When temperatures start to reach triple digits, the last thing I want to do is crank up the oven to bake something! Like, I love my dogs, but no one needs an extra 350 degrees in their life when they live in San Antonio and it’s July. Instead, I love to whip up frozen dog treats for both myself and for my pets to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Frozen dog treats are fresh, healthy, and hydrating, which is extra important during the hot summer months. Plus, a homemade frozen dog treat is a great way to help keep your dog cool, even when it’s over 100 degrees outside! One of the best parts about homemade frozen dog treats (aside from not needing an oven) is that they are usually really easy to make. Most use only a handful of ingredients, many of which are readily available. Plus, they come together within just a few minutes (minus the freezing part). For equipment, you’ll want a good blender or food processor, an ice cube tray or silicone molds, and, of course, a freezer.
Another fun thing about homemade frozen dog treats is that they are super easy to mix, match, and customize based on the ingredients you have a home. Feel free to get creative–I promise your dog probably wont mind!
That said, if you like to have a recipe to follow, here are 12 different homemade frozen dog treat options for you to try out this summer. From icy pup-sicles to cold and creamy ice cream, there is something out there for even the pickiest puppy palate!
A Recipe Round Up of Homemade Frozen Dog Treats
2 Ingredient Dog Ice Cream
This recipe is so easy to make. It only uses 2 ingredients, and there are lot of options to customize different flavors. The best part? It’s a healthy “ice cream” option for humans, too, and is naturally vegan/gluten free!
Frozen Watermelon Cucumber Dog Treats
Watermelon is a great addition to your dog’s diet due to the fact that it is full of beneficial nutrients, is high in fiber, and it’s super hydrating. Cucumbers are also wonderfully hydrating, so these frozen treats are perfect for summer!
Blueberry Dog Pupsicles
The addition of the Honest Kitchen’s goat milk along with plain yogurt makes these pupsicles a great probiotic to support digestive health.
Copycat Frosty Paws
I love the use of milk bones as cute little edible “popsicle sticks” in this recipe. This recipe is so simple, but so adorable. Definitely Instagrammable!
Gourmet Pupsicles
Don’t let the word “gourmet” scare you off. This is another easy, breezy frozen dog treat recipe that can be customized based on whatever dog friendly fruit you have on hand like strawberries, banana slices, etc.
Bone Brothsicles
The word “brothsicle” made me laugh out loud! This frozen dog treat offers a more savory option. Use a dog specific bone broth to ensure it is dog safe, and to provide your dog with trace minerals and collagen.
Frozen Blueberry Coconut Oil Dog Treats
If you love the minimalist aesthetic, then these treats are for you! They are so beautiful! Small servings of coconut oil can help support a healthy skin and coat, but be careful to not overdo it!
Strawberry and Banana Smoothie Dog Treat
This frozen “smoothie” dog treat recipe sounds so good that even I want to eat them! The fresh fruit in these treats is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and the plain yogurt offers probiotic benefits.
Carrot Brothsicle Frozen Dog Treat
The vibrant orange color of these dog treats is so stunning! And these treats have more to offer than just beautiful color: carrots are a great source of vitamin A, potassium, beta-carotene, fiber, and other healthy vitamins and minerals.
Frozen Apple Dog Treat Recipe
Apples are another fresh fruit that are a healthy and a natural dog treat. With just three ingredients (one of which is water), this simple recipe is perfect for late summer/early fall when you want to start manifesting cooler weather.
Frosty Breath Dog Treat Recipe
While these treats don’t offer dental care, they can reduce the stank on your dogs breath! In moderation, fresh herbs like mint and parsley can help detoxify your dog, which may result in fresher breath. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties which can also help.
Chicken Dinner Pup Pops Dog Treat Recipe
If your dog isn’t a fan of fresh fruits, try this savory frozen dog treat recipe that uses chicken baby food instead! Be sure to select an option that doesn’t contain additives. I was honestly surprised to find that the OP’s recommended Gerber Chicken and Gravy actually only had 3 simple ingredients: chicken, water, and cornstarch!
Tips for Making Homemade Frozen Dog Treats
Remember, dog treats– even healthy ones– should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories to prevent weight gain. Plus, treats should always be fed in moderation to avoid digestive upset. While ingredients like yogurt, fresh fruit, and coconut oil can all be beneficial in small quantities, they can also lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or even pancreatitis. Be mindful of the size of your dog, and always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about what to feed your dog.
Also, always check the ingredients of pre-packaged foods that you buy like yogurt, peanut butter, broth, etc. to avoid toxic ingredients such as excess sugar, xylitol, onions, and so on.
Want to learn more about fun treats and healthy foods for your dog? Check out these other Dog Guide San Antonio posts:
3 Homemade Dog Treats for Fall
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