I started making frozen treats for my dog during one particularly brutal stretch of summer, mostly out of desperation to keep him occupied somewhere cooler than the backyard.
What began as a way to survive a heat wave turned into something I genuinely look forward to now, an easy way to hand him something cold, simple, and made from ingredients I actually recognize, rather than another bag from the treat aisle.
Along the way I learned which textures he actually gets excited about, how small a portion really needs to be, and more than a few mistakes about freezer storage that I’ll get into later in this guide.
Every recipe here is built around ingredients that are generally considered safe for dogs, but it’s worth being upfront that “vet friendly” doesn’t mean every recipe is automatically appropriate for every individual dog.
Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney disease, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary restrictions may need something different, and it’s always worth checking with your own vet if your dog falls into one of those categories.
If you want to explore homemade feeding beyond treats, a few related guides are worth having open alongside this one.
Homemade dog food with vet approved ingredients covers what a fully balanced homemade diet actually needs, human foods dogs can safely eat is a good reference for what’s safe to share from your own kitchen more broadly, and 7 high protein homemade dog food recipes, 3 simple farmer’s dog food recipes, and 3 ingredient cooked dog food are worth trying if you want to build out full meals, not just treats.
For more treat ideas beyond the frozen ones below, 3 ingredient peanut butter dog gummies, homemade beef bone broth gummies, homemade banana dog treat recipes, simple carrot based dog treat recipes for beginners, and easy frozen coconut dog treats for summer are all good companions to this guide.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Always use dog-safe ingredients and consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats, especially if your dog has allergies or health concerns.
Amazon Shopping List You Need
- Silicone Dog Treat Molds (Bone or Paw Shapes)
- Dog-Safe Peanut Butter (Xylitol-Free)
- Silicone Ice Cube Trays for Frozen Treats
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
- Airtight Treat Storage Container
- Dog Treat Freezer Storage Bags
What Makes a Frozen Dog Treat a Good Choice?
The best frozen treats are built around a small handful of simple, recognizable ingredients rather than anything complicated.
Plain unsweetened yogurt, pumpkin puree, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, apples without seeds or core, peanut butter without xylitol, cooked chicken, carrots, and sweet potato all show up repeatedly throughout this guide because they’re genuinely reliable.
Not every human food is safe for dogs, though, and it’s worth keeping a mental list of what to avoid entirely: xylitol or any product containing it, grapes and raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions and garlic, excessively salty ingredients, and anything heavy on added sugar.
None of the recipes below use any of these, but it’s worth knowing why they’re excluded rather than just taking it on faith.
Ingredients I Feel Comfortable Using
Plain unsweetened yogurt. A reliable base for a lot of frozen treats, as long as it’s free of artificial sweeteners.
Pumpkin puree. Plain, not pie filling, and a good source of fiber and moisture.
Bananas. Naturally sweet and easy to mash or slice into portions.
Blueberries and strawberries. Small, antioxidant rich, and easy to freeze whole or chopped.
Apples. Cored and seedless, sliced or diced small.
Peanut butter. Only plain peanut butter with no xylitol on the ingredient label.
Cooked chicken. Fully cooked, unseasoned, and shredded or diced.
Carrots and sweet potato. Cooked until soft, or grated raw depending on the recipe.
Ingredients I Avoid in Homemade Dog Treats
I would never use regular peanut butter without checking the label first.
Some peanut butter products contain xylitol, which is extremely dangerous for dogs even in small amounts, and it isn’t always obvious from the front of the jar.
I also skip added sugar, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, grapes, raisins, and any heavily processed ingredient I can’t easily identify.
If a label has more than a handful of ingredients I don’t recognize, it doesn’t go anywhere near a treat I’m making for my dog.
Quick Recipe Comparison
| Recipe | Main Ingredient | Best For | Difficulty | Freezer Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Banana Yogurt Dog Treats | Banana and yogurt | Everyday treat | Easy | 2 to 3 months |
| Pumpkin Peanut Butter Frozen Bites | Pumpkin | Digestive friendly option | Easy | 2 to 3 months |
| Blueberry Yogurt Dog Pops | Blueberries | Summer treat | Easy | 2 to 3 months |
| Strawberry Banana Frozen Treats | Strawberry and banana | Sweet flavored treat | Easy | 2 to 3 months |
| Frozen Apple and Pumpkin Bites | Apple | Fall flavored treat | Easy | 2 to 3 months |
| Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Bites | Sweet potato | Filling, denser treat | Moderate | 2 to 3 months |
| Frozen Carrot and Apple Treats | Carrot | Crunchy when partially thawed | Easy | 2 to 3 months |
| Chicken Broth Frozen Dog Cubes | Chicken broth | Hydration and flavor boost | Easy | 1 to 2 months |
| Watermelon Frozen Dog Treats | Watermelon | Hot weather hydration | Easy | 1 to 2 months |
| Blueberry Banana Frozen Bites | Blueberry and banana | Everyday treat | Easy | 2 to 3 months |
| Pumpkin and Banana Frozen Pupsicles | Pumpkin and banana | Larger, longer lasting treat | Moderate | 2 to 3 months |
11 Frozen Dog Treat Recipes
1. Frozen Banana Yogurt Dog Treats
This is the recipe I make most often, mostly because it takes almost no effort and my dog genuinely loses his mind over it.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- A handful of blueberries, optional
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a bowl until mostly smooth.
