Pupsicle Recipes: 15 Best Frozen Dog Treats for a Happy Pup

Keeping your pup cool during hot days is essential, and what better way to do so than with pupsicles? These homemade frozen dog treats are not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients and hydration.

Unlike store-bought options, DIY pupsicles allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring your furry friend gets only the best and safest treats. If you’re looking for healthy and dog-friendly ingredients, check out these cottage cheese recipes—a great protein-packed option that can be blended into frozen treats!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making pupsicles at home, from essential ingredients to 15 delicious recipes your pup will love!

Why Pupsicles Are Great for Your Dog

Dogs love cold treats, and pupsicles offer multiple benefits, including:

✔️ Cooling down in hot weather – Helps prevent heat exhaustion.
✔️ Hydration boost – Great for dogs who don’t drink enough water.
✔️ Healthy & nutritious – Packed with dog-safe vitamins and minerals.
✔️ Teething relief – Perfect for puppies with sore gums.

Want more frozen treat ideas? Explore these Ninja Creami recipes for creamy dog-friendly alternatives!

Essential Ingredients for Healthy Pupsicles

✅ Safe & Nutritious Ingredients

• Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
• Peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
• Cottage cheese (check out these cottage cheese dip recipes!)
• Pumpkin puree (great for digestion!)
• Bone broth (low sodium, homemade preferred)
• Fruits like bananas, blueberries, and apples (seedless!)
• Vegetables like carrots and spinach

❌ Ingredients to Avoid

• Chocolate (toxic to dogs!)
• Grapes & raisins (can cause kidney failure)
• Xylitol (found in some peanut butters & sugar-free products)
• Dairy-heavy ingredients (can upset sensitive stomachs)

How to Make Pupsicles at Home

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Blend your chosen ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into molds (or ice cube trays for smaller pups!).
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours until solid.
4. Serve in moderation and let your dog enjoy!

Tools You’ll Need

🛠 Silicone molds or ice cube trays (for easy removal)
🛠 Blender or food processor (to mix ingredients smoothly)
🛠 Measuring cups (for accurate portions)
🛠 Freezer-safe containers (for storage)

6 Best Pupsicle Recipes

Here are 6 simple and nutritious pupsicle recipes your dog will love!

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Pupsicles

✔️ Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter
• ½ cup Greek yogurt

👉 Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients.
2. Pour into molds and freeze.

2. Yogurt & Blueberry Frozen Treats

✔️ Ingredients:

• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup water

👉 Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients.
2. Pour into molds and freeze.

3. Pumpkin & Oatmeal Pupsicles

✔️ Ingredients:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup oats
• ½ cup water

👉 Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients and blend.
2. Pour into silicone molds and freeze.

4. Apple & Carrot Frozen Bites

✔️ Ingredients:

• ½ apple (seedless!)
• ½ carrot (chopped)
• ½ cup coconut water

👉 Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients.
2. Pour into molds and freeze.

5. Chicken Broth Ice Cubes

✔️ Ingredients:

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

👉 Instructions:

1. Pour broth into ice cube trays.
2. Freeze and serve on hot days!

6. Coconut & Strawberry Swirls

✔️ Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut milk (unsweetened)
• ½ cup strawberries

👉 Instructions:

1. Blend coconut milk and strawberries.
2. Pour into molds and freeze.

Tips for Storing and Serving Pupsicles

Proper storage and serving of pupsicles ensure they stay fresh, safe, and enjoyable for your pup. Here’s how to store and serve frozen dog treats the right way:

Storing Pupsicles Properly

• Use Airtight Containers – Store pupsicles in freezer-safe airtight containers or silicone bags to prevent freezer burn and keep them fresh.
• Label with Dates – Write the preparation date on the container to track freshness. Pupsicles typically last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Stack Carefully – If using multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Avoid Absorbing Odors – If your freezer has strong-smelling foods, keep pupsicles in a sealed container to prevent odor absorption.

Best Ways to Serve Pupsicles

• Let Them Thaw Slightly – Frozen pupsicles can be very hard, so let them sit for a few minutes before serving, especially for small or senior dogs.
• Use a Treat Holder – Some pups chew too fast! Use a KONG toy or a treat holder to slow down eating and prevent choking.
• Serve on a Clean Surface – Pupsicles can melt quickly! Serve them in a bowl or on a wipeable surface to minimize mess.
• Supervise Your Dog – Always watch your pup while they eat a frozen treat to ensure they don’t choke on large pieces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pupsicles

Even though making pupsicles is easy, there are a few mistakes pet owners make that can lead to unsafe or unappetizing treats.

