Summer is here, and it’s not just us humans who need a little something to beat the heat. Our furry friends also appreciate a cool treat. But why settle for store-bought options when you can make nutritious and delicious homemade frozen dog treats?
Our Recommended Silicone Mat for Making Dog Treats
When it comes to making homemade frozen dog treats, the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why we want to share with you our favorite silicone mat that we use every time we whip up a batch of these tasty treats.
We highly recommend these food grade silicone mats. Not only are they durable and easy to clean, but they also feature individual compartments that are just the right size for dog treats. This makes it incredibly easy to portion out the treats and ensures they freeze evenly.
What we love most about this silicone mat is its flexibility. Once the treats are fully frozen, you can easily pop them out without any hassle. Plus, the silicone material is non-stick, so you don’t have to worry about leaving any treat behind!
Another great feature of this mat is its heat resistance. If you decide to bake treats for your pup, this mat can safely go in the oven too. It’s a versatile tool that’s perfect for any dog owner who loves to make homemade treats.
Remember, when making homemade dog treats, it’s essential to use ingredients that are safe for your dog to consume. Always consult with your vet if you’re unsure about a particular ingredient. Happy treat making!
The Master Frozen Dog Treat Recipe
Let’s start with a versatile base recipe for frozen dog treats. It’s simple, healthy, and your dog will love it! Plus, we’ll talk about why each ingredient is a great addition to your dog’s diet.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt (xylitol free)
- 1/2 cup water (plus more as needed)
Instructions
- Combine the greek yogurt and water in a blender. Puree the mixture until it is smooth. Add a bit more water as needed to achieve a pourable texture.
- Carefully pour the mixture into each individual silicone mold. If you do not have a silicone mold an ice cube tray works just as well!
- Freeze the mold until it is solid (about 2 hours)
- Remove the mixture from the molds or ice cube tray and place them in a sealed container in the freezer. These treats will keep for up to 6 months frozen.
Seasonal Pup-sicles
One of the best things about making homemade treats is that you can adjust the recipe based on the season. We’ll explore different seasonal flavors and ingredients for frozen dog treats and highlight the benefits of using seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh seedless watermelon pieces
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (xylitol free) (water can be used as a substitute)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the watermelon pieces and the Greek yogurt. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone mold.
- Place the tray in the freezer for at least 3 hours, or until the treats are fully frozen.
- Once frozen, pop the popsicles out of the mold and store them in a sealed container in the freezer.
- Serve the frozen treats to your dog on hot days or as a special reward.
Frozen Banana Dog Treats
Bananas are a great source of vitamins and minerals for dogs. We’ll share a recipe and instructions for making frozen banana dog treats that your pup will go bananas for!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt (xylitol free)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/4 cup of peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the Greek yogurt, ripe banana, and peanut butter. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone mold. You can also use a spoon to scoop the mixture onto a lined baking sheet if you don’t have a mold.
- Place the tray or baking sheet in the freezer for several hours, or until the treats are fully frozen.
- Once frozen, pop the treats out of the mold or off the baking sheet and store them in a sealed container in the freezer.
- Serve the frozen treats to your dog on hot days or as a special reward.
Remember, even with safe foods, it’s important to feed these treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Always monitor your dog while they’re eating to ensure they don’t choke, and consult with your vet if you have any concerns or questions about your dog’s diet.
Frozen Apple Carrot Cubes
Apples and carrots are both excellent sources of vitamins and fiber for dogs. We’ll share a recipe for frozen apple carrot cubes that are as tasty as they are nutritious.
Ingredients
- 2 carrots peeled
- 1 apple cored and deseeded
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Place the carrots and apple into a blender.
- Add the water and blend until smooth (add more water if needed).
- Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
- Freeze the mixture for at least 3 hours.
- Once frozen, your pet can enjoy in moderation!
Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream
Who said ice cream is just for humans? We’ll share a recipe for peanut butter banana ice cream that’s safe for dogs. Plus, we’ll discuss why it’s important to use natural peanut butter and why moderation is key.
Ingredients
- 3 medium sliced bananas, frozen
- 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter (xylitol free)
- 1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt (xylitol free)
Instructions
- Place the bananas, peanut butter, and Greek yogurt in a blender and blend until smooth.
- For small treats, portion the ice cream into ice cube trays. For larger treats, you can use an ice cream scoop to portion the ice cream onto a parchment-lined pan or tray.
- Freeze the ice cream for at least 2 hours or until it is firm.
Tips for Customizing and Experimenting
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative! We’ll provide suggestions for different flavors and combinations and talk about how you can add extra ingredients for specific health benefits.
Here is a list of human foods that are safe for dogs and can be used to make frozen dog treats:
- Peanut butter: It is an excellent source of protein, heart-healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. Make sure to choose raw, unsalted peanut butter and avoid any with artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, as these substances are incredibly toxic to dogs.
- Cooked chicken: It is a common ingredient in pet food and can be added to your dog’s regular food to add extra protein. It also makes a healthy meal replacement if you’re out of dog food.
- Cheese: It makes a fantastic treat for your dog as long as she isn’t lactose intolerant. Opt for low- or reduced-fat varieties and don’t overfeed, as many cheese types can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is typically a good choice for dogs.
- Baby carrots: They are a low-calorie treat that’s great for your dog’s teeth. Additionally, carrots are high in fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A. Carrots may be eaten raw or cooked.
- Yogurt: It is high in calcium and protein, making it a great treat for canines. Furthermore, yogurts with active bacteria can act as a probiotic and are good for your dog’s digestive system. Choose only yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugars. Greek yogurt is typically the best choice for dogs.
- Salmon: A good source of omega 3 fatty acids, salmon helps keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny as well as supports your dog’s immune system. Consider adding cooked salmon to your dog’s dish, pouring salmon oil on her food bowl, or slipping him some of your unwanted fish skins.
- Pumpkin: An excellent source of fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A. Moreover, pumpkin can help keep the GI tract moving as well as aid with digestive issues. Both fresh pumpkin and canned pumpkin make excellent dog treats as long as it’s plain with no added sweeteners.
- Eggs: Scrambling up an egg for your pup is a great way to give her diet a protein boost. In addition to being high in protein, eggs are also a fantastic source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium. To avoid the risk of salmonella, be sure to thoroughly cook eggs.
- Green beans: They are a source of protein, calcium, vitamin K, and iron. Raw green beans and cooked green beans make a great treat for your dog since they are filling and low in calories.
- Apple slices: They are high in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C, making them a fantastic treat for your pup. Additionally, apple slices are known to help clean residue off a dog’s teeth, which, in turn, helps freshen her breath. Before feeding your dog apple slices, make sure to take out the seeds and the core, as these can be choking hazards.
- Oatmeal: Because cooked oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber, it is especially beneficial to senior dogs with bowel irregularity issues. It is also a fabulous alternate grain for dogs allergic to wheat. Make sure to cook oatmeal before serving it to your dog and select only oatmeal that has no added sugar or flavor additives.
Remember to feed these foods in small amounts when you first introduce them to your dog’s diet. If your dog experiences any sort of reaction, immediately consult a veterinarian. Before giving your dog any human food, do some research to make sure it’s safe. Never feed your dog toxic human items such as chocolate, onions, grapes,raisins, yeast dough, artificial sweeteners, macadamia nuts, avocados, alcohol, or coffee. Consult your veterinarian with any questions you might have on what human food is safe and what is harmful.
Conclusion
Making homemade frozen dog treats is a fun, easy, and healthy way to keep your dog cool this summer. So why not give it a try? Your furry friend will thank you!
If you. liked these recipes, take a look at some of our other pet friendly treats!
