The Ultimate Guide to Making Healthy Frozen Dog Treats at Home

As a dedicated dog owner, you always strive to provide the best for your furry friend. One way to show your love and care is by making homemade treats. Frozen dog treats are a fantastic option, especially during the hot summer months. They are not only refreshing but also easy to make and customisable to your dog’s preferences and dietary needs. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making healthy frozen dog treats at home, including recipes, ingredients, benefits, and tips.

Why Make Frozen Dog Treats at Home?

Making frozen dog treats at home comes with several benefits:

• Control Over Ingredients: You can ensure that only healthy, natural ingredients go into your dog’s treats, avoiding harmful additives and preservatives found in store-bought options.
• Cost-Effective: Homemade treats are often cheaper than buying pre-made ones, especially if you use ingredients you already have at home.
• Customisation: Tailor the treats to your dog’s dietary needs and preferences. If your dog has allergies or specific health concerns, you can easily accommodate them.
• Bonding Time: Preparing treats can be a fun activity that strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Essential Ingredients for Healthy Frozen Dog Treats

Here are some common, dog-friendly ingredients that are perfect for making healthy frozen treats:

• Peanut Butter: Ensure it’s unsweetened and free of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
• Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt is best. It’s a great source of probiotics.
• Pumpkin: Plain, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is excellent for digestion.
• Apples: Remove seeds and core before using, as seeds contain cyanide.
• Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants.
• Carrots: High in vitamins and great for dental health.
• Sweet Potatoes: A great source of fiber and vitamins.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium, no-onion varieties.
• Coconut Oil: Beneficial for skin and coat health.
• Green Beans: Low in calories and high in fiber.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools can make the process easier:

• Blender or Food Processor: For pureeing fruits and vegetables.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Ice Cube Trays: Silicone trays work best for easy removal of treats.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking Sheet: For freezing larger batches of treats.

10 Frozen DIY Dog Treat Recipes

1. Peanut Butter Banana Pops

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana in a mixing bowl.
2. Add peanut butter and yogurt, and mix until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

2. Berry Yogurt Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Puree the berries in a blender or food processor.
2. Mix the berry puree with yogurt in a bowl.
3. Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours before serving.

3. Pumpkin and Apple Frosty Bites

Looking for some yummy apple and pumpkin dog treats? We got you covered.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Blend the apple pieces until smooth.
2. Combine the apple puree, pumpkin, and yogurt in a bowl.
3. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours.

4. Frozen Chicken Broth Cubes

Looking for super simple dog treats you can make at home? Then these chicken broth dog treats are for you! They are also hydrating – I love to use Bone Broth also as a Kibble | Food topper.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Pour the chicken broth into ice cube trays.
2. Freeze until solid (about 3-4 hours).

5. Sweet Potato Pupsicles

Looking yo add fiber to your dogs diet? Then these homemade sweet potato dog treats might be for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Cook and mash the sweet potato.
2. Mix the mashed sweet potato with yogurt.
3. Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours.

6. Watermelon Ice Cubes

Looking for refreshing summer dog treats? Try out these Watermelon Ice Cube Doggy Treatos.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups seedless watermelon, chopped

Instructions:

1. Puree the watermelon in a blender.
2. Pour the puree into ice cube trays.
3. Freeze for 3-4 hours.

7. Coconut Blueberry Treats

Who doesn’t love some superfoods? We do!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup blueberries

Instructions:

1. Blend the blueberries and coconut milk together.
2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays.
3. Freeze until solid.

8. Frozen Carrot and Parsley Mix

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Puree the carrots and parsley.
2. Mix the puree with yogurt.
3. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours.

9. Apple Cinnamon Freezies

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Blend the apples until smooth.
2. Mix the apple puree with yogurt and cinnamon.
3. Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours.

10. Frozen Green Bean Delight

Looking for some low-calorie dog treats to get the green ins? We got you!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Puree the green beans in a blender.
2. Mix the green bean puree with yogurt.
3. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours.

Tips for Making and Storing Frozen Dog Treats

Here are some additional homemade dog treat tips – about making and storing them.

• Use Silicone Moulds: These are flexible and make it easier to remove the treats once frozen.
• Portion Control: Use small molds to ensure the treats are appropriately sized for your dog.
• Label and Date: Write the contents and date on a piece of tape on the container to keep track of freshness.
• Storage: Store the treats in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Serve Safely: Always monitor your dog when giving them treats to avoid choking hazards.

For more: How to Safely Store Frozen Dog Treats for Long-Term Enjoyment

Potential Ingredients to Avoid

While many human foods are safe for dogs, some can be harmful or toxic. Avoid these ingredients when making dog treats:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
• Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Onions and Garlic: These can damage a dog’s red blood cells.
• Xylitol: A sweetener found in many sugar-free products, extremely toxic to dogs.
• Avocado: Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Benefits of Homemade Frozen Dog Treats

Making frozen dog treats at home offers numerous benefits:

• Healthier Ingredients: You control what goes into the treats, ensuring they are healthy and free from harmful additives.
• Cost-Effective: Homemade treats are often cheaper than store-bought ones.
• Customisable: Tailor the treats to your dog’s dietary needs and preferences.
• Bonding Experience: Preparing treats can be a fun and rewarding activity for both you and your dog.

Conclusion

Making healthy frozen dog treats at home is a fun and rewarding way to provide your dog with nutritious snacks. With the control over ingredients and the ability to customise flavours, you can ensure your dog enjoys delicious and safe treats all year round. Whether you choose simple chicken broth cubes or more elaborate peanut butter banana pops, your dog will love the effort and care you put into making their treats. Remember to use safe ingredients, monitor your dog while they enjoy their treats, and store the treats properly to maintain freshness. Happy treat-making!