12 Refreshing Frozen Dog Treats to Beat the Summer Heat

The decision to make your own frozen treats isn’t just about being crafty; it’s a strategic move for your dog’s health and your wallet. Commercial treats are a black box—you’re trusting a factory to prioritize your dog’s well-being. When you make them yourself, you are the quality control.

Ingredient Sovereignty

The number one advantage is total ingredient control. You can eliminate common allergens like chicken or grains, avoid artificial sweeteners (especially the highly toxic xylitol), and skip the gums, starches, and artificial dyes used to make commercial products look appealing to humans. You choose fresh, whole foods packed with natural vitamins and antioxidants.

The Cost-Hack Analysis

The price difference is staggering. A small, 4-ounce cup of doggie ice cream can cost upwards of $3-$5. Let’s break down the cost of a homemade batch.

The numbers don’t lie. You can make a month’s worth of superior-quality treats for the price of a single box of the commercial stuff. This is the essence of hacking your dog’s nutrition—better quality for a fraction of the price.

You don’t need a professional kitchen to master these recipes. Basic equipment and a strict adherence to safety protocols are all it takes to become a frozen treat expert.

Your Basic Toolkit

• Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating smooth purées. A simple personal-size blender works perfectly.
• Silicone Molds or Ice Cube Trays: Fun shapes like paws and bones are great, but standard ice cube trays work just as well. Silicone makes it easy to pop the frozen treats out.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For consistency and proper portioning.
• Freezer-Safe Storage: Airtight containers or zip-top bags are crucial for preventing freezer burn and keeping treats fresh.

The ‘YES’ List: Hacker-Approved Ingredients

Stick to this list of dog-safe foods for your base ingredients:

• Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon (seedless), cantaloupe, bananas, apples (no seeds or core).
• Vegetables: Pumpkin purée (100% pure, not pie filling), carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes (cooked), spinach.
• Proteins & Dairy: Plain yogurt (Greek is great) or kefir with live active cultures and NO xylitol or sugar. Xylitol-free peanut butter. Low-sodium, onion-free, and garlic-free bone broth. Canned sardines in water (no salt added).

The DANGER ZONE: A Non-Negotiable ‘NO’ List

Ingesting these can be catastrophic for your dog. There is no room for error here. Always read labels.

• XYLITOL: This artificial sweetener is EXTREMELY TOXIC to dogs and can cause fatal liver failure. It’s often hidden in sugar-free peanut butters, yogurts, and other products.
• Grapes and Raisins: Can cause acute kidney failure.
• Onions, Garlic, Chives: Toxic to dogs, can damage red blood cells. Ensure any broth you use is free of these.
• Chocolate & Caffeine: Well-known toxins for dogs.
• Macadamia Nuts: Highly toxic.
• Alcohol: Never, under any circumstances.

These recipes are the perfect entry point into the world of frozen treats. They are simple, naturally sweet, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

1. Watermelon Mint Sorbet

The ultimate hydrating treat. Watermelon is over 90% water, making this perfect for a post-walk cooldown.

1. Chop 2 cups of seedless watermelon into chunks.
2. Add a few (3-4) fresh mint leaves for fresh breath.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour into molds and freeze for at least 4 hours.

2. Blueberry & Yogurt Swirls

A classic combination packed with probiotics from the yogurt and antioxidants from the blueberries.

1. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup of water or milk to thin it slightly.
2. In a blender, purée 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture into your molds, filling them halfway. Add a spoonful of the blueberry purée to each mold. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the mixtures together.
4. Freeze until solid.

3. Banana & Peanut Butter Classic

This rich, creamy treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The healthy fats provide a satisfying energy boost.

1. Blend 1 ripe banana, 2 tablespoons of xylitol-free peanut butter, and 1/2 cup of water until smooth and creamy.
2. If the mixture is too thick, add more water until it’s a pourable consistency.
3. Pour into molds and freeze solid.

4. Strawberry & Coconut Cream Bites

A dairy-free option that feels incredibly indulgent. Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which can help with inflammation and the immune system.

1. Blend 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries with 1/2 cup of unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk (from a can).
2. Ensure the mixture is smooth and vibrant pink.
3. Pour into molds and freeze for 4-6 hours.

For dogs who prefer savory over sweet, these protein-packed chillers are both a treat and a nutritional supplement.

