5 healthy popsicle recipes for dogs

Are popsicles healthy for dogs?

Before letting your furry friend indulge in a frozen summer treat, ensuring that these icy treats are safe for dogs is essential. The good news is that when made with the proper ingredients, dog popsicles are a safe and healthy way for your furry friend to cool down on a hot day.

However, there are some precautions to be aware of to ensure your dog’s safety and well-being:

Check the ingredients: No two popsicles are made the same. Many popsicles deemed “safe” for dogs can contain potentially harmful ingredients such as dairy.  Making DIY dog popsicles guarantees that your furry companion gets a safe frozen treat that they can enjoy without worrying about dangerous ingredients.

Avoid popsicle sticks: Never allow your dog to chew on wooden popsicle sticks. These sticks can splinter easily and can lead to choking or digestive issues. Freeze homemade popsicle ingredients in ice cube trays or your dog’s favorite toy for a fun-filled treat!

Treats in moderation: When choosing a new treat for your dog, offer a small amount first to ensure they can digest it properly. Remember that your pet should enjoy frozen treats and any treat in moderation to avoid canine obesity. 

Dog popsicle ingredients to avoid

When choosing a frozen treat for your dog or making your own, there are some ingredients to avoid:

• Dairy
• Frozen yogurt
• Xylitol
• Raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Chocolate
• Sugar
• Artificial flavors or sweeteners 
• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Vanilla extract

Ingesting any of the ingredients listed above can lead to digestive upset, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and can require immediate veterinary assistance. 

Safe ingredients for dog popsicles

Whether you are checking the ingredients on a store-bought frozen treat for your dog or making your own, here is a list of safe dog popsicle ingredients you can refer back to:

• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Unsweetened yogurt (dairy-free)
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Pumpkin
• Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• Coconut
• Oats 
• Oat milk

Every dog is different. It’s important to know what your pet may be allergic to and exercise caution when giving your dog a new treat. Try to stick around for an hour after giving your companion a new frozen treat so you can watch for any symptoms of allergic reactions or digestive upset. 

If you notice your dog acting differently or showing signs of illness after feeding a dog popsicle, please contact your veterinarian or call us at The Vets for guidance. 

Types of popsicles for dogs

Do you have a picky pup? Not to worry! There are several types of frozen treats for your dog to choose from to discover that perfect summer treat!

Dogsicles (Dog popsicles): A popsicle specifically made for your furry friend’s enjoyment! We recommend DIY dogsicles (see recipes below) to ensure your pup gets high-quality, safe ingredients. 

Frozen fruits and vegetables: You can freeze your dog’s favorite fruit or veggie overnight for a nutritious, crunchy, frozen treat they can enjoy the next day!

Frozen kong: Enhance your four-legged friend’s popsicle experience by filling a Kong or other dog toy with your DIY dogsicle recipe and freezing it overnight. Your dog will enjoy hours indulging in their cold, tasty treat!

Dog popsicle recipes

Do you need some inspiration to find your dog the perfect summer treat? Here are five dog popsicle recipes your furry companion is bound to love!

Banana and peanut butter popsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 TBS peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1 cup of oat milk or water
• Optional add-ins – unsweetened dairy-free yogurt, pumpkin, chicken broth to replace water or oat milk

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients together in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into your chosen popsicle mold or ice cube tray. 
3. Stick the popsicle sticks in place.
4. Freeze for six hours or overnight. 

Watermelon carrot dog popsicles 

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized carrots
• 3 cups cubed watermelon (remove seeds)

Directions:

1. Clean and roughly chop carrots. 
2. Pulse carrots in a blender until finely chopped. 
3. Add watermelon and puree until smooth.
4. Pour into molds. Freeze for 2 hours or until frozen solid.

Banana pumpkin popsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• ½ cup pumpkin or sweet potato
• ½ cup unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or coconut milk

Directions:

1. Add ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into your chosen popsicle mold, ice cube tray, or dog toy.
3. Freeze for six hours or overnight.

Melon ice cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of watermelon, cubed with seeds removed
• 1 cup of cantaloupe or honeydew
• 2 cups of coconut milk

Directions:

• Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.
• Pour into a freezer-safe bowl and freeze overnight.

Very berry popsicles

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of blueberries
• ¼ cup of strawberries (stems removed and chopped)
• 1 cup of dairy-free yogurt or coconut milk
  
  

Directions:

• Blend all three ingredients in a blender or food processor, or mix by hand. 
• Pour into molds and freeze for around 5 hours or overnight.
  
  
  
  

Fun Tip** To add to the excitement, you can purchase dog treat freezer molds for your DIY dogsicle recipe. You and your four-legged friend can enjoy shapes like dog bones, paw prints, and more! 

Freeze and enjoy!

Help your four-legged friend cool down this summer with a tasty dog popsicle. With just a few simple steps and precautions, you and your companion can enjoy a frozen treat without worry!