Short answer: To make homemade frozen dog treats, blend a few dog-safe ingredients — like plain yogurt, mashed banana, natural peanut butter, or low-sodium bone broth — pour the mix into silicone molds or an ice-cube tray, and freeze for four to six hours. That's it. No special equipment, no additives, just cold snacks your dog will love on a hot day.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We spend most of our time making single-ingredient chews, but every summer I get the same question from customers: how do you keep a dog cool and happy when it's 95 degrees out? Frozen treats are one of the easiest answers, and you can make them at home in about ten minutes of hands-on time.
What ingredients are safe for frozen dog treats?
Stick to whole, dog-safe foods and you can't go far wrong. Good bases include plain unsweetened yogurt (a source of probiotics), mashed banana, pumpkin puree, natural peanut butter, and low-sodium chicken or beef broth. For mix-ins, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon (seeds and rind removed), and a little cooked pumpkin all work well.
Just as important is knowing what to leave out. According to the ASPCA, xylitol (a sweetener found in many peanut butters), grapes, raisins, onions, and chocolate are toxic to dogs. Always check your peanut butter label for xylitol before it goes anywhere near a treat mold.
Three simple recipes to start with
Peanut Butter & Banana Pops: Blend one ripe banana, two tablespoons of xylitol-free peanut butter, and a splash of water until smooth. Spoon into molds and freeze. If your dog loves peanut butter, our guide to peanut butter dog treats has more ideas.
Bone Broth Cubes: Pour low-sodium bone broth into an ice-cube tray and freeze. Simple, savory, and hydrating — a favorite for dogs who aren't big on sweet flavors.
Berry Yogurt Bites: Stir a handful of blueberries into plain yogurt, spoon into molds, and freeze. Packed with antioxidants and gentle on the stomach.
How long do homemade frozen dog treats last?
Kept in an airtight container or freezer bag, most homemade frozen treats stay good for about two to three months in the freezer. Because you're not adding preservatives, they're best enjoyed fresh — label the bag with the date so you can rotate through them. Serve one at a time and let your dog enjoy it outside or on an easy-to-clean floor.
Are frozen treats safe for all dogs?
For most healthy adult dogs, frozen treats are perfectly safe and a great way to cool down. A few common-sense notes: introduce new ingredients gradually to avoid an upset stomach, keep treats appropriately sized for your dog, and always supervise chewing. The American Kennel Club recommends checking with your vet before adding new foods if your dog has allergies, weight concerns, or a sensitive gut. Puppies and senior dogs can enjoy softer, fully-thawed versions if hard-frozen treats are too much for their teeth.
Frozen treats vs. long-lasting chews
Frozen treats are wonderful for a quick summer cool-down, but they disappear in a few minutes. When your dog needs something to work on for longer — and something that supports dental health — a natural chew is the better tool. That's the side of things we know best at Bully Sticks Central: our bully sticks are 100% natural, single-ingredient, 100% real meat, fully digestible, and contain no rawhide. Everything is ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms and 100% high-quality guaranteed.
If you want to understand why we're so particular about ingredients, our explainer on single-ingredient chews is a good place to start. And if you're weighing which chews are safe, our piece on whether trachea dog treats are safe walks through what to look for.
The bottom line
Homemade frozen dog treats are cheap, easy, and endlessly customizable. Blend a dog-safe base with a mix-in your dog enjoys, freeze it in molds, and you've got a healthy summer snack with no mystery ingredients. Rotate a few flavors to keep things interesting, pair them with a good chew for the days your dog wants to settle in, and you'll get your pup through the hottest months cool, hydrated, and happy.
This post was last updated at July 22, 2026 20:41
