Frozen treats are a summer favorite for many dogs. Licking a frozen snack takes time, which turns a simple treat into a calm, absorbing activity. With a few safe ingredients and some sensible portions, they are easy to make at home.
Start with a safe base
Most frozen dog treats begin with a liquid or a soft food that freezes well. Common bases include:
- Plain water, which is the simplest option of all.
- Low-sodium broth with no onion or garlic. Many store-bought broths include both, so read labels carefully or make your own from plain meat.
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt, in small amounts, for dogs that tolerate dairy.
- Plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.
- Your dog’s regular wet food, which is a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or special diets.
Mix-ins many dogs enjoy
Small amounts of dog-friendly foods can be stirred in or frozen into the treat. Options that are commonly offered to dogs include blueberries, small pieces of seedless watermelon, banana slices, plain cooked chicken and bits of carrot. You can also freeze a few of your dog’s usual kibble pieces or training treats inside.
Silicone molds, ice cube trays and rubber food-dispensing toys all work well. Stuffing a toy and freezing it overnight creates a longer-lasting challenge.
Ingredients to leave out
Some foods commonly found in people’s frozen desserts are unsafe for dogs. Avoid:
- Xylitol, sometimes listed as birch sugar, which can appear in peanut butter, yogurt and sugar-free products.
- Grapes, raisins and currants.
- Chocolate, cocoa and coffee.
- Onion and garlic, including in broth and seasoned meats.
- Macadamia nuts.
- Added sugar, artificial sweeteners and heavy cream.
- Alcohol of any kind.
If you use peanut butter, choose one with no xylitol and no added sweeteners, and use it sparingly since it is high in fat.
Portions and safety
Treats add calories. A common guideline many veterinarians share is to keep treats to a small fraction of a dog’s daily calories, but your vet can give you a number that fits your dog. Make treats sized to your dog: a small cube for a small dog, a larger portion for a big one.
Supervise your dog with frozen treats, especially at first. Some dogs try to swallow large pieces whole, which can be a choking risk, and very hard frozen items can be tough on teeth. Letting a treat soften for a minute or two before serving helps.
Introduce new ingredients one at a time and in small amounts, so you can tell if something does not agree with your dog. If your dog has food allergies, a sensitive stomach, diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your veterinarian before adding new treats.
Frozen treats are a nice addition to a summer routine, but they are not a substitute for fresh water, shade and a cool place to rest.
