Description
Easy, healthy, and delicious frozen dog treats made with yogurt, banana, and peanut butter. A perfect way to cool down your furry friend on a hot day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full fat or low fat, but full fat will freeze creamier)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs!)
- 1/4 cup honey (optional, for added sweetness and binding)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (optional, for added texture and fiber)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added nutrients)
- Small dog treats or kibble (optional, for embedding in the frozen treats)
Instructions
- Mash the banana: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe banana with a fork until it’s smooth and there are no large chunks remaining. A smooth banana will incorporate better into the yogurt mixture.
- Combine yogurt and banana: Add the Greek yogurt to the bowl with the mashed banana. Gently fold the yogurt and banana together until they are well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the yogurt watery.
- Add peanut butter: Now, add the peanut butter to the yogurt and banana mixture. Again, gently fold it in until it’s fully incorporated. Be patient, as peanut butter can be a bit thick and take some time to blend in smoothly. Make sure there are no streaks of peanut butter remaining.
- Incorporate honey (optional): If you’re using honey, add it to the bowl. The honey will add a touch of sweetness and also help bind the ingredients together. Fold it in until it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Add oats and chia seeds (optional): If you’re using rolled oats and chia seeds, now is the time to add them. These ingredients will add some texture and nutritional value to the treats. Fold them in gently until they are evenly distributed.
- Taste test (for humans only!): Give the mixture a taste (remember, this is for you to ensure the flavors are balanced!). Adjust the amount of honey or peanut butter to your liking, keeping in mind that dogs have different taste preferences than humans.
- Prepare your molds: You can use a variety of molds for freezing the dog treats. Ice cube trays, silicone molds in fun shapes (like paw prints or bones), or even small paper cups will work. Make sure the molds are clean and dry.
- Fill the molds: Carefully spoon the yogurt mixture into the prepared molds. Fill each mold to the top, but be careful not to overfill. If you’re using small dog treats or kibble, gently press one or two into the center of each mold. This will add a fun surprise for your dog when they enjoy the frozen treat.
- Smooth the tops: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the tops of the molds. This will create a more uniform appearance and prevent any uneven freezing.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours: Place the filled molds in the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the treats are completely frozen solid. The freezing time will depend on the size and shape of the molds, as well as the temperature of your freezer.
- Loosen the treats: Once the treats are frozen solid, remove the molds from the freezer. To easily remove the treats, you can try running the bottom of the molds under warm water for a few seconds. This will help loosen the treats and make them easier to pop out.
- Pop out the treats: Gently push the treats out of the molds. If they are still stuck, you can use a small knife or spatula to carefully loosen them around the edges.
- Store in an airtight container: Place the frozen dog treats in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the treats fresh for longer.
- Label and date: Label the container with the date you made the treats. This will help you keep track of how long they have been stored.
- Store in the freezer: Store the container of frozen dog treats in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Serve in moderation: Frozen dog treats should be given in moderation, as they are still treats and should not replace your dog’s regular meals. A good rule of thumb is to give one or two treats per day, depending on the size of your dog.
- Supervise your dog: Always supervise your dog while they are eating the frozen treats. This will help prevent them from choking or eating the treats too quickly.
- Offer on a plate or in a bowl: To prevent the treats from melting and making a mess, offer them to your dog on a plate or in a bowl.
- Adjust for dietary needs: If your dog has any dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to adjust the ingredients accordingly. For example, if your dog is allergic to peanut butter, you can substitute it with another dog-friendly nut butter, such as almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
- Consider the weather: On hot days, frozen dog treats can be a refreshing and hydrating treat for your dog. However, on cold days, you may want to limit the number of frozen treats you give your dog.
- Get creative with flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique frozen dog treat recipes. Some other dog-friendly ingredients you can try include:
* Pureed pumpkin
* Sweet potato
* Blueberries
* Strawberries
* Carrots
* Spinach - Watch for signs of sensitivity: After giving your dog a new type of treat, always watch for any signs of sensitivity or allergic reaction, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation. If you notice any of these signs, stop giving your dog the treats and consult with your veterinarian.
Notes
- Xylitol is toxic: Always double-check that the peanut butter you use does NOT contain xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure and death.
- Dairy sensitivities: Some dogs are sensitive to dairy. If your dog has a known dairy sensitivity, you can use a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as coconut yogurt or soy yogurt.
- Treats are not meal replacements: Remember that these are treats and should not be used as a replacement for your dog’s regular meals.
- Consult your vet: If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet or health, always consult with your veterinarian before giving them any new treats.
- Treats are too hard: If the treats are too hard for your dog to chew, you can try adding a little bit of water or broth to the yogurt mixture before freezing. This will help soften the treats slightly.
- Treats are melting too quickly: If the treats are melting too quickly, you can try freezing them for a longer period of time. You can also try using a thicker yogurt, such as Greek yogurt, which will freeze more solid.
- Dog doesn’t like the treats: If your dog doesn’t seem to like the treats, you can try experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. You can also try adding a small amount of your dog’s favorite food to the yogurt mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes