When summer hits hard—especially in places like Texas—keeping your puppy cool becomes a top priority. Puppies can overheat quickly, and one of the easiest (and tastiest!) ways to help them stay comfortable is by offering them frozen treats. Not only do frozen treats help regulate their body temperature, but they can also provide mental stimulation and relief from teething discomfort.
If you’re looking for easy frozen treat ideas for puppies on hot days, this guide is packed with safe, vet-approved recipes that are simple to make at home and guaranteed to bring a wag to your pup’s tail.
Why Frozen Treats Are Great for Puppies
Puppies are naturally active and curious, which means they’re often running around even in high temperatures. Their bodies don’t cool off the same way humans do, and they’re especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion. Frozen treats offer the perfect combo of hydration, nutrition, and entertainment. Plus, they’re great for soothing sore gums during teething.
Safety First: What Ingredients Are Puppy-Safe?
Before diving into recipes, here are a few ingredients that are safe for puppies:
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt (no xylitol)
- Mashed bananas
- Pureed pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Blueberries, strawberries (chopped)
- Watermelon (seedless, no rind)
- Cooked and shredded chicken (small amounts)
- Puppy kibble or treats (to mix in)
Avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are toxic to dogs.
1. Banana-Yogurt Pup Pops 🍌🍦
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
Instructions:
Mash the banana and mix it with yogurt. Pour into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. Freeze for at least 3 hours. These are creamy, tasty, and gentle on young tummies.
2. Watermelon Ice Cubes 🍉🧊
Ingredients:
- 1 cup seedless watermelon, pureed
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
Blend the watermelon until smooth. Add a bit of water if needed for consistency. Pour into ice trays and freeze. This is a hydrating and refreshing treat your puppy will love on a hot day.
3. Frozen Chicken Broth Bites 🍗❄️
Ingredients:
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Small puppy treats or kibble
Instructions:
Pour chicken broth into ice cube trays and drop a treat into each section. Freeze and serve one at a time. These savory snacks keep your puppy busy and cool at the same time.
4. Apple-Pumpkin Bites 🍎🎃
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup canned pumpkin
Instructions:
Mix ingredients and freeze in a silicone mold or tray. Pumpkin helps digestion, while applesauce adds a touch of sweetness. Great for after-play snacks.
5. Blueberry Yogurt Swirls 🫐🍧
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- A handful of blueberries
Instructions:
Mash blueberries into the yogurt or blend for a smoother consistency. Spoon into molds and freeze. This antioxidant-rich combo is perfect for growing puppies.
6. Puppy Treat Pupsicles 🦴🍦
Ingredients:
- Puppy treats (crushed)
- ½ cup water or low-sodium broth
Instructions:
Mix crushed treats with water or broth, then pour into molds. Insert a stick-shaped biscuit to create a “popsicle.” Great for licking and nibbling!
7. Sweet Potato Mash Cubes 🍠🧊
Ingredients:
- Cooked, mashed sweet potato (plain)
Instructions:
Scoop the mash into small trays and freeze. Sweet potato is gentle on the stomach and naturally sweet. These are perfect for teething puppies.
Tips for Serving Frozen Treats
- Moderation: Don’t overfeed—even frozen treats should be considered part of your puppy’s overall calorie intake.
- Supervision: Always supervise your puppy when giving frozen treats to prevent choking or chewing on hard frozen pieces too quickly.
- Size Matters: Keep treat sizes small and suitable for your puppy’s age and breed.
- Mold Choice: Silicone molds, ice cube trays, or even empty yogurt containers work well.
- Freezer Time: Most frozen treats will be ready in 3–5 hours. You can also make batches and store them for up to a week.
Store-Bought Frozen Treat Alternatives
If you’re short on time, several brands offer puppy-safe frozen treats available at pet stores. Look for labels that specify:
- Made for puppies
- No artificial sweeteners or preservatives
- Grain-free (if needed for your puppy’s diet)
You can even store small tubs of doggy-safe ice cream like “Frosty Paws” in the freezer for emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Summer in Texas can be intense, and offering your puppy cool, safe snacks is one way to make it easier on them—and more fun for you! With just a few ingredients and some freezer space, you can whip up delicious frozen goodies that your furry friend will look forward to every day.
Whether it’s a fruit-packed ice cube or a creamy banana pup pop, these easy frozen treat ideas for puppies on hot days will help keep your pup healthy, happy, and cool all summer long. 🐶❄️🍦 Petsdogpuppy