5. Bone Broth Pupsicles

The simplest recipe on the list, but one of the best. Bone broth is excellent for joint health, digestion, and hydration.

1. Obtain a high-quality bone broth that is specifically for dogs or a human-grade one with NO added salt, onions, or garlic.
2. Pour the broth directly into molds.
3. For added texture, drop a few pieces of cooked, shredded chicken or a couple of blueberries into each mold.
4. Freeze solid.

6. Pumpkin & Ginger Tummy Tamers

This is my go-to for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Pumpkin is a digestive powerhouse, and ginger is a natural anti-nausea remedy.

1. Mix 1 cup of 100% pure pumpkin purée with 1/2 cup of plain yogurt or water.
2. Add a tiny pinch (no more than 1/8 teaspoon) of ground ginger and mix well.
3. Pour into molds and freeze.

7. Sardine & Parsley Omega Boosters

Don’t be put off by the smell; your dog will go crazy for these. Sardines are an incredible source of Omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.

1. Empty one can of sardines packed in water, no salt added, into a blender (oil and all).
2. Add a small handful of fresh parsley (helps with doggy breath).
3. Blend into a rough purée.
4. Spoon into molds and freeze. Best served outdoors!

8. Shredded Chicken & Carrot Cubes

A hearty, satisfying treat that feels more like a mini-meal. Perfect for active dogs.

1. Finely shred 1/2 cup of plain, cooked chicken breast.
2. Finely grate 1/4 cup of carrot.
3. Distribute the chicken and carrot evenly among the molds.
4. Top off with water or low-sodium bone broth.
5. Freeze until solid.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start getting creative. These recipes incorporate more complex flavors and textures, with a focus on sneaking in extra nutrients.

9. Green Smoothie Pupsicles

A fantastic way to add some leafy greens to your dog’s diet. The banana masks the ‘green’ flavor for picky eaters.

1. Blend a large handful of fresh spinach, 1/2 a banana, and 1 cup of water until completely smooth.
2. The mixture should be a vibrant green liquid.
3. Pour into molds and freeze.

10. Carrot & Apple Ice Pops

A naturally sweet and vitamin-rich combination. Carrots provide beta-carotene, and apples offer fiber and Vitamin C.

1. Blend 1 cup of chopped carrots with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce and 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
2. Pour into molds and freeze solid.

11. Sweet Potato & Cinnamon Freezies

A comforting and delicious treat that’s great for digestive health. Cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory.

1. Mash 1 cup of cooked, cooled sweet potato.
2. Mix in 1/2 cup of plain yogurt or water and a dash (about 1/4 teaspoon) of cinnamon until you have a smooth paste.
3. Spoon into molds, pressing down to remove air pockets.
4. Freeze.

12. The ‘Neapolitan’ Layered Surprise

This is the showstopper. It requires more patience but is well worth the effort for a special occasion.

1. Layer 1 (Bottom): Prepare the Banana & Peanut Butter recipe (No. 3). Fill molds 1/3 of the way and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm.
2. Layer 2 (Middle): Prepare the Blueberry & Yogurt recipe (No. 2). Pour it on top of the frozen first layer, filling another 1/3. Freeze again until firm.
3. Layer 3 (Top): Prepare the Strawberry & Coconut Cream recipe (No. 4). Pour on top to fill the mold. Freeze for a final 4 hours until completely solid.

Batching, Storage, and Strategic Deployment

Making treats is only half the battle. Proper storage and serving ensure maximum freshness and utility.

The Batch & Store Method

Don’t let your silicone molds sit in the freezer taking up space. Once your treats are frozen solid (usually after 4-6 hours), pop them all out of the molds. Immediately transfer them into a labeled, freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will last for up to 3 months, but it’s doubtful they’ll stick around that long.

Serving Protocols

Treats are treats—they should be given in moderation and account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For smaller dogs, an ice-cube-sized treat is plenty. For larger dogs, a larger bone-shaped mold might be appropriate. Always supervise your dog while they enjoy a frozen treat to prevent choking, especially if they tend to gulp their food.

Insider Secret: The ultimate hack for power-chewers or dogs that get bored easily is to use these recipes with a durable rubber chew toy like a KONG. Prepare the puréed mixture and pour it directly into the toy, then plug the end with a dab of peanut butter and freeze the entire thing. This creates a long-lasting, mentally stimulating challenge that will keep them occupied and cool for a significant amount of time.