are super healthy for your pup and so easy to make. The star of these treats is blueberries. They’re a superfood, rich in fiber and antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system. And dogs love the taste.
Ingredients & Instructions
- 1 overripe banana
- 2/3 cup of blueberries
- 1 Cup of plain yogurt
Mash the banana into a creamy consistency. Mix well with an equal amount of yogurt. Spoon your mixture into your mold and top off with a blueberry. Freeze for an hour or two. Pop one out of the mold and watch your dog gobble it down.
3. Strawberry Banana “Smoothies”
These frozen treats are a simple and healthy option for dogs that are sensitive to dairy. Dogs love fruit, so these will be a puppy pleaser for sure.
Ingredients & Instructions
- 2 overripe bananas
- 1 cup strawberries
Puree the bananas and strawberries in a food processor until smooth. You may need to add a little water to thin out the mixture. Scoop or pour your mixture into your mold or ice tray. Freeze for at least one hour and then serve to your eager pup.
Source: Homes Alive Pets
4. Watermelon Ice Cream For Dogs
This two-ingredient ice cream is so easy to make and will be a big hit with your pup. Watermelon is one of the healthiest fruits you can give your dog. It’s packed with nutrients, fiber, and water, so it makes an excellent frozen dog treat for summer to help keep your pup hydrated.
Ingredients & Instructions
- 1-1/2 cups watermelon
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (you can substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
Dice the watermelon, remove the seeds, and freeze for at least four hours or overnight. Place the watermelon and yogurt into a blender and blend to your desired consistency.
You can adjust the consistency by adding more watermelon or yogurt as needed. Scoop your doggie ice cream into a bowl and watch your pup lick it clean.
Source: Hunter & June
5. Superfood Frozen Yogurt Treats (Pumpkin, Turmeric & Spirulina)
This recipe uses yogurt for probiotics and protein, pumpkin for fiber and gentle digestion support, turmeric for anti-inflammatory effects, and spirulina for a vitamin and antioxidant boost. It’s cooling, nutrient-packed, and easy to portion using silicone molds.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt (unsweetened, no xylitol)
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric (optional; anti-inflammatory benefits)
- 2 teaspoons spirulina powder (optional; rich in antioxidants)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of yogurt with pumpkin puree and turmeric (if using). Mix until fully blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup yogurt with spirulina powder until evenly colored.
- Use two piping bags (or zipper bags with trimmed corners) to fill silicone molds: first, add a small amount of green spirulina blend, then top with the orange pumpkin blend.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, until completely firm.
- Pop out the treats and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
You can see how we make this tasty frozen treat for our pups in our fun video below:
Veggie & Savory Frozen Treats
Not all dogs have a sweet tooth. If your pup prefers savory snacks or you’re looking for lower-sugar options, these veggie and protein-packed treats are a hit. From cooling broth pops to hearty pumpkin or pea blends, these recipes are perfect for a more balanced, meaty bite.
6. Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats
Pumpkin has health benefits for dogs; it can help ease constipation and provide immune support from vitamins A, C, and E, and other antioxidants. And dogs love the taste. This recipe also contains coconut oil, which may have some benefits for dogs. Just make sure you give your dog coconut oil in moderation. The ASPCA warns that it may cause stomach upset, loose stools, or diarrhea.
Ingredients & Instructions
- 1 cup plain pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons all-natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, softened or melted (like Raw Paws Organic Coconut Oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Put all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl and mix well. Spoon mixture into a mold or ice cube tray and place in the freezer for one to two hours. Defrost for a couple of minutes before treating your pup.
Source: Eat the Gains
We have a fun video below that shows how we make simple frozen pumpkin treats for our dogs, and you can see they are a huge hit!
7. Chicken & Apple Pupsicles
If you’re wondering how to make dog popsicles safe without using a chew-hazard plastic or wooden stick, there’s an easy and healthy solution. Replace the popsicle stick with a dog dental stick. This recipe is for one pupsicle, but you can bump it up to make multiple dog popsicles at a time.
Ingredients & Instructions
- 1/4 of an apple (seeds are harmful to dogs)
- 1/2 cup plain chicken broth (like Open Farms Bone Broth for Dogs)
- Dental sticks (small Pedigree Dentalstix work well)
Chop up the apple into small pieces and sprinkle a few into each popsicle mold. Pour the chicken stock over the apple bits. Place cellophane over your tray with a hole cut out over each mold. Insert a dental stick in each hole. Freeze until frozen through and serve.
Source: Tails.com
8. Frozen Peas Lick-Mat Treats
This simple snack is low in calories, packed with fiber and plant-based nutrients, and offers mental enrichment through licking, great for anxious or bored pups. Plus, it takes just minutes to prep.
Ingredients & Instructions
- 1 cup frozen peas (unsalted)
Steam the peas until soft, then mash them thoroughly with a fork or food processor. Spread the mash evenly onto a dog-safe lick mat and place it in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours until solid. Once frozen, serve directly on the mat for a cooling, slow-licking treat.
