Dog Popsicles Recipe: Easy Frozen Treats Your Pup Will Love

Dog Popsicles Recipe – Summer heat can be tough on dogs, and I know how much we all want to keep our furry friends cool and happy. Making homemade dog popsicles is a simple way to give your pup a refreshing treat using safe ingredients like yogurt, peanut butter, and dog-friendly fruits. These frozen treats help dogs cool down while giving them something delicious to enjoy.

I’ve put together easy recipes that use basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Store-bought frozen treats often contain sugar and other ingredients that aren’t great for dogs, but when you make popsicles at home, you control exactly what goes into them.

Whether your dog loves fruity flavors or prefers something creamy, I’ll show you how to make healthy and delicious frozen dog treats that will have tails wagging all season long. Let’s get started with some simple recipes your pup will love.

Key Takeaways

• Homemade dog popsicles use simple ingredients like yogurt, peanut butter, and safe fruits to keep your dog cool
• Making frozen treats at home lets you avoid added sugar and control what your dog eats
• These treats are easy to prepare and can be stored in the freezer for quick snacks

Why Make Dog Popsicles at Home?

I find that making popsicles at home gives me full control over what my dog eats, saves money, and lets me adjust recipes to fit my pet’s specific needs.

Health Benefits for Dogs

When I make homemade dog popsicles, I know exactly what ingredients go into each treat. I can avoid artificial colors, preservatives, and added sugars that often show up in store-bought options.

I use fresh fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and bananas that provide vitamins and antioxidants. Plain yogurt adds probiotics that support healthy digestion. Peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats my dog needs.

Frozen treats also help keep my dog hydrated on hot days. The cold temperature provides relief from summer heat and can soothe sore gums in puppies who are teething.

Customizing for Dietary Needs

I can create popsicles tailored to my dog’s specific requirements. If my dog has food allergies, I simply skip the problem ingredients. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, I stick to gentle options like chicken broth and rice.

Older dogs with dental issues benefit from softer frozen treats I make with pureed ingredients. Active dogs get extra protein from additions like plain Greek yogurt or cooked lean meats. I can even add supplements recommended by my vet directly into the popsicle mixture.

The flexibility means every dog gets treats that work for their body, age, and health conditions.

Cost Savings Compared to Store-Bought Treats

Making popsicles at home costs much less than buying pre-made frozen dog treats. A single package of store-bought frozen treats can run $8 to $15 for just a few servings.

I make a large batch using ingredients I already have in my kitchen. A container of plain yogurt, some frozen berries, and peanut butter together cost about $6 and produce 20 to 30 popsicles. That breaks down to roughly $0.20 to $0.30 per treat.

I reuse silicone molds or ice cube trays I already own, so there’s no need for special equipment. Buying fruit in bulk keeps costs even lower.

Essential Ingredients for Dog Popsicles

Making dog popsicles at home requires simple, healthy ingredients that are safe for your pup to eat. The best pupsicles combine dog-friendly fruits or vegetables with a nutritious base like yogurt or broth.

Dog-Safe Fruits and Vegetables

I recommend using bananas as a top choice for homemade dog popsicles because they add natural sweetness and fiber. Bananas are easy to mash and mix into any frozen treat.

Berries work wonderfully in dog popsicles. I use blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries because they’re packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Mixed berries create a tasty frozen treat that dogs love.

Pumpkin is another excellent option. It’s gentle on my dog’s stomach and adds a smooth texture to frozen treats.

Other safe fruits include watermelon, apples (without seeds), and cantaloupe. These provide hydration along with vitamins. I always cut them into small pieces or puree them before freezing.

Healthy Bases: Yogurt, Broth, and More

Greek yogurt forms the creamy base for many dog popsicle recipes. I use plain, unsweetened yogurt because it contains protein and probiotics that support digestion. Never use yogurt with artificial sweeteners.

Bone broth serves as a savory alternative to yogurt. I make my own or buy low-sodium versions without onions or garlic. Dogs find the meaty flavor irresistible.

Peanut butter adds flavor and helps bind ingredients together. I always choose natural peanut butter without xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Plain water works well when I want to keep things simple. I mix it with fruits or vegetables for a light, refreshing treat.

Ingredient Precautions and Foods to Avoid

I never use grapes or raisins in dog popsicles because they’re toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Chocolate is equally dangerous and must be avoided completely.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters and yogurts that can be deadly to dogs. I check every label carefully before using any ingredient.

Onions and garlic damage red blood cells in dogs. I avoid these in all forms, including powder.

Macadamia nuts, avocados, and anything with caffeine are off-limits. I stick to ingredients I know are safe rather than experimenting with questionable foods.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dog Popsicles

I’ve found that making dog popsicles involves three main steps: gathering your ingredients and tools, combining everything into a smooth mixture, and properly freezing the treats for your pup to enjoy later.

Preparing Ingredients and Supplies

I always start by choosing dog-safe ingredients like plain yogurt, peanut butter (xylitol-free), fresh fruits, and bone broth. Bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon work great in homemade pupsicles.

I make sure my peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Plain, unsweetened yogurt is my go-to base because it’s safe and most dogs love it.

