Does your furry friend need to watch their weight but still deserves something special? These healthy frozen dog treats are perfect for hot summer days and won’t add extra pounds to your pup’s waistline.
Today I’ll share 5 easy-to-make, nutritious frozen treats that are low in calories and will keep your dog cool and satisfied.
Benefits of Homemade Frozen Dog Treats
- Complete ingredient control: Know exactly what goes into your dog’s treats
- Cost-effective: Save money compared to store-bought options
- Weight management: Perfect for dogs on restricted diets
- Hydration support: Help keep your dog hydrated during hot weather
- Mental stimulation: Frozen treats provide longer-lasting enjoyment
Recipe 1: Yogurt Berry Bites
Give your dog the perfect combination of protein and antioxidants with these refreshing berry-packed frozen treats.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Freeze time: 4 hours
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries)
- 1 tablespoon honey
How to Make Step by Step
Start by washing the berries thoroughly and removing any stems. Place them in a blender and pulse until they’re broken down into small pieces but not completely pureed. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the crushed berries. If using honey, add it now and mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Pour the mixture into silicone ice cube trays or small treat molds. Tap the molds gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Place in the freezer and let them set for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Feeding Size
- Small dogs: 1 cube per serving
- Medium dogs: 2 cubes per serving
- Large dogs: 3 cubes per serving
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values (per cube)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 15 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Carbs | 2.5g |
Recipe 2: Pumpkin Banana Pops
These creamy pops are packed with fiber and potassium, perfect for digestive health.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Freeze time: 6 hours
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 ripe banana
- ¼ cup plain non-fat yogurt
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (natural, no xylitol)
How to Make Step by Step
Begin by mashing the ripe banana in a large bowl until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree and mix well. Stir in the yogurt and peanut butter until you achieve a uniform consistency. The mixture should be smooth but thick enough to hold its shape.
Transfer the mixture into popsicle molds or paper cups with craft sticks. If using paper cups, cover the top with aluminum foil and insert the sticks through the center. Freeze until completely solid.
Feeding Size
- Small dogs: ¼ pop per serving
- Medium dogs: ½ pop per serving
- Large dogs: 1 pop per serving
Storage Tips
Wrap individually in wax paper and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Values (per pop)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 45 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbs | 7g |
Recipe 3: Watermelon Ice Cubes
Keep your dog hydrated with these refreshing, naturally sweet treats.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Freeze time: 3 hours
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups seedless watermelon
- ½ cup coconut water
- Mint leaves (optional)
How to Make Step by Step
Remove any seeds from the watermelon and cut it into chunks. Place the watermelon pieces in a blender with coconut water. If using mint leaves, add 2-3 leaves for fresh breath. Blend until completely smooth and strain if needed to remove pulp.
Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds. For added interest, you can place small pieces of watermelon in each compartment before adding the liquid. Freeze until solid.
Feeding Size
- Small dogs: 1-2 cubes per serving
- Medium dogs: 2-3 cubes per serving
- Large dogs: 3-4 cubes per serving
Storage Tips
Keep in freezer bags for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Values (per cube)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 8 |
| Protein | 0.2g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbs | 2g |
Recipe 4: Green Smoothie Freezies
A nutrient-packed frozen treat that sneaks in healthy vegetables.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Freeze time: 5 hours
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1 apple, cored
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
How to Make Step by Step
Wash all produce thoroughly. Core the apple and cut it into chunks. Chop the celery into small pieces. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender, including the water and ground flaxseed. Blend until completely smooth with no chunks remaining.
Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or bone-shaped molds. For easier removal, you might want to lightly grease the molds with coconut oil before filling. Freeze until completely solid.
Feeding Size
- Small dogs: 1-2 cubes per serving
- Medium dogs: 2-3 cubes per serving
- Large dogs: 3-4 cubes per serving
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Values (per cube)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 12 |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Fat | 0.3g |
| Carbs | 2.5g |
Recipe 5: Chicken Broth Ice Pops
A savory frozen treat that’s protein-rich and incredibly satisfying.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Freeze time: 4 hours
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup finely diced cooked chicken
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons green peas
How to Make Step by Step
Start by ensuring your chicken broth is cool and low in sodium. If using homemade broth, skim off any fat. Dice the cooked chicken into very small pieces. Finely dice the carrot and cook it briefly in the microwave until just tender.
Distribute the diced chicken, carrots, and peas evenly among the ice cube trays or molds. Pour the cooled chicken broth over the ingredients. Freeze until completely solid.
Feeding Size
- Small dogs: 1 cube per serving
- Medium dogs: 2 cubes per serving
- Large dogs: 3 cubes per serving
Storage Tips
Keep in freezer bags for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Values (per cube)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 10 |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Fat | 0.3g |
| Carbs | 0.5g |
How long do homemade frozen dog treats last?
Most homemade frozen dog treats can last up to 3 months when stored properly in an airtight container in the freezer.
Can I use any type of yogurt in dog treats?
Use plain, non-fat yogurt without artificial sweeteners. Avoid yogurt containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
How many frozen treats can I give my dog per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For these low-calorie treats, follow the serving sizes provided and adjust based on your dog’s size and activity level.
Should I consult my vet before giving my dog homemade treats?
Yes, especially if your dog has any health conditions or dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Creating homemade frozen treats for your dog is a wonderful way to show them love while keeping their health in mind. These five recipes provide a perfect starting point for your dog treat-making journey.
Remember to introduce any new treats gradually and observe your dog’s reaction. Ready to get started? Grab your ingredients and treat your furry friend to some healthy, homemade goodness today!
