When summer rolls around, it’s important to keep your dog cool, hydrated, and happy. A fun and simple way to do this is by making pupsicles – frozen treats made with dog-safe ingredients that help your furry friend beat the heat. Just like us, dogs love something cold and refreshing on a hot day, and pupsicles are a great way to provide that. Plus, you can get creative with different flavors and combinations to create treats your dog will absolutely love.
Here are some tasty and nutritious pupsicle combos that are sure to delight your dog:
1. Peanut Butter & Banana Delight
Ingredients:
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1 ripe banana
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1/4 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, no xylitol)
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1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt (optional)
Instructions:
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In a blender or mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
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Stir in the peanut butter and yogurt (if using) and mix until well combined.
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Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
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Freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or until solid.
This combo is packed with protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter, and potassium from the banana. Both ingredients are safe for dogs in moderation, making this pupsicle a healthy and delicious treat!
2. Berry & Yogurt Pops
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.)
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1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
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1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
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Blend the berries and yogurt together until smooth.
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Add water or chicken broth to thin out the mixture slightly.
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Pour into molds and freeze for 3-4 hours.
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Serve and watch your dog enjoy the refreshing burst of fruity goodness.
Berries are rich in antioxidants, and yogurt offers probiotics that are great for your dog’s digestive health. This pupsicle is perfect for cooling down after a walk or playtime!
3. Carrot & Apple Crunch
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup grated carrots
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1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce or finely chopped apples
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1/4 cup water
Instructions:
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Mix the grated carrots, apple sauce (or apples), and water in a bowl.
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Pour the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
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Freeze for 3-4 hours or until solid.
This pupsicle is not only crunchy and satisfying for your dog, but it also contains fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. It’s a great snack that provides a boost to their immune system!
4. Coconut & Pineapple Pops
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup coconut milk (unsweetened)
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1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple (no added sugar)
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1/4 cup water
Instructions:
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Blend the coconut milk and pineapple together until smooth.
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Add a bit of water to help the mixture pour easily.
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Pour into molds and freeze for 3-4 hours.
Coconut milk is safe for dogs in moderation and can help with skin and coat health, while pineapple provides vitamins and digestive enzymes. This tropical pupsicle will take your dog’s taste buds on a vacation!
5. Chicken & Broth Pops
Ingredients:
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
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1/4 cup cooked, shredded chicken (optional for added protein)
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1/4 cup finely chopped carrots or peas (optional)
Instructions:
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Mix the chicken broth with shredded chicken and veggies if using.
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Pour the mixture into molds and freeze for 3-4 hours.
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Serve as a savory frozen treat that your dog will love!
This savory combo is great for dogs who prefer meatier flavors. Chicken and broth are both protein-rich, making this pupsicle perfect for muscle health and hydration.
6. Pumpkin & Cinnamon Swirl
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (no added sugar or spices)
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1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, make sure it’s pure cinnamon)
Instructions:
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Mix the pumpkin puree with yogurt until smooth.
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If using, sprinkle in the cinnamon and stir to combine.
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Spoon into molds and freeze for 3-4 hours.
Pumpkin is great for a dog’s digestive health, and cinnamon is a nice flavor that can also help with anti-inflammatory properties. This sweet pupsicle combo is both healthy and tasty!
7. Watermelon & Mint Pops
Ingredients:
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1 cup watermelon (seeds removed)
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1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
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1/4 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
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Blend the watermelon and mint leaves until smooth.
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Add water or broth to the mixture, then stir to combine.
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Pour into molds and freeze for 3-4 hours.
Watermelon is a hydrating fruit, making it a great choice for hot days. Mint helps with digestion and can freshen your dog’s breath, making this a fun and functional treat!
8. Sweet Potato & Bacon Pops
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
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1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
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1-2 strips cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)
Instructions:
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Mash the sweet potato and combine it with the chicken broth or water.
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Mix in the crumbled bacon if using.
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Pour the mixture into molds and freeze for 3-4 hours.
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamins for dogs, and bacon adds a savory touch that most dogs can’t resist. This pupsicle is both indulgent and nourishing!
9. Minty Yogurt & Cucumber Refreshers
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
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1/2 cup cucumber (peeled and finely chopped)
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1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
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Blend the cucumber, mint leaves, and yogurt together until smooth.
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Pour into molds and freeze for 3-4 hours.
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Serve as a cool treat on a hot day.
Cucumbers are low in calories and great for hydration, while yogurt helps with digestion. Mint gives this treat a refreshing twist, making it the ultimate cooling snack.
10. Apple & Peanut Butter Freeze
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce or chopped apples
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1/4 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
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1/4 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
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Blend the apples and peanut butter together until smooth.
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Add water or chicken broth to thin it out slightly.
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Pour the mixture into molds and freeze for 3-4 hours.
This pupsicle combines the sweet taste of apples with the richness of peanut butter, making it an irresistible treat that your dog will absolutely love.
Tips for Making Pupsicles:
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Use dog-safe ingredients: Always double-check that the ingredients you’re using are safe for dogs. For example, avoid using xylitol (a sweetener that is toxic to dogs) and opt for plain yogurt without any added sugar.
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Keep the portions small: Pupsicles should be a treat, not a meal. Keep them small and portioned, especially if you’re using ingredients like peanut butter or bacon, which are high in fat.
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Storage: Once frozen, you can store your pupsicles in an airtight container or plastic bag in the freezer for up to a few weeks.
With these tasty and healthy pupsicle combos, you can help your dog cool down while providing them with a fun and nutritious treat. Whether you’re celebrating a sunny day or just giving your dog a little extra love, these frozen goodies are sure to be a hit!
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