For supplies, I use silicone molds, ice cube trays, or small paper cups. I also grab popsicle sticks if I want to add handles, though they’re optional. Having a blender or food processor makes mixing easier, but I can also mash softer ingredients by hand.

I measure out my ingredients before starting. A typical batch uses about 1 cup of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, and a handful of fruit.

Mixing and Blending Techniques

I blend all ingredients until smooth, adding small amounts of water or broth if the mixture is too thick to pour. The texture should be similar to a smoothie.

For chunky treats, I blend most ingredients first, then stir in small pieces of fruit or treats by hand. This gives my dog interesting textures to discover while licking.

I make sure everything is well combined so each popsicle has an even distribution of flavors. If I’m using harder ingredients like carrots, I blend them longer to break them down completely.

Freezing and Storage Tips

I pour the mixture into my chosen molds, leaving about a quarter inch of space at the top. This prevents overflow as the liquid expands when it freezes.

If I’m adding sticks, I freeze the mixture for 30 minutes first, then insert the sticks so they stand upright. I return the molds to the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Once frozen solid, I store the popsicles in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. I label them with the date so I know when I made them. When my dog is ready for a treat, I run warm water over the outside of the mold for easy removal.

Creative Dog Popsicles Recipe Ideas

Making frozen treats for your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. These three recipes use simple ingredients that are safe for dogs and create popsicles they’ll love on hot days.

Peanut Butter Banana Popsicles

I love making these popsicles because they only need two main ingredients. Peanut butter and banana work together to create a creamy, sweet treat that dogs go crazy for.

To make them, I mash one ripe banana in a bowl until it’s smooth. Then I mix in two tablespoons of unsalted peanut butter. Make sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

I pour the mixture into ice cube trays or small paper cups. If I’m using cups, I add a stick when the mixture is partially frozen so it stays upright. The Greek yogurt forms a creamy base that makes these popsicles extra smooth.

I freeze them for at least four hours before serving. My dog gets one as a special treat on really hot afternoons.

Chicken Broth Ice Treats

These are the simplest popsicles I make. I just need low-sodium chicken broth and water.

I mix equal parts chicken broth and water in a measuring cup. Regular chicken broth can have too much salt, so I always pick the low-sodium kind. Some dogs like chicken broth popsicles plain without any additions.

I pour the mixture into molds and freeze for three to four hours. Sometimes I add small pieces of cooked chicken before freezing for extra flavor and texture.

These popsicles help keep my dog hydrated on summer days. The chicken flavor makes them irresistible, and I feel good knowing they’re getting extra fluids.

Frozen Pumpkin Bites

Pumpkin is gentle on dog stomachs and adds nutrients to frozen treats. I use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which has spices and sugar.

I mix half a cup of plain pumpkin with half a cup of plain yogurt. The yogurt provides probiotics that support healthy digestion. I stir until everything is combined smoothly.

For smaller dogs, I use ice cube trays to make bite-sized portions. For bigger dogs, I use muffin tins to create larger treats. I freeze them for at least five hours until they’re solid.

My dog loves the slightly sweet taste of pumpkin. These popsicles also work well if your dog has an upset stomach since pumpkin can help with digestion.

Serving, Safety, and Storage Tips

I always make sure my dog enjoys these frozen treats safely and at the right pace. Proper portions, safe shapes, and correct storage keep the treats fresh and prevent any health issues.

Portion Sizes and Serving Frequency

I give my dog popsicles based on their size and weight. Small dogs under 20 pounds should get treats no larger than an ice cube or about 1-2 tablespoons. Medium dogs between 20-50 pounds can handle popsicles the size of a muffin cup or 3-4 tablespoons. Large dogs over 50 pounds can enjoy full-sized popsicles made in paper cups.

I limit frozen treats to once per day during hot weather. Too many popsicles can upset my dog’s stomach or add extra calories to their diet. I count the popsicle as part of my dog’s daily treat allowance, which should be no more than 10% of their total calories.

I watch my dog while they eat to make sure they don’t gulp it down too fast. Brain freeze can happen to dogs just like it happens to people.

Safe Popsicle Shapes for Dogs

I avoid using popsicle sticks in my homemade dog treats because dogs might chew and swallow the wooden pieces. Instead, I make stick-free versions in ice cube trays or silicone molds. These shapes are easy for my dog to lick and crunch safely.

I use small cube shapes for training rewards and larger molds for longer-lasting treats. Silicone molds pop out easily without breaking the popsicle. I can also freeze treats directly in my dog’s bowl so they lick it out without any choking hazards.

For dogs who like to gulp, I make flat disc shapes that take longer to eat. I never use shapes with sharp edges or small parts that could break off.

Long-Term Storage Guidelines

I store my homemade dog popsicles in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. They stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. I write the date on each container so I know when I made them.

I separate layers of popsicles with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. This makes it easy to grab just one treat at a time. I keep different flavors in separate containers so I can rotate varieties for my dog.

I throw away any popsicles that look discolored or smell off. If I used fresh ingredients like meat or fish, I use those treats within one month for the best quality.