The Best Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats
Guess what happened when I made these frozen treats for my friend’s golden retriever last week?
She literally wouldn’t stop doing her happy dance… you know, that wiggling, spinning thing dogs do when they’re about to get something amazing.
And here’s the thing – I had no idea making homemade dog treats could be THIS simple.
Just four ingredients. Five minutes of prep. Then you just freeze and watch your dog lose their mind with excitement.
But what really sold me on this recipe is knowing exactly what’s going into my furry friend’s treat. No weird preservatives or ingredients I can’t pronounce. Just wholesome, dog-safe ingredients that actually provide health benefits.
Plus, at 32 cents per treat (rough estimate), you’re getting premium quality for way less than those fancy store-bought versions.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything for about 10 treats:
- ¼ Cup Fresh Blueberries – packed with antioxidants and vitamin C that support your dog’s immune system
- ¼ Cup Natural Peanut Butter (xylitol-free) – choose brands with only peanuts as the ingredient, avoiding any that contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs
- ½ Cup Plain Kefir (unsweetened and unflavored) – loaded with probiotics that support digestive health and boost immunity
- 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds – rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, supporting heart health and digestion
Pro Tips
From someone who’s made these treats more times than I care to admit, here are the game-changers:
Always soak your chia seeds first. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from swelling in your dog’s system and to make them easier to digest. I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned into weird, crunchy surprises.
Check that peanut butter label like your dog’s life depends on it (because it does). Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can cause hypoglycemia, liver failure, or even death. Stick with natural peanut butter that lists only peanuts as the ingredient.
Start with frozen blueberries if they’re available. They blend smoother and the treats freeze faster. Plus, frozen blueberries are just as nutritious as fresh ones.
Tap your molds before freezing. This gets rid of air bubbles and gives you cleaner-looking treats (though your dog won’t care one bit about aesthetics).
Don’t overthink the consistency. The mixture should be smooth but not completely liquid. Think milkshake texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Silicone molds (bone-shaped, ice cube trays, or any fun shapes work)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer (for washing blueberries)
Substitutions and Variations
For dogs with peanut allergies: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter (xylitol-free) or almond butter (again, check those labels).
Lactose-sensitive pups: Try goat milk kefir or coconut milk kefir instead of regular kefir. Both are easier on sensitive tummies.
No kefir available? Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt works, but you’ll miss out on those amazing probiotic benefits.
Want to mix up the flavors? Strawberries are also safe for dogs and make a great substitute for blueberries.
Chia seed alternative: Ground flaxseed works, but use only half the amount since it’s more potent.
Make Ahead Tips
These treats are actually better when made ahead. The flavors meld together beautifully, and having a stash in your freezer means you’re always ready for training sessions or just because your dog gave you those irresistible puppy eyes.
Make a double batch and store half in freezer bags for up to 90 days. Label them with the date because trust me, you’ll lose track of when you made them.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Chia Seeds Soak 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in ¼ cup water for at least 30 minutes. They’ll expand and get gel-like. This is exactly what you want.
Step 2: Wash and Prep Rinse your blueberries under cold water. If using frozen, let them thaw slightly for easier blending.
Step 3: Blend Everything Toss the blueberries, peanut butter, kefir, and soaked chia seeds into your blender. Blend on medium until smooth and well combined. It should look like a purple milkshake.
Step 4: Fill Your Molds Pour the mixture into your silicone molds, filling each about ¾ full to leave room for expansion. Give the molds a gentle tap on the counter to release air bubbles.
Step 5: Freeze Pop them in the freezer for 4-6 hours, or until completely solid.
Step 6: Unmold and Serve If the treats stick, run the bottom of the molds under warm water for a few seconds. They should pop right out.
Additional Details
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Treat)
- Calories: Approximately 25-30
- Protein: 1.5g (from peanut butter and kefir)
- Healthy Fats: 2g (omega-3s from chia seeds)
- Antioxidants: High levels from blueberries, which contain phytochemicals that may help prevent cell damage
- Probiotics: Over 30 strains of beneficial bacteria from kefir
Cooking Time Efficiency Tips
- Total Time: 10 minutes active, 4-6 hours freezing
- Prep Hack: Soak chia seeds the night before to save time
- Batch Strategy: Double the recipe since you’re already making a mess
- Clean-Up Tip: Rinse blender immediately – frozen kefir is a pain to scrub later
Ingredient Swaps for Different Diets
Weight Management Dogs: Use powdered peanut butter instead of regular to reduce calories and fat
Senior Dogs: The omega-3s in chia seeds may help reduce inflammation and support joint health
Diabetic Dogs: Chia seeds help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity
Meal Pairing Suggestions
These treats work perfectly as:
- Training rewards (break into smaller pieces)
- Summer cooling treats on hot days
- Kong stuffers (blend mixture slightly thinner)
- Special occasion treats for birthdays or achievements
Leftovers and Storage
Freezer Storage: Keep treats in an airtight container for up to 90 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Thawing: Let treats sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes if your dog prefers them slightly softer.
Portion Control: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. These treats are perfect for small to medium dogs as-is, but break them into pieces for tiny pups.
Signs They’ve Gone Bad: If you notice any ice crystals forming or off smells, it’s time to toss them and make a fresh batch.
FAQ
Q: How many treats can I give my dog per day? A: Generally 1-2 treats per day for most dogs, depending on their size. Small dogs should get half a treat, while large dogs can handle a full one or two.
Q: Are these safe for puppies? A: Yes! All ingredients are puppy-safe. The omega-3s in chia seeds actually support brain development in young dogs. Just give smaller portions.
Q: My dog is lactose intolerant. Can they still have these? A: Kefir is much lower in lactose than regular milk due to the fermentation process, so many lactose-intolerant dogs can tolerate it. Start with a small amount to test, or use goat milk kefir which is even gentler.
Q: Can I use this mixture in ice cube trays? A: Absolutely! Ice cube trays work perfectly. Each cube will be the ideal size for medium to large dogs.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like the texture? A: Try blending the mixture longer for a smoother consistency, or add a bit more kefir to make it creamier.
Q: Are store-bought versions just as good? A: Most commercial frozen treats contain preservatives and added sugars that aren’t necessary. Making your own ensures you get the maximum probiotic benefits from fresh kefir.
Q: Can cats have these too? A: While blueberries aren’t toxic to cats, cats have different nutritional needs. Check with your vet first, and if approved, give much smaller portions.
Wrap Up
Here’s the bottom line: your dog deserves treats that taste amazing AND support their health.
These blueberry peanut butter frozen treats check every box. They’re ridiculously easy to make, cost a fraction of store-bought alternatives, and pack serious nutritional benefits that’ll keep your pup healthy and happy.
The best part? You’ll feel like the world’s greatest dog parent watching their tail go crazy every time you reach for the freezer.
So grab those four simple ingredients and get blending. Your dog’s taste buds (and their gut health) will thank you.
Made these treats for your furry friend? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below and let me know – did your dog do the happy dance? Any creative mold shapes that were a hit? And if you tweaked the recipe, share your variations. Other dog parents would love to know what worked for your pup!
