Homemade Frozen Dog Treats: Pupsicles!

When my dog Oscar hears me getting ice from the freezer, he comes running – even if he was in a doggie coma. I like to give him ice cubes to munch on, especially when it’s hot outside. A few months ago I tried and succeeded in making him some frozen treats that he adores. And now, when we get some ice cream from the little soft serve joint across the street, he can feel like he gets some too!

Here’s how you can make your own doggy pupsicles:

In a large bowl, add two (2) 6 ounce containers of plain yogurt. I use Dannon All Natural. Add in 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, and 1/3 cup applesauce. (I use one of the Mott’s Original 4 oz. snack size containers.) *To get the honey and the peanut butter off the measuring spoon more easily, just put a thin coat of olive oil on the spoon first.

Combine well with a spoon.

Divide up the mixture evenly among paper or plastic cups and freeze. The amount for each cup will depend on your dog’s size and how much you want him or her to have. For small dogs you can use an ice cube tray for something more bite-sized. I have a medium to large size dog and I fill an 8 oz. cup a little less than halfway. I get about 6 servings from this recipe that way. (That little bit of whining or barking is their way of offering to lick the mixing bowl for you. 🙂 )

Freeze for at least 3-4 hours. When you are ready to serve your drooling pooch, just place the outside of the cup under the faucet with some warm water to release the frozen treat from the cup. (If you are using an ice cube tray, just sit the bottom of the tray in some warm water to loosen the treats.) If you want, you can remove all the treats and individually wrap them to go back into the freezer.

My dog has always had a sensitive stomach and these treats don’t upset his tummy. You can substitute mashed bananas for the applesauce if your dog likes them. Mine does not and makes that very clear. Because of these tummy troubles I haven’t tried other substitutions yet, but feel free to get creative if you don’t have that issue. You can also try my homemade baked dog treats that get Oscar’s Seal of Pupproval.

Frozen Dog Treats (aka Pupsicles) Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 containers (6 oz. each) plain yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1/3 cup regular applesauce (or a 4 oz. snack size portion)

Instructions:
Stir together all ingredients in a mixing bowl with a spoon until well combined. Divide mixture into small paper or plastic cups (or ice cube trays for bite-sized treats) and freeze for about 3-4 hours. Loosen treat by holding cup under warm water from the faucet and serve.

(Sometimes he appreciates a little help getting started to avoid brain freeze!)

~Micha