I never thought I’d be making frozen treats for my dog until I saw how much she drooled watching the kids eat popsicles last summer. Our regular ice cubes just weren’t cutting it anymore – she’d look at them like “Really, mom? That’s the best you can do?”
That’s when I started experimenting with dog-friendly frozen treats, and these blueberry yogurt pops became an instant hit. They’re super easy to make, and unlike those fancy store-bought treats that cost a fortune, these use simple ingredients you probably already have in your fridge. Plus, watching your pup try to lick a frozen treat is pretty much the best entertainment you can get on a hot day.
Why You’ll Love These Dog Treats
- Pet-safe ingredients – Made with just three natural, dog-friendly ingredients you can feel good about giving to your furry friend.
- Cost-effective – Making these treats at home costs much less than buying premium frozen dog treats from the pet store, and you’ll know exactly what’s in them.
- Easy preparation – Simply blend and freeze – no cooking required! It’s so simple, you might find yourself making these regularly for your pup.
- Cooling summer treat – These frozen treats are perfect for keeping your dog cool and happy during hot summer days, plus they’re packed with healthy probiotics from the yogurt.
What Kind of Greek Yogurt Should I Use?
When making frozen treats for your pup, plain Greek yogurt is definitely the way to go since flavored varieties often contain added sugars and artificial sweeteners that aren’t good for dogs. Full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt both work well in this recipe, though full-fat tends to freeze a bit creamier. Just be sure to check the ingredient list to confirm there’s no xylitol (a sweetener that’s toxic to dogs) in the yogurt you choose. If your dog is sensitive to dairy, you can also find several brands of Greek-style coconut yogurt that make a good substitute, though they might freeze a bit harder than traditional Greek yogurt.
Options for Substitutions
Making these pup-friendly treats and need to switch things up? Here are some safe substitutions for your furry friend:
- Blueberries: You can swap blueberries with other dog-safe fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or diced apple (without seeds). Just make sure to keep the same amount to maintain the right consistency.
- Greek yogurt: Regular plain yogurt works fine, though it might make the treats a bit less creamy. You can also use plain coconut yogurt if your dog is sensitive to dairy. Avoid any yogurt with artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Banana: If you’re out of bananas, try using 1/2 cup of unsweetened pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato instead. These alternatives are great for dogs and will help maintain the creamy texture.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making frozen dog treats is using yogurt with artificial sweeteners or xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs – always stick to plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt to keep your pup safe.
Another common mistake is not blending the ingredients thoroughly enough, which can lead to icy chunks and an uneven texture that your dog might not enjoy – take the extra minute to puree until completely smooth.
For the best frozen texture, avoid overfilling your molds (leave about 1/4 inch at the top) since the mixture will expand slightly when frozen, and make sure to let the treats freeze completely solid for at least 4 hours before serving to your furry friend.
To make removal easier and prevent the treats from sticking, you can briefly dip the bottom of the mold in warm water for 10-15 seconds before popping them out.
What to Serve With Frozen Dog Treats?
These frozen treats are perfect for keeping your pup cool, and there are lots of fun ways to make treat time even more special for your four-legged friend! I like to serve these frozen treats outside in a shallow dish or on a non-slip mat to prevent any mess from melting. You can pair them with your dog’s regular kibble as a special dessert after mealtime, or give them as a refreshing reward during training sessions. For extra fun, try hiding the treats in a puzzle toy or serving them alongside some fresh apple slices (without seeds) or baby carrots for a healthy snack spread your pup will love.
Storage Instructions
Keep Frozen: These pup-friendly treats need to stay in the freezer to maintain their shape and freshness. Once they’re completely frozen, pop them out of the mold and transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Your furry friend can enjoy these cool treats for up to 3 months!
Portion: If you’ve made a big batch, it’s handy to separate them into smaller portions using separate containers or bags. This way, you can grab just what you need without having to thaw the whole batch. Plus, it helps keep the treats fresh longer since you’re not constantly opening and closing the same container.
Serve: When it’s treat time, just grab one straight from the freezer and give it to your pup! No need to let it thaw – these treats are meant to be enjoyed frozen, especially on warm days. Remember to serve these treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 60-120 minutes |
| Total Time | 65-130 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 15-20 g
- Fat: 5-8 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 3/4 cup greek yogurt
- 1/2 ripe banana
Step 1: Blend Ingredients
Place all the ingredients into a blender or food processor.
Blend the mixture until it is fully incorporated and smooth, which should take about 90 seconds.
Ensure there are no lumps left in the mixture.
Step 2: Fill the Molds
Once the mixture is smooth, pour it into your silicone mold or an ice cube tray.
Make sure to fill each compartment evenly for consistent treat sizes.
Step 3: Freeze the Treats
Place the filled mold or tray in the freezer.
Allow the treats to freeze until they are solid, which should take approximately 1-2 hours depending on your freezer’s efficiency.
Step 4: Serve to Your Dog
After the treats are frozen solid, remove them from the mold or tray.
Offer these delightful, homemade treats to your dog and enjoy seeing them relish their icy reward.
Happy dog, indeed!
