10 Best Frozen Summer Dog Treats

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The dog days of summer are here, and everyone loves a frozen treat to help cool off, including our four-legged friends. There are many ways to give your dog a special summer treat, from homemade frozen pops to store-bought dog ice cream.

Is your pup ready to get their paws on some frosty fun? Here are some tips and recipes for frozen dog treats to keep your pup cool and happy all summer!

First Things First… Frozen Dog Treat Safety

Before we get into the “deets” on summer dog treats, it’s critical we cover some safety guidelines. While most dogs can safely enjoy the occasional frozen treat, awareness of the risks and taking precautions are crucial.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

Always keep your vet informed about your dog's nutrition, even when it comes to treats. This is especially important if your dog has a medical condition, any food allergies, or is on a prescription diet. If your dog has any dental problems, your vet may also recommend steering clear of certain frozen treats.

Always Supervise Your Dog

Frozen treats can present a choking hazard for some pups, especially smaller dogs and toy breeds. But dogs with certain medical conditions, like collapsing trachea or laryngeal paralysis, and brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs or Pugs are also at risk. Always supervise your dog while they enjoy their frozen summer treats and adjust serving sizes for petite pups.

Only Use Dog-Safe Ingredients and Products

Many human foods can be dangerous for dogs, including chocolate, raisins, artificial sweeteners, and other items commonly found in frozen desserts. No matter how tempting it might be to share your popsicle with your pup or offer them a lick of ice cream from your spoon — don’t do it! It’s easy to make your frozen dog treats or pick up some premade “pupsicles” or dog ice cream with safe ingredients.

Treat in Moderation

Generally, snacks and treats should comprise no more than 10% of a dog’s diet. Feed frozen treats in moderation to avoid any potential weight gain, tummy troubles, or risk the disruption of your dog’s diet.

Tail-Wagging Frozen Dog Treats

Ready to treat your pup? Here are 10 tail-wagging frozen dog treats for summer!

1. PB&J Bark Bites

Add 1 cup of strawberries (washed and with stems removed), a ½ cup of water, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of dog-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free) to a blender. Blend until the contents are smooth, then use it to fill dog treat molds or ice cube trays and freeze. You can also top each with a strawberry slice and a peanut butter drizzle for an extra special treat.

2. Woofin’ Watermelon Pops

Add 1 cup of watermelon chunks (with seeds and rinds removed) with 1 cup of water to a blender and blend until smooth. Use the mixture to fill “pupsicle” molds, lick-mats, or treat trays and freeze. Frozen watermelon dog treats are always a hit on a hot day!

3. Peanut Butter and Banana Bites

Cut a few bananas into bite-sized slices (adjust the size for your dog) and place them on a freezer-safe, parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with a small amount of dog-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free) and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer. You’ll have cool summer treats for your dog always ready.

4. Frosty Sweet Potato Scoops

Steam, boil, or bake 2 medium to large-sized sweet potatoes. Let the sweet potatoes cool, remove the skin and mash until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of pup-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free) and mix until well combined.

Use a tablespoon to drop bite-sized “scoops” onto a freezer-safe, parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until set. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer. Your pup will love the cool, creamy sweet potato and peanut butter combo that melts in their mouth.

5. Frozen Celery Snackers

Slice celery sticks into an appropriate size for your dog and spread a small amount of pup-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free) in the center of each stick. Line the celery sticks on a freezer-safe, parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until set. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer. Dogs love the cool, crunchiness of the celery and the tasty peanut butter on a hot day.

6. Strawberry Pup Slushie

Add a small handful of sliced frozen strawberries to a blender with just enough water to thin the mixture and allow for blending (approximately ¼ cup). Blend until you’ve reached a “slushie” consistency (add more water, if needed). Fill a small cup (no more than a few ounces) and let your pup enjoy their special slushie. Any leftovers can be used to fill frozen dog treat molds for later.

7. Pumpkin Pup Pops

In a mixing bowl, add ½ cup of canned pumpkin (plain pumpkin puree, no spices), ½ cup of plain, unsweetened, non-fat yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened applesauce, and mix until well combined. Use the mixture to fill “pupsicle” molds, lick-mats, or treat trays and freeze. Use bone-shaped dog biscuits as popsicle “sticks” for added flair and crunch.

8. Melon Melty Mats

Combine a few chunks of fresh watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew (with seeds and rinds removed) and blend until smooth. Spoon a few tablespoons of the melon puree onto lick-mats (just enough to fill the crevices; you don’t want it overflowing) and freeze until set. Your dog will enjoy the icy refreshment of these melon mats on a hot summer day.

9. Ice Cream Pup Cups

Ice cream is one of the easiest summer treats for dogs, and nowadays, you can typically find dog ice cream at your local grocery store, right next to the human varieties. You’ll find dog ice cream cups in various flavors like vanilla, peanut butter, mint, and even cheese. Double-check the label to ensure you’re buying ice cream made for dogs. Brands include Frosty Paws and Dogster’s Ice Cream, and you’ll even find some Ben and Jerry’s dog ice cream. Some ice cream shops also offer special “doggy cones,” so you can both stop in for a cool treat if you’re on the go with your pup.

10. Frozen Stuffed Kong

Kongs are one of the most versatile forms of canine enrichment that can be used in a variety of ways. You can purchase pre-made “stuffers” from Kong. Or stuff your own with some canned dog food, broth, pet-safe peanut butter, or cooked sweet potato. You can also follow one of the many Kong recipes the company provides on Kong Cuisine. Your dog will love the tasty frozen treat and the added enrichment to help beat summer boredom when it’s too hot to play outside.

Keep Your Pup Cool and Safe All Summer Long

With warmer weather, more daylight hours, and kids out of school, dogs often spend more time outdoors in the summer, so keeping them safe is important. Be sure your pup stays cool and hydrated and limit their outdoor time during the hotter parts of the day.

Before heading out on any summer travels with your dog, be sure their microchip and ID tags are up to date and their current pet insurance information is handy.

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