DIY Summer Treats to Beat The Heat
When the summer sun is blazing and the sidewalk feels like a frying pan, your pup deserves more than just a bowl of water. Dogs can overheat quickly so keep them cool, hydrated, and tail-waggingly happy with these DIY frozen treats made with simple, dog-safe ingredients!
Without a doubt, these homemade goodies are perfect for a hot day. 🐶☀️
Safety First: Ingredients to Use (and Avoid)
While it’s certainly fun to make homemade treats for your pup, and the recipes below can be adapted with alternative ingredients - it’s best to keep in mind that some human foods can be toxic to dogs. Stick to dog-safe ingredients like:
Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, bananas, watermelon (seedless), apples (without seeds)
Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, pumpkin puree
Dairy: Plain yogurt (unsweetened, unflavored), cottage cheese
Protein: Peanut butter (xylitol-free), plain cooked chicken or beef
Broth: Low-sodium chicken or beef broth
Avoid grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
1. Frozen Blueberry Bites
Ingredients:
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
How to make it:
Spoon a little yogurt into each cavity of a silicone mold or ice cube tray, then drop a few blueberries in each one. Freeze until solid, then pop out and serve!
👉 Great for: A boost of antioxidants and gut-friendly probiotics.
2. Watermelon Pupsicles
Ingredients:
1 cup seedless watermelon chunks
¼ cup water or coconut water
How to make it:
Blend until smooth, pour into molds or ice trays, and freeze. These are super refreshing and hydrating — just make sure there are no seeds or rind pieces in your blend.
👉 Great for: Hydration and a naturally sweet, low-calorie treat.
3. Coconut-Banana Snowballs
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp plain yogurt (optional)
How to make it:
Mash banana and mix with coconut oil (and yogurt if using). Scoop into small balls or spoon into molds. Freeze for a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth treat.
👉 Great for: Skin, coat, and gut health!
4. Peanut Butter Pops
Ingredients:
½ cup unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 ripe banana
How to make it:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Spoon into molds or ice trays and freeze. Use small bone-shaped molds for extra cuteness!
👉 Great for: Picky pups and snack-loving dogs.
5. Frozen Veggie Chews
Ingredients:
Chopped carrots
Green beans
A splash of bone broth (low-sodium and dog-safe)
How to make it:
Place chopped veggies in silicone trays or muffin tins, pour broth over them, and freeze. These crunchy chews are perfect for teething puppies or veggie-loving dogs.
👉 Great for: Healthy snacks with a little crunch!
6. Apple & Pumpkin Pupcicles
Ingredients:
½ cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
½ apple (peeled & chopped)
¼ cup water
How to make it:
Blend the apple and pumpkin with water, pour into molds, and freeze. Apple adds sweetness, and pumpkin supports digestion.
👉 Great for: Dogs with sensitive tummies.
7. Ice Cube Surprise
Ingredients:
Small treats or kibble
Water or bone broth
How to make it:
Drop small treats into an ice cube tray, cover with broth or water, and freeze. It’s simple, fun, and keeps your dog engaged while licking and crunching through the cube.
👉 Great for: Mental stimulation and cooling down fast!
Final Woof
Homemade frozen treats are a fun and easy way to show your dog some extra love during the hot summer months — and the best part is, you’ll feel great knowing exactly what’s inside! By making them yourself, you can skip artificial sugars and fillers while focusing on healthy, pup-safe ingredients like fresh fruit, plain yogurt, and peanut butter. Not only do these treats taste delicious, but they also help regulate your dog’s body temperature, keep them hydrated, and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion. Cheers to keeping your pup happy, healthy, and cool all season long!