❌ Using Unsafe Ingredients

• Avoid toxic foods – Chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, and high-fat dairy are dangerous for dogs. Check out these cottage cheese recipes for safe dairy alternatives!
• Too much sugar – Stick to natural sweetness from fruit like bananas and blueberries.
• Artificial sweeteners – Avoid sugar-free ingredients, as they may contain xylitol (toxic to dogs!).

❌ Making Pupsicles Too Hard

• Freezing solid chunks can be too hard for some dogs’ teeth, especially small breeds or seniors.
  ✔️ Solution: Blend ingredients with extra liquid (like water or bone broth) for a softer texture.

❌ Not Freezing Long Enough

• Rushing the freezing process leads to runny or mushy treats that won’t hold their shape.
  ✔️ Solution: Allow at least 4–6 hours for proper freezing.

❌ Serving Too Many at Once

• Overfeeding frozen treats can cause tummy troubles, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
  ✔️ Solution: Stick to 1–2 pupsicles per day as a moderate snack.

By following these storage and serving tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll ensure your pup enjoys safe, delicious, and long-lasting frozen treats!

FAQs About Pupsicle Recipes

How to Use a Pupsicle Mold?

Using a pupsicle mold is an easy and effective way to create homemade frozen dog treats. Here’s how you can do it properly:

• Choose the right mold – Silicone molds or ice cube trays work best for easy removal.
• Prepare the mixture – Blend dog-safe ingredients like Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and fruit (get more ideas from these cottage cheese recipes).
• Fill the mold – Pour the mixture into each section, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for at least 4 hours – Let the pupsicles set properly before serving.
• Remove and serve – Gently push the treats out of the mold and give them to your pup!

For an extra tip, running warm water over the bottom of the mold can help release the treats more easily.

What Ingredients Are Best for Dog Treats?

The best dog treat ingredients should be nutritious, safe, and easy to digest. Here are some excellent options:

✔️ Greek Yogurt – Plain and unsweetened, full of probiotics
✔️ Peanut Butter – Xylitol-free, a great source of protein and healthy fats
✔️ Pumpkin Puree – Good for digestion and fiber intake
✔️ Bone Broth – Hydrating and full of essential nutrients
✔️ Dog-Safe Fruits – Bananas, blueberries, apples (seedless!)
✔️ Dog-Safe Vegetables – Carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes

Looking for a creative dog-friendly dip or topping? Try these cottage cheese dip recipes for a high-protein and calcium-rich treat.

What to Put in a Dog Popsicle?

A dog-friendly popsicle should be made with natural, healthy ingredients. Here’s a simple guide:

Base Options

• Plain Greek yogurt (for a creamy texture)
• Coconut water (great for hydration!)
• Bone broth (low sodium for added nutrition)

Fruits & Veggies

• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Apples (seedless!)
• Carrots (chopped)

Flavor Enhancers

• Xylitol-free peanut butter
• Pumpkin puree
• Cottage cheese (Check out these cottage cheese recipes!)

Simply blend, pour into molds, freeze, and serve!

Is Peanut Butter Good for Dogs?

Yes! Peanut butter is a great treat for dogs when given in moderation. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. However, be cautious of xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some peanut butter brands—it’s toxic to dogs!

How to Choose Dog-Safe Peanut Butter

• Look for natural, unsweetened peanut butter (ingredients should only be peanuts!)
• Avoid xylitol, salt, and added sugars
• Use in moderation (too much can lead to weight gain)

For a dog-friendly, protein-rich alternative, consider using cottage cheese dip as a creamy topping for treats.

Can Dogs Eat Plain Greek Yogurt?

Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is safe for most dogs and is an excellent source of probiotics, protein, and calcium.

Benefits of Greek Yogurt for Dogs

• Supports digestion (probiotics improve gut health!)
• High in protein (great for strong muscles)
• Calcium-rich (supports bone health)

How to Serve Greek Yogurt to Dogs

• Use it as a pupsicle base (blend with fruit and freeze!)
• Mix it into their regular food for an added nutrition boost
• Use it as a topping for homemade treats (try these cottage cheese recipes for ideas!)

However, some dogs may be lactose intolerant, so introduce it gradually and watch for any digestive issues.

Conclusion

Making pupsicles is an easy, nutritious, and fun way to keep your dog cool. With these 15 delicious recipes, you can customize frozen treats to match your pup’s taste and dietary needs.

Want more homemade treat inspiration? Check out these cottage cheese dip recipes for more dog-friendly snack ideas!

Which recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments!