Home » Dog Care » Delicious and Healthy Frozen Dog Treat Recipes

Have you heard about frozen dog treats and the benefits of this delicious snack?  Yes, we’re talking about doggy ice cream!  In case you’re wondering why not just give them regular ice cream, well, let me stop you right there.  Ice cream is full of lactose which most dogs will find almost impossible to digest.  The reason is, that lactose requires a specific enzyme that dogs simply don’t possess.  Instead, they’ll likely get gas, diarrhea, bloating, and other gastric issues if they eat any food containing lactose.  And we don’t want that, do we?

Taking good care of our beloved furry friends is the number one concern of many dog owners. Proper nutrition and healthy dog treats make them grow strong and vivacious, but most of all happy, which is the ultimate goal.

Frozen dog treats are growing in popularity each day, and to address your concerns immediately, the doggy types are completely healthy, lactose-free, flavored, and, if you choose to do so, simple to make. In other words, the frozen treats suit each four-legged pet, while providing a convenient way for owners to bond with their dogs.

So what are frozen treats exactly? Contrary to the majority of branded treats out there, these goodies are 100% natural, nutritious, and most of all, tasty. You can buy or make them at any time to cheer up your devoted companion, especially during the hot summer days when they could use a frozen doggy smoothly, tuna-carrot nibble, or simply a doggy ice cream.

Benefits of Frozen Dog Treats

As mentioned above, regular ice cream isn’t good for our dogs but the doggy types are.  The best part, however, is that these cold summer treats can help refresh canines and won’t aggravate any skin issues they might be experiencing during the hot season. Either way, pet owners generally prefer frozen treats, because it keeps their little ones safe, in shape, and content, particularly the picky eaters.

Apart from the fact that frozen dog treats last a long time, these snacks offer a lot of benefits for dogs, including:

• Better oral hygiene and breath (soothe the teething pains)
• Enhanced digestion
• Lower risks of infection
• Stronger bones (calcium and proteins)
• Heat exhaustion prevention (frozen treats help your pooch cool off)
• Improved weight management
• Stronger immune system

Homemade Frozen Dog Treats

Are you still unsure about frozen treats? Why don’t you try to make them at home and see if your canine pal has a complaint? We are sure that he will adore your cooking skills, so pay attention to these simple homemade frozen dog treat recipes you can easily mix up in the kitchen.

Coconut Oil and Fresh Cranberry Bones

Cranberries – Are rich with antioxidants and nutrients that help support your dog’s immune system and decrease inflammation. Antioxidants play a major role in keeping dogs healthy.

Coconut Oil – Help aid your dog’s digestion, improve their coats, help prevent infection, speed healing, reduces allergic reactions, prevent and treat yeast and fungal infections, hot spots, and more.

If you want to change this recipe up a little, you can replace the coconut oil with coconut milk or goat’s milk and add your own dog friendly fruit into the treat.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Cranberries (or frozen)
• Organic 100% Pure Coconut Oil

Directions:

1. Cut the fresh cranberries into four pieces and place them in a small silicone mold.
2. Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan. Pour the melted coconut oil into the silicone mold and place it in the fridge for 3 hours.
3. After 3 hours, you can put them in a plastic bag and keep them in the freezer.

I would recommend using small silicone molds or ice cube trays. Mine look big as I only had large silicone molds at the time. I will be breaking them in half for my little girl.

If your dog doesn’t regularly get coconut oil in their diet, then start them on small amounts – ¼ teaspoon per day for small dogs and puppies.1 teaspoon for large dogs. If you don’t allow them to adjust it can lead to diarrhea or greasy stools. Once their body has adjusted, then start to give them the daily amount – 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily or about 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds daily.

Blueberry and Coconut Butter Ice Cream

This is one of my favorite frozen dog treats to make. It is quick, easy and the simple ingredients that are used provide great health benefits for dogs. Why don’t you try it and help your four-legged friend through the dog days of summer?  I have included blueberries in this recipe (you can play around with other dog friendly fruits and veggies and make a variety of flavors).

Blueberries – help boosts a dogs digestive and immune system and can help maintain healthy brain function. This superfruit contains antioxidants and vitamin C, which makes it a great frozen healthy treat.

Ingredients:

• 32 oz Plain Low-Fat Yogurt
• 1/2 Cup 100% Pure Organic Coconut Butter
• 1 cup Fresh Blueberries (washed and dried)

Directions:

1. Blend together the yogurt, blueberries, and coconut butter, until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
3. Cover and place in the freezer for several hours or up to a day before serving.

Three Layer Mango Pupsicles

These three-layer popsicles will benefit your dog during the summertime, and the best part is the ingredients, that benefit their health. With this recipe, you are able to adjust the recipe to suit your dog. For example, if your dog doesn’t like blueberries, you can replace this ingredient with another dog friendly fruit.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pureed mango
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 1/2 cup plain yogurt

Directions:

1. Clean all the fruits.
2. Slice the mango, remove the hard pit, and place it in a blender.
3. Place a muffin mold onto a cookie sheet.
4. Place 3 blueberries in each muffin cup (lightly press to release the juice)
5. Spoon 1 tablespoon of yogurt over the blueberries. Then top with two tablespoons of pureed mango.
6. Place in the freezer for 4 hours or overnight.

Yogurt Dipped Strawberries and Bananas

This is one of the easiest frozen dog treats that you’ll ever make. Are you ready? Fresh strawberries and bananas, dripped in low-fat plain yogurt. That’s it, three simple cost-effective ingredients. No baking. No mess. No-fuss.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Strawberries
• Fresh Bananas

Directions:

1. Chop the bananas and strawberries (optional)
2. Using a fork, dip the strawberries and banana slices into the yogurt. Lay the dipped strawberries and bananas onto parchment paper.
3.  Place in the freezer overnight.

Are you feeling creative? Are these going to be a gift? To make these frozen dog treats look extra special, blend the remaining strawberries to form a liquid. Once the yogurt begins to go hard in the freezer, take the treats out and sprinkle with the strawberry puree on top – giving the fruits a great finished effect. Then pop them back into the freezer.

Review of 3 Common Commercial Frozen Dog Treats

There are three brands on the market you have probably encountered by now that offer unique frozen formulas. Here are the pros and cons of these common commercial frozen dog treats:

1. Frosty Paws

Frosty Paws are currently one of the go-to treats for dogs. With the choice between the original and peanut butter pack, you can get a fully organic, steroid-free, lactose-free, nutrition-packed treat. Although dogs can benefit from Frosty flavors, the problem is that they also need diversity, and Frosty lacks in this department.

Sure, the quality is not an issue here, but are two options really enough? By limiting the dog’s treats to two recipes, your pet might lose interest after consuming the same flavors for a while. Therefore, these treats may come as a nice once-in-a-while treat to spice up the common routine. But to be fair, who doesn’t love a peanut butter snack?

However, this brand might not be appropriate for all dogs and it’s not recommended to serve more than a scoop for doggies in development (i.e. puppies). Also, I question some of the ingredients, like evaporated cane juice, salt, and Gelatin. I’m not confident they’re an appropriate diet for dogs, especially for diabetic and overweight pets.

3. Dogsters Frozen Treats

Last but not least, we have Dogsters Frozen Treats. This is an excellent Non-GMO, finest natural ingredients, frozen dog treat. Though it has fewer ingredients than its previous competitors, this ice cream still has your pet’s interests in mind. The formula supports proper digestion, as it does not contain additional dairy which can upset your dog’s stomach.

Also, the brand nurtures and supports all breeds. However, keep in mind that Dogsters comes in mint and peanut butter-cheese flavors and that not all dogs will find it as tasty as some other options. But one thing is for sure, the minty ice dessert will freshen up the breath of smelly doggies!

Freeze-Dried Treats

Not to be confused with frozen dog treats, freeze-dried treats are also a good option and are gaining in popularity.  The main reason freeze-dried treats are better than the more traditional treat options is due to their simplicity and much better nutritional value. Many supporters of natural ingredients can note improvements in their pet’s health once they’re introduced to this organic type of treat. Plus, they do not require or contain any additional chemical preservatives.

This type of treat is an excellent choice for those who acknowledge the advantage of dog-friendly low-calorie delicacies, but still, wish to maintain the connivance of preparation. The freeze-dried treats don’t contain preservatives and are not messy to prepare or clean.

With this freeze-dried treat, your pet gets convenient nutrition in a convenient package that can be used for a very long time. Since they have a prolonged expiration date, it makes them the perfect travel snacks, or you can just save them for emergencies. In addition, if you buy a pack, you don’t have to freeze them or keep them in a refrigerator; they are absolutely fine sitting on a shelf.

These are a few that I personally recommended.  have a friend working in a holistic pet store, and I have learned more about brands of dog treats and important ingredients that we should for in a dog treat. The ones that I have selected are suitable for all dogs. They contain 100% pure meat and are made in the USA. When these treats are freeze-dried, it helps lock in natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.

When you buy items recommended on this site, it helps further fund this site. I only recommend dog treats and dog related products that I would buy for myself and my dog.

As the popular meme suggests: “My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog thinks I am.” If you feel the same, then you have to invest in your pet’s health and satisfaction.

Freeze-dried and frozen dog treats have become incredibly popular, but above all, they will help your dog maintain a healthy weight, fresh breath, and stronger bones.  And if you opt for the frozen dog treats, they have the added bonus of helping our pets stay cool in the hot summer heat.