- Stir in the yogurt until fully combined.
- Fold in the blueberries if using.
- Spoon the mixture into small silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
How Much to Give Your Dog A small dog might do well with one small mold, while a larger dog could have two or three, adjusted based on their size and how many other treats they’ve had that day.
Storage Once frozen, pop the treats out and store them in a freezer safe container for up to 2 to 3 months.
My Tip I prefer making these in smaller silicone molds because I can take out one or two at a time instead of handing my dog a large frozen piece all at once.
2. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Frozen Bites
A slightly denser treat that works well for dogs who tend to have a sensitive stomach.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons plain peanut butter, xylitol free
- 2 tablespoons water, if needed
Instructions
- Combine the pumpkin and peanut butter in a bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Add a small splash of water if the mixture feels too thick to spoon easily.
- Spoon into small molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
How Much to Give Your Dog One or two small bites is usually plenty, since these are more calorie dense than the fruit based recipes.
Storage Store frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 to 3 months.
My Tip I always double check the peanut butter label right before I buy it, not just the first time. Ingredient lists change more often than people expect.
3. Blueberry Yogurt Dog Pops
A simple summer favorite that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1/2 cup blueberries, whole or lightly mashed
Instructions
- Stir the blueberries into the yogurt.
- Spoon the mixture into small molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, until solid.
How Much to Give Your Dog One or two small pops work well as an occasional warm weather treat.
Storage Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 to 3 months.
My Tip Lightly mashing half the blueberries and leaving the rest whole gives a nice mix of texture once frozen.
4. Strawberry Banana Frozen Treats
A naturally sweet combination that tends to be a hit even with picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
Instructions
- Mash the banana and chopped strawberries together in a bowl.
- Stir in the yogurt until combined.
- Spoon into small molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
How Much to Give Your Dog A small serving is plenty, since both fruits contain natural sugar.
Storage Store frozen for up to 2 to 3 months in an airtight container.
My Tip I chop the strawberries fairly small so the texture stays even once frozen, rather than ending up with large icy chunks.
5. Frozen Apple and Pumpkin Bites
A good fall flavored option that still works well any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup apple, cored, seeded, and finely diced
- 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine the diced apple, pumpkin, and water in a bowl.
- Stir until evenly mixed.
- Spoon into small molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
How Much to Give Your Dog One or two bites is a reasonable serving for most dogs.
Storage Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months in an airtight container.
My Tip Dicing the apple small enough that it freezes evenly throughout the mold makes a noticeable difference in texture.
6. Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Bites
A filling, slightly denser treat that holds up well as an occasional bigger reward.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
- 2 tablespoons plain peanut butter, xylitol free
Instructions
- Cook and mash the sweet potato until smooth.
- Stir in the peanut butter until fully combined.
- Spoon into small molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
How Much to Give Your Dog One small bite is usually enough given how filling this one is.
Storage Store frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.
My Tip I bake extra sweet potato whenever I’m already making some for dinner, so this one comes together with almost no extra effort.
7. Frozen Carrot and Apple Treats
A crunchier option, especially good when the treats are given slightly thawed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup carrot, finely grated
- 1/2 cup apple, cored, seeded, and finely diced
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Combine the grated carrot, diced apple, and water in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into small molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
How Much to Give Your Dog One or two pieces work well, especially as a low calorie option.
Storage Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months in an airtight container.
My Tip My dog seems to prefer these slightly thawed for a minute or two, giving them a bit of crunch alongside the cold.
8. Chicken Broth Frozen Dog Cubes
A simple way to add hydration and flavor without much effort at all.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain, low sodium chicken broth, onion and garlic free
Instructions
- Pour the broth into an ice cube tray or small molds.
- Freeze for at least 3 to 4 hours, until solid.
How Much to Give Your Dog One or two cubes work well, especially on a hot day or alongside a regular meal.
Storage Freeze in a bag or airtight container for up to 1 to 2 months.
My Tip I always double check the broth label for onion and garlic before buying, since a lot of otherwise plain sounding broths include them for flavor.
9. Watermelon Frozen Dog Treats
A refreshing, hydrating option for the hottest days of the year.
Ingredients
- 1 cup watermelon, seeded and rind removed, diced small
Instructions
- Puree or finely mash the watermelon.
- Spoon into small molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
How Much to Give Your Dog A small serving is plenty given the natural sugar and water content.
Storage Freeze for up to 1 to 2 months, since fruit based treats like this one don’t hold their texture quite as long as some others.
My Tip I always double check for seeds before dicing, since even a couple missed ones can be a choking hazard.
10. Blueberry Banana Frozen Bites
A simple, everyday combination that’s hard to go wrong with.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup blueberries
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a bowl.
- Stir in the blueberries, lightly mashing a few if you’d like a smoother texture.
- Spoon into small molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
How Much to Give Your Dog One or two bites make a reasonable everyday treat.
Storage Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months in an airtight container.
My Tip This is the recipe I reach for when I’m short on time, since it only needs two ingredients I almost always have on hand.
11. Pumpkin and Banana Frozen Pupsicles
A slightly larger, more filling treat, good for a special occasion rather than an everyday reward.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a bowl.
- Stir in the pumpkin and yogurt until fully combined.
- Pour into a larger mold or small paper cup if you’d like a bigger pupsicle.
- Freeze for at least 5 to 6 hours, given the larger size.
How Much to Give Your Dog Treat this one as an occasional larger reward rather than a daily treat, especially for smaller dogs.
Storage Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months in an airtight container.
My Tip I use small paper cups for this one instead of a mold, which makes it easy to just peel the cup away once it’s frozen solid.
How I Store Homemade Frozen Dog Treats
I learned pretty quickly that making a huge batch sounds convenient until you realize your freezer is full of dog treats you’re trying to separate with a butter knife.
A few habits that have made this much easier over time:
- Use small, freezer safe containers rather than one large bag
- Separate treats into a single layer before they fully freeze together, so they don’t end up as one solid block
- Label containers with the recipe and the date
- Make smaller batches more often rather than one enormous batch all at once
- Keep treats away from strongly scented freezer foods, since some ingredients pick up odors more than you’d expect
- Take out only what you need for the next few days rather than digging through a full container each time
How Many Frozen Treats Should a Dog Have?
Treats should generally remain a small part of a dog’s overall diet, and calories from homemade frozen treats count just as much as calories from anything else.
Rather than a flat number like “three treats a day,” think about your dog’s size, existing diet, activity level, and overall calorie needs when deciding how many to offer.
For puppies, senior dogs, dogs with medical conditions, and dogs on a prescription diet, it’s worth checking with your veterinarian before introducing homemade treats regularly.
Common Problems When Making Frozen Dog Treats
Why are my frozen treats too hard? Ingredients with less water content, like a very thick yogurt, tend to freeze harder. Adding a small amount of water to the mixture before freezing usually softens the final texture.
Why won’t my treats come out of the mold? Let the mold sit at room temperature for a minute, or briefly run the outside under lukewarm water to loosen the treats.
Why does my dog not like frozen treats? Some dogs prefer treats that have thawed slightly rather than being served rock solid straight from the freezer. It’s worth trying that before assuming the recipe itself is the problem.
Can I make them without yogurt? Yes, pureed pumpkin or mashed banana can often stand in as the base instead, depending on the recipe.
Can I use silicone molds? Yes, small silicone molds are genuinely convenient for portion control, and they make it easy to pop treats out cleanly without needing to run water over an ice cube tray.
Can I make these without peanut butter? Yes, most peanut butter based recipes in this guide can be made with plain yogurt or mashed banana instead, without needing to force peanut butter into every version.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Chicken broth can generally stand in for water in most of these recipes if you want a savory version instead of a sweet one.
Plain yogurt and mashed banana can often be swapped for each other depending on the texture you’re going for.
Blueberries and diced strawberries work interchangeably in most of the fruit based recipes above.
As always, any substitution can shift the overall texture and calorie content slightly, so it’s worth keeping portions modest the first time you try a swap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are frozen treats safe for dogs? Generally, yes, when made with appropriate ingredients and given in reasonable portions. Extremely large or hard frozen pieces can be a concern for aggressive chewers, so size and texture matter.
How often can I give my dog frozen treats? As an occasional treat, a few times a week is reasonable for most healthy adult dogs, adjusted for their size and overall diet.
What homemade frozen treats are good for dogs? Simple combinations built around yogurt, pumpkin, banana, and berries tend to be reliable, safe choices that most dogs enjoy.
Can dogs eat frozen yogurt? Plain, unsweetened yogurt frozen at home is fine in small amounts. Commercial frozen yogurt often contains added sugar or other ingredients that aren’t appropriate.
Can I freeze peanut butter for my dog? Yes, as long as it’s plain peanut butter without xylitol.
Can puppies have frozen treats? In small amounts, generally yes, though very hard frozen treats may be too much for young teeth, so a partially thawed version is often a better choice for puppies.
How long do homemade dog treats last in the freezer? Most of the recipes here hold their quality for about 2 to 3 months, though fruit heavy recipes like watermelon tend to hold up a bit less long, closer to 1 to 2 months.
Can dogs eat frozen fruit? Yes, most dog safe fruits can be frozen without an issue, as long as seeds, pits, and cores are removed first.
What ingredients should never be used in homemade dog treats? Xylitol, grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, and excessive salt or sugar should all be avoided entirely.
Can dogs have homemade treats every day? In small, appropriate portions, yes, but treats should stay a small part of their overall daily calorie intake rather than a regular, sizable addition.
Final Thoughts
I’d rather make a small batch using a handful of familiar ingredients than put together something elaborate with a list of things I can’t pronounce or don’t fully understand.
These eleven recipes are meant to be exactly that: simple, sensible treats that come together with a few minutes of prep and a few hours in the freezer, made from ingredients you already trust.
Start with whichever one matches what’s already in your fridge, and build from there as you figure out what your own dog actually gets excited about.
