My doggy Snickers becomes a total goofball when he hears the ice cream truck, always hoping for a cool treat of his own. That’s actually what inspired me to make these frozen blueberry yogurt treats.
These simple frozen treats are my go-to for hot days, after long walks, or whenever I want to see that hilarious brain-freeze head tilt that only dogs can pull off.
Plus, watching your dog try to lick a frozen treat is basically the best entertainment ever (just saying!).
The best part? They’re made with only 3 ingredients!
Homemade Frozen Blueberry Yogurt Dog Treats
Equipment Needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone molds or ice cube trays
- Small popsicle sticks (optional, for popsicles)
- Freezer
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: Plain and unsweetened, packed with protein and probiotics.
- ¾ cup blueberries: Fresh or frozen; full of antioxidants that support immune health.
- ½ banana: Adds natural sweetness, potassium, and fiber.
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon honey: For a touch of sweetness (in moderation).
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter: Adds flavor and creaminess (ensure it’s xylitol-free).
- A few fresh mint leaves: Helps freshen breath.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, blueberries, and banana. Blend until smooth. If you’re adding any optional ingredients, such as honey, peanut butter, or mint leaves, add them to the blender at this stage and blend until well incorporated.
2. Pour into Molds: For a traditional treat, pour the blended mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. For a fun twist, you can create popsicles by pouring the mixture into small, dog-safe popsicle molds or small paper cups, then inserting a popsicle stick (or a dog-safe chew stick) into each one for easy holding.
3. Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer and let the treats freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or until they’re completely solid.
4. Serve and Store: Once the treats are frozen, pop them out of the molds and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Keep them in the freezer for up to a month, and serve as needed.
Benefits of the Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and probiotics, which help support digestion and a healthy gut. Make sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt without any added sugars or artificial ingredients.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells and support your dog’s immune system. They’re also a source of fiber and vitamins C and K, making them a nutritious addition to these treats.
- Banana: Bananas provide potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness. They’re low in calories and are easy on your dog’s stomach, making them a gentle addition to treats.
- Optional Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness and contains small amounts of antioxidants. Just use it sparingly, as too much sugar isn’t ideal for dogs.
- Optional Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is a favorite for most dogs and adds a creamy texture and extra flavor. Make sure to use a dog-safe peanut butter without xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Customization Tips
- Add a Crunch: Top the treats with a small piece of dog-safe treat or biscuit before freezing to add texture.
- Layered Look: For a fun layered effect, blend the banana and yogurt first, pour half of it into molds, then blend the blueberries separately and layer on top. This creates a two-tone treat!
Feeding Guidelines
While these treats are healthy, they should be given in moderation. Depending on the size of your dog, 1-2 frozen treats per day is usually enough. As with all treats, they should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Storage Tips
- Freezing: Store the treats in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month in the freezer.
- Portioning: For larger dogs, you can use bigger molds or layer several small treats for a more substantial snack. For smaller dogs, mini molds or ice cube trays work best.