Homemade Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats
Once the weather heats up, these frozen peanut butter treats become one of the easiest ways to keep my dog cool and entertained at the same time.
With just two ingredients and no baking involved, this is about as simple as a homemade treat gets, and the frozen texture makes it last longer than a regular biscuit, which is perfect for a dog who tends to inhale treats in one bite.
I like keeping a batch of these in the freezer through the summer months, ready to hand over whenever my dog looks like they could use a little relief from the heat, or just as a slow, satisfying treat on a lazy afternoon.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats
A few reasons these are worth keeping in your freezer all summer long.
Only two ingredients. Nothing complicated, just peanut butter and water or broth.
No baking required. This comes together in minutes with no oven needed.
Great for hot weather. A cool, frozen treat is a welcome relief on a warm day.
Slows down fast eaters. The frozen texture naturally makes dogs take their time.
Easy to portion. Silicone molds make it simple to control the size for small or large dogs.
Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs?
Peanut butter is a popular treat ingredient, but it’s worth choosing carefully.
Always check the label for xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some sugar free peanut butter brands. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, so this is the single most important thing to check before using any peanut butter in a dog recipe.
Choose a natural, unsweetened variety with minimal ingredients, ideally just peanuts, or peanuts with a small amount of salt.
Moderation still applies, since peanut butter is calorie dense and higher in fat than many other treat ingredients. A small amount goes a long way in this recipe, especially once diluted with water or broth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this simple frozen treat.
Natural peanut butter, free of xylitol, provides the flavor dogs love.
Water or low sodium broth, free of onion and garlic, helps thin the peanut butter to a pourable consistency and stretches the recipe further.
Ingredient List
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, no xylitol
- 1 cup water or low sodium broth, no onion or garlic
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats
- In a small saucepan or microwave safe bowl, warm the peanut butter slightly until it becomes soft and easy to stir, either over low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave.
- Gradually whisk in the water or broth, a little at a time, until the mixture becomes smooth and pourable.
- Pour the mixture into a silicone mold, ice cube tray, or small paper cups, filling each cavity most of the way.
- If using paper cups or a larger mold, you can add a small treat stick to each portion for an easy to hold frozen pop.
- Carefully transfer the filled mold to the freezer and freeze for at least four hours, or until completely solid.
- Once frozen, pop the treats out of the mold and store them in a freezer safe container or bag.
Getting the Right Consistency
A few notes on texture for this recipe.
If the mixture feels too thick to pour smoothly into the mold, whisk in a bit more water or broth until it loosens up.
If the mixture feels too thin, add a small additional spoonful of peanut butter and whisk until combined.
For a treat with a bit more texture, stir in a spoonful of plain pumpkin puree or a few small pieces of banana before freezing.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.
Peanut butter and banana pops. Blend a small ripe banana into the mixture before freezing for extra flavor and natural sweetness.
Peanut butter and pumpkin pops. Stir in a couple tablespoons of plain pumpkin puree for added fiber and a slightly different flavor.
Layered frozen treats. Alternate layers of the peanut butter mixture with plain yogurt in the mold for a fun striped effect.
Mini frozen bites. Use a small ice cube tray for bite sized versions, perfect for a quick cooldown treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using peanut butter with xylitol. Always double check the label, even on brands you’ve used before.
Overheating the peanut butter. Warm it gently rather than letting it get too hot, since overheating can affect the texture once mixed and frozen.
Not freezing long enough. These need several hours to fully solidify, so plan ahead if you want them ready for a specific day.
Using a broth with onion or garlic. Always check the label on any broth used in place of water.
Serving straight from the freezer to a fast eater without supervision. As with any frozen treat, keep an eye on your dog while they enjoy it, especially if they tend to bite off large pieces at once.
How Many Can a Dog Have?
Since peanut butter is calorie dense, these frozen treats are best offered in moderation, generally staying under about ten percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake overall. One treat is usually plenty for a small or medium dog on a hot day, while a larger dog might enjoy two. As with any treat, adjust based on your dog’s size, activity level, and overall diet.
How to Store Homemade Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats
Freezer only. Since these are meant to stay frozen, store them in a freezer safe container or bag rather than the fridge or at room temperature.
Frozen treats generally keep their quality for up to two months. Always check for any unusual smell or texture before serving.
Can You Make These Ahead for a Hot Day?
Yes, that’s exactly what makes this recipe so convenient.
- Prepare a full batch and freeze it in a mold or ice cube tray.
- Once solid, transfer the treats to a labeled freezer bag or container.
- Keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
- Hand one over straight from the freezer on a hot afternoon, or after a long walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, crunchy peanut butter works fine, though the texture of the finished treats will be slightly less smooth.
Can I use broth instead of water? Yes, a low sodium broth free of onion and garlic adds extra flavor and works well as a substitute for water.
How long do these treats take to freeze? At least four hours, though leaving them overnight ensures they’re fully solid.
Can I add fruit to this recipe? Yes, mashed banana or a small amount of pumpkin puree can be blended in before freezing for extra flavor.
How long do these treats last in the freezer? Up to two months when stored in a sealed, freezer safe container.
Can puppies have frozen peanut butter treats? In small amounts, most puppies can enjoy these, but check with your veterinarian first, and supervise closely since frozen treats can be firmer to chew.
Is it okay to give a frozen treat straight from the freezer? Yes, that’s how these are meant to be served, though it’s a good idea to supervise your dog while they enjoy it, as with any frozen treat.
Recipe Card
Recipe name: Homemade Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats
Summary: A simple two ingredient frozen treat made with peanut butter and water or broth, perfect for hot days.
Servings: About 12 treats, depending on mold size
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: None
Total time: 4 hours 5 minutes, mostly freezing time
Estimated cost: Budget friendly
Course: Frozen dog treat
Cuisine: Homemade pet food
Keywords: frozen dog treats, peanut butter dog treats, summer dog treats, homemade dog popsicles, cooling treats for dogs
Equipment: Small saucepan or microwave safe bowl, whisk, silicone mold or ice cube tray
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, no xylitol
- 1 cup water or low sodium broth, no onion or garlic
Instructions:
- Warm peanut butter until soft.
- Whisk in water or broth until smooth.
- Pour into a silicone mold or ice cube tray.
- Freeze at least four hours until solid.
- Pop out and store in the freezer.
A Final Note on Serving These Treats
These have become a summer staple around here, mostly because they’re so easy to keep on hand and always seem to hit the spot on a hot afternoon. There’s something satisfying about handing over a treat that keeps my dog busy and cool at the same time, and knowing it’s made from just two simple ingredients makes it an easy one to reach for again and again.
More Homemade Treat Ideas
If your dog enjoyed these, these recipes are worth trying next.
- Easy Frozen Coconut Dog Treats for Summer
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Dog Gummies
- Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Gummies for Dogs
- Homemade Peanut Butter Pumpkin Soft Dog Treats
For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
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