When the weather gets hot, most dog owners start looking for ways to help their dogs stay cool. Fresh water and plenty of shade are the most important things, but there’s another simple way to make those hot summer days a little more enjoyable for your furry friend.

Homemade frozen dog treats.

Not only are they delicious, but they can also help your dog feel more comfortable during warm weather. One of my favorite things about making them yourself is knowing exactly what’s in them. No artificial colors, unnecessary sugar, or questionable ingredients.

If you have just a few minutes and a freezer, you can make healthy frozen treats that most dogs will absolutely love.

If you also prepare homemade meals for your dog, don’t miss my guide on Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Small Breeds.

Why Are Homemade Frozen Dog Treats a Better Choice?

Most store bought dog treats contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or ingredients your dog simply doesn’t need.

When you make them at home, you’re in complete control of every ingredient.

That’s one of the biggest advantages of homemade food. You can also read Human Foods That Help Dogs Live Longer to learn which everyday ingredients can benefit your dog’s health.

You can also adjust the recipes for dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or specific taste preferences.

Of course, frozen treats are not a meal replacement, and they won’t protect your dog from extreme heat. They’re simply a fun and refreshing snack.

If your dog is breathing heavily, panting excessively, or seems tired and overheated, move them to a cooler place and offer fresh water. At that point, treats are the least important thing.

Here are my favorite recipes.

1. Frozen Banana and Yogurt Dog Treats

This is probably the most popular frozen dog treat recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• 150 g (about 2/3 cup) plain unsweetened yogurt

Directions

Mash the banana with a fork.

Add the yogurt and mix well.

Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.

Freeze for at least four hours.

Wondering if bananas are safe for dogs? Read my complete guide: Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

2. Refreshing Watermelon Ice Cubes

Many dogs love watermelon.

Just make sure you remove all the seeds and the rind first.

Ingredients

• A few seedless watermelon chunks

Directions

Blend the watermelon until smooth.

Pour it into ice cube trays.

Freeze for several hours.

Simple, quick, and incredibly refreshing.

3. Frozen Blueberry Greek Yogurt Treats

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, and most dogs enjoy them.

Ingredients

• One handful of blueberries
• 150 g (about 2/3 cup) plain Greek yogurt

Directions

Leave the blueberries whole or lightly mash them.

Mix them into the yogurt.

Pour the mixture into molds and freeze.

4. Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Frozen Treats

If your dog loves peanut butter, this recipe will probably become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 150 g (about 2/3 cup) pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
• A little water if needed

Directions

Mix all the ingredients together until smooth.

Pour into small silicone molds.

Freeze overnight.

Important: Always make sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, as it is extremely dangerous for dogs.

Choosing healthy ingredients every day matters more than most owners realize. That’s exactly why I wrote Stop Feeding Your Dog This Every Day.

5. Frozen Chicken Treats

Not every dog is a fan of fruit.

For those dogs, this is a fantastic alternative.

Ingredients

• Homemade chicken broth with no salt or seasonings
• Finely chopped cooked chicken

Directions

Mix the chicken with the cooled broth.

Pour into molds.

Freeze for several hours.

Many dogs finish these treats even faster than the fruit versions.

Foods You Should Never Use

This is probably even more important than the recipes themselves.

Never add:

• Chocolate
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Xylitol
• Onions
• Garlic
• Alcohol
• Coffee or caffeine
• Macadamia nuts

If you’re ever unsure whether a food is safe for dogs, it’s always better to leave it out.

How Often Can Dogs Eat Frozen Treats?

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is thinking homemade treats can be given without limits.

Unfortunately, that’s not true.

They still contain extra calories.

For small breeds, one or two small frozen treats a day is usually enough.

Larger dogs can have a little more, but frozen treats should still be an occasional reward, not a daily meal.

Can Frozen Treats Actually Cool Down Your Dog?

I get this question almost every summer.

The answer is simple.

Frozen treats can provide temporary relief and help your dog feel refreshed.

But they cannot prevent heatstroke.

If you’d like to learn how to recognize the early signs of overheating, read Can Dogs Get Heatstroke Even in the Shade?

When temperatures are very high, these things matter much more:

• Fresh drinking water
• Plenty of shade
• Avoiding walks during the hottest part of the day
• Staying in an air conditioned or well ventilated space

If your dog is breathing heavily, panting excessively, acting weak, or seems disoriented, move them out of the heat immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can puppies eat frozen treats?

Yes, but only in small amounts and only after they’re already eating solid food regularly. Always introduce new foods gradually.

Can I give my dog regular ice cream?

I don’t recommend it. Most ice cream contains a lot of sugar, and some varieties contain sweeteners that can be dangerous for dogs.

How long do frozen dog treats last?

For the best taste and quality, try to use them within one month.

Which recipe do dogs like the most?

In my experience, most dogs love the banana and yogurt recipe or the frozen chicken treats.

Final Thoughts

Summer can be tough for both people and dogs.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

Homemade frozen dog treats are inexpensive, take just a few minutes to prepare, and are a wonderful way to spoil your dog during hot summer days.

Just remember that no frozen treat can replace fresh water, shade, and responsible care during extreme heat.

Your dog will definitely thank you for it.

Related Articles

• Can Dogs Get Heatstroke Even in the Shade?
• Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Small Breeds
• Human Foods That Help Dogs Live Longer
• Stop Feeding Your Dog This Every Day
• Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Written by Nataša Miranović