9. Pea & Carrot Veggie Pupsicles
This veggie-powered pupsicle is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with gut-friendly probiotics from yogurt. It’s an ideal choice for dogs who love savory treats and need a nutritional boost during warm weather.
Ingredients & Instructions
- ½ cup frozen peas (steamed and mashed)
- ¼ cup shredded carrot (raw or lightly steamed)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
Mix the mashed peas, shredded carrot, and yogurt in a bowl until well combined. Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays and freeze for 2 to 3 hours until fully solid. Pop out and serve as a cool, crunchy snack.
Best Store-Bought Frozen Dog Treat Mixes
Short on time? No problem. These ready-made frozen dog treat mixes offer the same cooling relief and dog-safe ingredients, eliminating the need for prep work. Simply mix, freeze, and serve – perfect for busy pet parents who still want the best for their pup.
Prince & Coco’s Frozen Veggie Cubes
This recipe has a few more ingredients, but you may already have them on hand if you’re a vegetarian or a veggie-lover. The prep time is still fairly minimal, and you can be happy that you’re sharing your love of healthy greens and more with your pup.
Ingredients & Instructions
- 1 medium cucumber
- 4 full pieces of asparagus
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 32 grams of butternut squash
- 5 medium Brussels sprouts
- 1 teaspoon basil (fresh & chopped)
- 1/8 cup plain bone broth (like Open Farms Bone Broth for Dogs)
Place all ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth and creamy. Pour into a mold or ice tray and freeze for one to two hours. Then let your pup enjoy!
Source: Kris D. (McLean, VA)
Cooper’s Treats Pupsicle Starter Kit & Individual Mixes
Cooper’s Treats pre-made pupsicle powder mixes make DIY frozen dog treats even easier. All you have to do is add water, pour it into a mold, and freeze. The starter kit comes with a cute paw-and-bone-shaped silicone mold and two jars of their pupsicle mix, beef & cheddar, and turkey & cinnamon. Or you can purchase their mixes separately (regular or grain-free). Each jar makes about 25 treats (20 calories per treat).
Ingredients are all-natural and sourced, and made in the USA. The mix is made with real meat and contains no added sugar, salt, preservatives, color, or artificial flavors. They also offer all-natural baked biscuit mixes, freeze-dried dog treats, and yak cheese chews. Shipping is free, and you can subscribe for auto-shipping every one or two months and save 10%.
Price
- Pupsicle Starter Kit: $29.99 ($1.89 / Ounce)
- Individual Pupsicle Mix: $12.99 ($3.02 / Ounce)
Puppy Scoops Dog Ice Cream Mix
Puppy Scoops mix is a popular pick among many pup parents. All you have to do is add water to the container, stir, and freeze. You can store the product at room temperature, and it has a one-year shelf life. Best of all, the ingredients are all-natural, grain-free, and lactose-free. Made in the USA, Puppy Scoops comes in five flavors: maple bacon, peanut butter, birthday cake, vanilla, and carob.
Price
Serving Sizes & Safety Guidelines
Frozen dog treats are a fun addition to your pup’s diet, but moderation matters. While these snacks are made with healthy, dog-safe ingredients, they should only be a small part of your dog’s overall daily intake.
How Much Should You Serve?
Start with one to two small treats per day for small dogs, and two to four for medium to large dogs. Always observe how your dog responds, especially if they’re trying a new ingredient for the first time.
Vet tip: If your dog is on a prescription diet or has specific health needs, consult your vet before adding any homemade treats.
Safety reminders:
- Always supervise your dog while eating frozen treats.
- Avoid hard or sharp-edged molds that could damage teeth.
- Never include harmful ingredients like xylitol, chocolate, raisins, grapes, or macadamia nuts.
Share Your Pup’s Favorite Frozen Treat!
We’d love to hear what your dog is enjoying this summer. Drop a comment below with your favorite frozen dog treat recipe. We’d also love to see you on our Facebook page, where you can connect with other dog owners.
Frozen Dog Treats Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about frozen dog treats? Whether you’re wondering about daily yogurt servings or how long your treats will last in the freezer, we’ve got you covered. Here are some quick answers to common concerns from fellow dog parents. If you don’t see yours, let us know in the comments. We are here to help.
Can dogs eat yogurt-based treats every day?
Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is generally safe for most dogs in moderation and can support digestive health. If your dog hasn’t had yogurt before, start with a small portion and watch for signs of intolerance, like gas or soft stool.
What if my dog has food allergies?
Use allergy-friendly ingredients like coconut milk, goat milk yogurt, or pureed vegetables. When trying something new, introduce one ingredient at a time and monitor for reactions.
How long can I store frozen dog treats?
Most treats can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two or three months. Be sure to label batches with the date and discard any treats that show signs of freezer burn, changes in color, or unusual odors.
Play It Safe With DIY Dog Treats & Food
You can substitute many of your dog’s favorite healthy human snacks with the ingredients in the recipes above, but make sure you know which human foods aren’t safe for dogs. Whether you’re making homemade frozen treats, organic treats, or homemade dog food, be sure to use safe, fresh, and healthy ingredients. And with treats, moderation is key, so you don’t overfeed your pup.
