Can Dogs Eat Frozen Pumpkin Treats?
Yes. Frozen pumpkin treats are a safe, healthy snack for most dogs when you use plain canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling) and a xylitol-free yogurt. Blend the two, freeze the mix in molds for about four hours, and you have a cooling, fiber-rich treat that helps dogs beat the heat. I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central, and this is the exact recipe we make and recommend.
Why Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs?
Pumpkin is one of the few “people foods” that vets regularly recommend for dogs. It’s high in soluble fiber, which can help firm up loose stools and ease mild digestive upset, and it delivers vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It’s also naturally low in calories, so it won’t derail your dog’s diet. Just be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree — never pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices like nutmeg that aren’t good for dogs. For more on pumpkin’s benefits, see the guidance from the American Kennel Club and VCA Animal Hospitals.
Frozen Pumpkin & Yogurt Dog Treat Recipe
This takes about five minutes of prep and makes roughly 12–16 treats, depending on your mold size.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (no added sugar or spices)
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt — check the label to be sure it’s xylitol-free and low in fat
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Mix: Stir the pumpkin, yogurt, and honey together until smooth.
- Fill the molds: Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze: Freeze for at least four hours, or until solid.
- Serve: Pop one out and give it to your dog outside or somewhere easy to clean.
Store extras in a sealed freezer bag for up to two months.
Is Xylitol Really That Dangerous?
Yes — this is the one rule you can’t skip. Xylitol, a sweetener found in some yogurts, peanut butters, and “sugar-free” products, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar. Always read the label before you buy. The ASPCA keeps an up-to-date list of foods to avoid.
How Much Frozen Treat Can a Dog Have?
Treats — homemade or not — should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For a small dog, one cube is plenty; larger dogs can have two or three. If your dog has never had pumpkin or dairy before, start with a small amount and watch for any digestive upset.
Pair Frozen Treats With a Longer-Lasting Chew
Frozen treats are gone in a couple of minutes. When your dog wants something to really work on, we reach for a single-ingredient chew. At Bully Sticks Central our bully sticks are 100% natural, 100% real meat, fully digestible, and contain no rawhide — ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms and 100% high-quality guaranteed. If you’re new to them, start with our guide to single-ingredient dog chews, our deep dive on bully sticks, and — if your dog loves the pumpkin-and-peanut-butter combo — our peanut butter dog treats guide.
Final Word
Frozen pumpkin treats are cheap, simple, and good for your dog. Use pure pumpkin, a xylitol-free yogurt, and keep portions sensible, and you’ve got a summer staple your dog will look forward to. — Preston Smith, co-founder, Bully Sticks Central
This post was last updated at July 17, 2026 21:55
