Homemade Frozen Fresh Breath Dog Treats

These frozen bites combine parsley, mint, and plain yogurt into a cool, creamy treat that doubles as a breath freshening habit, perfect for hot days when a frozen treat is already on the agenda.

Unlike our Green Dog Breath Mints, which set into a chewy gummy in the fridge, this version freezes into a smooth, icy bite, more like a frozen yogurt pop than a gummy candy.

I like keeping a batch of these in the freezer for the same reason I keep the gummy mints around, a quick, natural way to freshen things up before cuddle time, just with a different texture depending on what my dog is in the mood for.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Frozen Fresh Breath Dog Treats

A few reasons this version is worth trying.

Naturally freshening. Parsley and mint are both known for helping freshen breath.

Cool, creamy texture. The yogurt base gives these a smooth, frozen treat feel.

Great for hot days. Doubles as a cooling treat and a breath freshening habit in one.

Simple ingredients. A short list of whole, recognizable ingredients.

No added sugar or dye. Just herbs and plain yogurt, nothing artificial involved.

Are Parsley, Mint, and Yogurt Safe for Dogs?

All three ingredients are commonly used in dog friendly recipes, but a couple of details are worth knowing.

Fresh parsley, specifically curly or flat leaf parsley, is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. Avoid spring parsley, which is a different plant and can be harmful to dogs.

Fresh mint leaves, used in moderation, are also generally considered safe for dogs. This recipe uses whole mint leaves rather than mint extract or mint essential oil, since concentrated oils can be too strong and potentially harmful.

Plain yogurt should be unsweetened and free of any added sugar or artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Since many dogs have some degree of lactose sensitivity, it’s worth introducing yogurt gradually if your dog hasn’t had dairy before.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this simple, frozen treat.

Fresh parsley, finely chopped, provides both flavor and a natural breath freshening boost.

Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, add a cooling element.

Plain unsweetened yogurt, free of xylitol, forms the creamy frozen base.

Ingredient List

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt

How to Make Homemade Frozen Fresh Breath Dog Treats

  1. Add the chopped parsley, mint, and yogurt to a blender and blend until smooth and evenly combined, with small flecks of herb visible throughout.
  2. Pour the mixture into a silicone mold, ice cube tray, or small paper cups, filling each cavity most of the way.
  3. If using paper cups or a larger mold, add a small treat stick to each portion for an easy to hold frozen pop.
  4. Carefully transfer the filled mold to the freezer and freeze for at least three hours, or until completely solid.
  5. 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 blend smoothly, add a small splash of water until it loosens up.

If it feels too thin, use a thicker yogurt, such as a plain Greek yogurt, to help the mixture firm up once frozen.

For a smoother texture with less visible herb, blend the mixture a bit longer or strain it before freezing.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.

Parsley, mint, and cucumber bites. Blend in a small amount of cucumber for extra hydration alongside the freshening herbs.

Mini bite sized pops. Use a very small mold for tiny, frequent use treats.

Parsley and apple frozen bites. Blend in a small amount of apple, core and seeds removed, for a hint of natural sweetness.

Gummy version. For a chewy, fridge set treat instead of a frozen one, try our Green Dog Breath Mints recipe, which uses the same herbs with a gelatin base.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using spring parsley instead of curly or flat leaf parsley. Spring parsley is a different plant that can be harmful to dogs, so always double check you’re using a dog safe variety.

Using mint extract or mint essential oil instead of fresh mint leaves. Concentrated oils are too strong for this recipe and should not be substituted for whole mint leaves.

Using flavored or sweetened yogurt. Stick to plain, unsweetened yogurt, and always check the label for xylitol.

Not freezing long enough. These need several hours to fully solidify, so plan ahead if you want them ready for a specific day.

How Many Can a Dog Have?

Since these are small and relatively low calorie, they can be offered fairly often, though moderation is still a good general practice, especially for dogs with a known dairy sensitivity. One or two frozen bites a day is a reasonable amount for most dogs.

How to Store Homemade Frozen Fresh Breath 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 of Time?

