Ok, so let me guess… you were casually scrolling, maybe with your pup snoring nearby, and now you’re thinking, “Wait. Watermelon… yogurt… frozen dog treats? Tell me more.”
First of all, high five for even thinking about making your own dog treats. I mean, there are a zillion store-bought ones out there. But the fact that you’re here says something kind of awesome: you care about what goes into your dog’s body. And honestly? That’s pretty cool.
Now, if your dog is anything like mine, they’ve probably given you the “I will literally do backflips if you give me something cold and delicious” eyes at least once this week. Which brings us to this ridiculously easy recipe that has summer written all over it: frozen watermelon and yogurt treats.
Why Your Dog Will Probably Obsess Over These
Alright, here’s the thing: dogs like cold things. Especially when it’s hot outside and the air conditioner just isn’t cutting it. These frozen treats hit that spot. They’re sweet, they’re creamy, and they melt down just right.
Plus, you can feel good about giving them because they’re made of actual food, not “mystery meat pellet #47” or whatever those chewy things at the bottom of the bag are.
Also, let’s talk digestion. Watermelon is super hydrating and yogurt (as long as it’s the plain, unsweetened kind with no artificial junk) can be amazing for your pup’s gut. Win-win.
What You’ll Need
Here’s your ingredient list. It’s short and sweet. Literally.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Watermelon | 2 cups, chopped | Seedless is ideal. Remove the rind. |
| Yogurt | 15 tbs (just under 1 cup) | Must be plain, unsweetened, and xylitol-free. |
That’s it. That’s the list.
If you want to get extra fancy, you can also throw in a splash of coconut water or a sprinkle of chopped mint leaves, but none of that is required.
Tools That Make This Way Easier
Just a heads up, this doesn’t require any complicated kitchen gadgets. But having the right stuff does make it a smoother process.
Pro Tip: If you’re using flexible molds (like the cute paw print ones), place them on a baking sheet before pouring anything in. This will save your life when it comes to transferring them into the freezer without making a mess.
How to Actually Make Them
This is the part where you realize how incredibly simple this all is.
- Chop up your watermelon: Make sure there are no seeds or rind. We love a clean cube.
- Blend it: Toss the chunks into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You could also mash with a fork or potato masher if you like it rustic.
- Add your yogurt: You can layer it in the molds (like a swirl) or mix it straight into the watermelon puree. Totally up to you. No rules here.
- Spoon it into your molds: Silicone ones work best. You can also just use a standard ice tray if you’re not feeling fancy.
- Freeze: Pop them in the freezer for 4–6 hours or until completely frozen.
- Unmold: And watch your dog’s life change. (Ok, maybe not life, but definitely day.)
People also like: Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats
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Make It Even Better – Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
Look, I’ve made these a few times now. And yes, I’ve learned a few things the hard way (like watermelon juice in your sock drawer – don’t ask). So here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to help you avoid the rookie mistakes:
Substitutions & Variations
Let’s say you’re missing an ingredient or want to mix things up—here’s how to get creative without ruining the recipe:
| If you don’t have… | Try this instead |
|---|---|
| Yogurt | Coconut milk, goat’s milk, or mashed banana |
| Watermelon | Cantaloupe, blueberries, or strawberries |
| Molds | Ice cube trays or even mini cupcake liners |
| Blender | Mash it old-school with a fork or potato masher |
Also: want a probiotic boost? Toss in a teaspoon of plain kefir. Or a little chopped parsley for a breath-freshening upgrade.
How Long Do These Last?
Stored right, these little treats will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. But trust me, they won’t last that long. Once your dog realizes these exist, you’ll be in full production mode.
What About Make-Ahead Options?
You can definitely batch-make these. Blend everything, fill multiple trays, and freeze them flat. Once they’re frozen solid, pop them into a giant freezer bag. Now you’ve got treats on hand for weeks. Or, let’s be honest, days. Depending on how good your dog’s begging game is.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approx. per treat)
This is based on using standard-sized ice cube trays, so your values may vary slightly.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~15–20 |
| Carbs | ~3g |
| Protein | ~1g |
| Fat | <1g |
| Sugar | Natural only from fruit |
These are low-calorie and hydrating. Perfect for hot days, post-walk chill-outs, or after a training session when you want to give a little reward without overfeeding.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
If you accidentally make too much puree, you can even freeze the extra in a mason jar and thaw it later to make a new batch.
FAQ: You Asked, I Got You
Can I eat one of these myself?
Sure! They’re 100% human-grade ingredients. Just don’t expect much sweetness. You’re basically eating a frozen watermelon smoothie cube.
What if my dog doesn’t like watermelon?
Try cantaloupe or blueberries. Or sneak in a little peanut butter (just make sure it’s xylitol-free).
Can I add treats into the mold?
Yep! Drop a small biscuit or a few bits of kibble into the center before freezing for a surprise crunch.
My dog is lactose intolerant. What now?
Use a non-dairy substitute like unsweetened coconut milk or leave out the yogurt altogether.
How many can I give my dog per day?
Start with one. Then watch for any signs of upset tummy. If they’re fine, you can give 1–2 a day depending on your dog’s size.
Wrap Up
So that’s the scoop on frozen watermelon and yogurt dog treats. Super easy, healthy, and (most importantly) dog-approved. Whether you’re trying to help your pup cool down on a hot day or just feel like being the world’s best dog parent, these treats are a no-brainer.
Go make a batch, try it out, and let me know how your dog liked them! Did you add anything fun? Did your dog give you the head tilt of approval? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your stories and see some cute photos too.
And if this helped you out even a little, feel free to share it with another dog-loving friend who deserves a gold star.
You got this.
