During an unusually warm afternoon, I was sitting on the porch with my Labrador, Daisy, watching her pant in the heat while I sipped on a cold smoothie. The look she gave me—half curious, half pleading—said it all. So, I went inside and opened the freezer to find something suitable for her. Nothing. No pup-friendly pops or dog-safe desserts. That moment sparked a small mission: to create a frozen treat for my four-legged best friend, something both nourishing and cooling.
I’ve always found joy in crafting things from scratch, especially now that I’m retired and have the time to savor the process. I used to make frozen yogurt with my students during our food science unit, and those skills quickly came back as I experimented with simple, dog-safe ingredients. Daisy sat at my feet through every trial, licking the spoon and wagging her tail in approval—or trotting away in polite protest if the flavor wasn’t right.
After a few batches and a little tweaking, I landed on a creamy, chilled treat that had her tail thumping against the floor. It was packed with protein, banana sweetness, a hint of peanut butter, and a spoonful of pumpkin for that earthy boost. Now, any time the temperatures climb, she knows to follow me into the kitchen when she hears the blender whir to life.
Short Description
A creamy, cool treat made with wholesome ingredients your pup will love—this dog-friendly ice cream combines Greek yogurt, banana, peanut butter, and optional pumpkin puree into a frozen delight perfect for hot days or just-because moments.
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
- 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (unsweetened, unsalted, xylitol-free)
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (optional for fiber and nutrients)
- 1 tsp honey (optional for light sweetness)
Tools Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Silicone ice cube tray, popsicle mold, or small paper cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Freezer space
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Place the Greek yogurt, banana slices, peanut butter, and pumpkin purée (if using) into your blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. If using honey for a touch of sweetness, add it in now and blend again briefly.
Step 2: Pour into Molds
Spoon or pour the mixture into silicone ice cube trays, popsicle molds, or small paper cups. If using paper cups, cover each with foil and poke a small dog treat or popsicle stick through the center for easy serving.
Step 3: Freeze
Carefully place the filled molds in the freezer and freeze for 4 to 6 hours, or until completely firm.
Step 4: Serve
Once frozen solid, pop the treats out of the molds and hand one to your furry companion. They’re best enjoyed outside unless you don’t mind a little licking and melting on the floor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Simple to make with everyday ingredients
– Budget-friendly and far healthier than store-bought dog treats
– Packed with protein and fiber
– Customizable with your dog’s favorite flavors
– Ideal for hot weather or reward treats
– No additives or preservatives—just wholesome goodness
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Using the wrong peanut butter:
Some peanut butters contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always check the label and use unsweetened, unsalted peanut butter.
2. Overfilling molds:
Overflowing molds can make a mess in the freezer. Leave a bit of room at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.
3. Adding ingredients dogs can’t digest:
Avoid chocolate, raisins, artificial sweeteners, or dairy with lactose. Stick to dog-safe fruits and veggies.
4. Serving too quickly:
Wait until the treats are fully frozen. Semi-frozen ones can be too soft and messy.
5. Forgetting portion size:
Even healthy treats should be given in moderation. One small cube is usually enough for a medium-sized dog.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These dog ice cream treats are best served solo on a warm day or after a walk as a reward. For added fun, pair with:
– Fresh carrot sticks
– A slice of frozen apple
– A peanut butter-filled Kong toy
Perfect for serving at dog birthday parties or pet playdates—just bring out a tray and watch tails wag!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Keep frozen in an airtight container or zip-lock bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Not necessary! Just thaw for a few minutes at room temp if the treat is too firm for smaller dogs.
Refreezing: Avoid refreezing once thawed, as texture and safety may change.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
No, regular yogurt often contains lactose which can upset some dogs’ stomachs. Stick to plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt.
2. What if my dog is allergic to peanut butter?
Try unsweetened sunflower seed butter or mashed cooked sweet potatoes as a substitute.
3. Can I make these treats without a blender?
Yes. Mash the banana thoroughly with a fork and mix everything by hand, though the texture may be less smooth.
4. Are these treats safe for puppies?
Yes, in small portions. Always check with your vet for young pups or dogs with sensitive stomachs.
5. Can I add fruit like blueberries or strawberries?
Absolutely. Add a few to the blender or chop them finely and stir in before pouring into molds.
Tips & Tricks
Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and easy blending.
For easier cleanup, line your freezer shelf with parchment paper before freezing the molds.
Add a few crushed dog biscuits on top of the mix before freezing for crunch.
Try blending in a spoonful of plain cottage cheese for extra protein and creaminess.
Silicone molds release the treats more easily than hard plastic ones.
Recipe Variations
1. Blueberry Banana Delight
Swap pumpkin purée with ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries. Blend with the base ingredients. Offers antioxidants and a fruity twist.
2. Sweet Potato Swirl
Replace banana with ½ cup mashed, cooked sweet potato. The result is earthier in flavor and rich in vitamins A and C.
3. Apple Cinnamon Pup Pops
Add ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce and a pinch of dog-safe cinnamon in place of pumpkin. Adds a warming flavor that smells like fall.
4. Coconut Cream Coolers
Use ½ cup plain coconut milk (unsweetened) instead of yogurt. Great for dogs sensitive to dairy with a smooth, tropical flair.
Final Thoughts
Daisy may not understand the care that goes into each frozen treat, but the joy in her eyes says it all. Since I started making these dog ice creams, it’s become our little summer ritual—me in the kitchen, her waiting by the door, ears perked for the blender.
As someone who spent decades nurturing kids in a classroom, this feels like a new kind of caretaking—one where love is measured in frozen bites and tail wags. It’s a simple, satisfying recipe that takes little time but delivers so much joy. Whether you’ve got a senior dog who needs a gentle snack or an energetic pup who deserves a cool-down treat, these icy bites are sure to become a household favorite.
And if your dog is anything like mine, expect them to start recognizing the sound of the freezer drawer opening.
Let me know if you’d like a printable recipe card or to turn this into a pet-themed recipe series next!
Dog Ice Cream
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
- 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (unsweetened, unsalted, xylitol-free)
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (optional for fiber and nutrients)
- 1 tsp honey (optional for light sweetness)
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Combine Greek yogurt, banana, peanut butter, and pumpkin purée (if using) in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add honey, if using, and blend again briefly.
Step 2: Pour into Molds
Pour the mixture into silicone molds, popsicle trays, or paper cups. For paper cups, cover with foil and insert a dog treat or stick.
Step 3: Freeze
Freeze for 4–6 hours until solid.
Step 4: Serve
Pop out the frozen treats and serve to your pup—outdoors is best for less mess!