Yes, that’s exactly what makes this recipe so convenient.

  1. Prepare a full batch and freeze it in a mold or ice cube tray.
  2. Once solid, transfer the treats to a labeled freezer bag or container.
  3. Keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
  4. Hand one over straight from the freezer whenever your dog could use a cool, fresh breath boost.

More Homemade Treat Ideas

If you’re interested in more wellness focused treats, these recipes are worth trying next.

For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from your Green Dog Breath Mints recipe? This version freezes into a smooth, yogurt based pop, while the Green Dog Breath Mints recipe uses gelatin and sets into a chewy gummy in the fridge. Both use the same freshening herbs, just in different formats.

Is parsley safe for dogs? Curly and flat leaf parsley are generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. Avoid spring parsley, which is a different plant and can be harmful.

Is mint safe for dogs? Fresh mint leaves, used in moderation, are generally considered safe for dogs. Avoid mint extract or mint essential oil, which are too concentrated for this recipe.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt? Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well and can help the mixture freeze a bit firmer.

How long do these treats take to freeze? At least three hours, though leaving them overnight ensures they’re fully solid.

How long do these treats last in the freezer? Up to two months when stored in a sealed, freezer safe container.

Can puppies have these 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.

Homemade Frozen Fresh Breath Dog Treats

These homemade frozen fresh breath dog treats combine plain yogurt, fresh parsley, mint, cucumber, and apple into cool, creamy bites. I make them in small portions and freeze them until firm, creating a refreshing treat that is especially nice on warm days.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 24 small treats
Course: Dog Treats

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 | cup | plain unsweetened yogurt | I use this to create the creamy frozen base
  • 1/4 | cup | fresh parsley | I use this for a naturally fresh herb flavor
  • 1 | tablespoon | fresh mint leaves | Adds a mild fresh flavor to the treats
  • 1/4 | cup | cucumber peeled and chopped | Adds moisture and a refreshing texture
  • 1/4 | cup | peeled apple chopped | I use this for natural sweetness and flavor

Equipment

  • 1 | Blender | For blending the ingredients into a smooth mixture1 | Silicone mold or ice cube tray | For shaping the frozen treats1 | Measuring cups and spoons | For measuring the ingredients1 | Small spoon | For portioning the mixture into the mold

Method
 

  1. Wash the parsley, mint, cucumber, and apple thoroughly.
  2. Peel the cucumber and apple. Remove the apple core, seeds, and stem completely.
  3. Add the yogurt, parsley, mint, cucumber, and apple to a blender.
  4. Blend until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small silicone mold or ice cube tray.
  6. Place the mold in the freezer and freeze for approximately 2 hours, or until the treats are completely firm.
  7. Remove the frozen treats from the mold.
  8. Allow a treat to soften slightly before serving if it feels too hard for your dog.
  9. Serve an appropriately sized portion based on your dog’s size.
Recipe Notes
  1. Apple Safety: Always remove the apple core, seeds, and stem before blending. Do not use whole apple pieces with the seeds still attached.
  2. Yogurt Tip: Use plain unsweetened yogurt with no xylitol, artificial sweeteners, added sugar, or flavoring.
  3. Herb Tip: Use fresh parsley and mint in moderate amounts. Do not substitute mint candy, mint gum, or essential oils.
  4. Texture Tip: These treats freeze firm and icy. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if needed, especially for smaller dogs.
  5. Storage: Store the frozen treats in an airtight freezer safe container for up to 2 weeks for the best quality.
  6. Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not add sugar, honey, mint flavoring, or artificial sweeteners. Also make sure all apple seeds and the core are removed before blending.
  7. Serving: Give these frozen treats as an occasional snack, especially on warm days. They can help provide a refreshing treat but should not be relied on to treat ongoing bad breath. Persistent or unusually strong breath odor should be discussed with your veterinarian.

A Final Note on Offering These Treats

These have become a nice summer alternative to the gummy mints, especially since they double as a cooling treat on a hot day.

Keep a batch in the freezer, and you’ll always have a refreshing, natural way to help freshen things up before cuddle time.

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