Last July, during a particularly brutal heat wave, I watched my golden retriever panting heavily on the kitchen tile floor. She'd stopped playing, refused her regular toys, and seemed genuinely miserable. Then I gave her a frozen peanut butter treat, and suddenly she was engaged—licking, working at it, cooling down. That single moment taught me something important: frozen treats aren't just a fun indulgence during summer. They're a practical tool for helping dogs stay cool while keeping them mentally stimulated during hot months.
If you're looking for ways to help your dog beat the summer heat while using ingredients you already have, frozen treats are your answer. Most take just minutes to prepare, cost almost nothing, and solve two problems at once: heat and boredom.
Why Frozen Treats Matter in Summer
Dogs don't regulate body temperature as efficiently as humans do. They have fewer sweat glands and rely primarily on panting to cool down. During summer heat, this becomes challenging—especially for dogs with thick coats, older dogs, or dogs with respiratory challenges like flat-faced breeds.
Frozen treats serve multiple purposes:
Temperature regulation: A frozen treat that takes time to consume slowly cools your dog's core temperature from the inside while they lick and chew.
Mental stimulation: Summer heat often means dogs spend more time indoors in air conditioning. Frozen treats that require work to consume provide engagement and prevent boredom.
Hydration: Many frozen treats contain high water content, which supports hydration during hot months.
Exercise during safe hours: Dogs can't safely exercise during peak heat. Frozen treats that keep them occupied indoors during dangerous afternoon temperatures are a smart alternative.
Anxiety reduction: The repetitive licking motion has calming effects and can help anxious dogs relax.
You Might Also Enjoy
- The Best Training Treats for Dogs: Small, Tasty, and Effective
- 5 Healthy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes Your Pup Will Love
- How Many Treats Is Too Many? A Guide to Treat Portions for Dogs
- DIY Catnip Treats Your Cat Will Go Crazy For
Safety Considerations Before You Start
Before diving into recipes, let's cover important safety factors:
Check ingredients carefully. Make sure nothing you're using is toxic to dogs. Common items to avoid:
- Xylitol (found in some peanut butters and low-sugar products—this is deadly to dogs)
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Avocado
- Macadamia nuts
Always read labels on store-bought ingredients. Many "healthy" peanut butters now contain xylitol, which is fatal to dogs.
Watch for choking hazards. Some frozen treats become hard as rocks when frozen. Make sure your dog can safely consume whatever you're making. Very small frozen treats can become a choking hazard; very hard frozen treats could crack teeth.
Supervise consumption. Always supervise your dog while they're eating frozen treats, especially if it's something novel to them.
Monitor for tooth damage. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, avoid extremely hard frozen items. You can slightly thaw treats before giving them if they're too hard.
Portion control matters. Frozen treats still contain calories. Account for them in your dog's daily caloric intake, especially if you're giving multiple treats.
Simple Recipe 1: Peanut Butter Popsicles
This is my go-to frozen treat because it requires literally two ingredients and takes two minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free—verify the label)
- Water or low-sodium broth
Instructions:
- Mix 1 part peanut butter with 2 parts water or broth
- Pour into ice cube trays (or larger molds for bigger dogs)
- Insert dog-safe treat sticks or just freeze as-is for ice cubes
- Freeze for at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal)
- Pop from trays and serve
Variation: For extra nutrition, add a mashed banana or chopped apple to the mixture.
This treat is perfect for dogs that love peanut butter. The broth version is great for dogs on reduced-calorie diets since you're diluting the caloric density.
Simple Recipe 2: Fruity Ice Cubes
Dogs don't need fruit, but many enjoy it, and it adds variety to their diet.
Ingredients:
- Dog-safe fruit (watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, or apple)
- Water or unsweetened apple juice
Instructions:
- Dice fruit into small pieces
- Mix with water or apple juice
- Pour into ice cube trays with fruit pieces distributed throughout
- Freeze overnight
- Serve as-is or thaw slightly for easier consumption
Best fruits for dogs:
- Watermelon (especially hydrating and mostly water)
- Blueberries (loaded with antioxidants)
- Strawberries (safe and most dogs find them appealing)
- Apple (remove seeds first; they contain trace amounts of cyanide compounds)
Avoid grapes, raisins, and avocado entirely.
Simple Recipe 3: Yogurt Treats
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is safe for most dogs and contains beneficial probiotics.
Ingredients:
- Plain yogurt (unsweetened, no xylitol)
- Optional: pumpkin puree, honey, or dog-safe fruit
Instructions:
- Pour plain yogurt into ice cube trays or molds
- For flavor variation, mix in a small amount of pumpkin puree or dog-safe fruit puree
- Freeze overnight
- Serve frozen
Benefits: Yogurt provides probiotics that support digestive health. Pumpkin adds fiber and is particularly soothing for dogs with digestive sensitivities.
Choose Greek yogurt for higher protein content, or regular yogurt if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Simple Recipe 4: Broth Ice Pops
Perfect for dogs that don't like peanut butter or need a lower-calorie option.
Ingredients:
- Low-sodium bone broth or vegetable broth
- Optional: cooked, shredded chicken
Instructions:
- Pour broth into ice cube trays or popsicle molds
- For protein variation, add small pieces of cooked, shredded chicken
- Freeze overnight
- Serve frozen
This is particularly good for dogs with digestive sensitivities, as bone broth contains collagen and nutrients that support gut health.
Simple Recipe 5: Carrot Freeze
Carrots are incredibly safe for dogs, affordable, and naturally crunchy.
Ingredients:
- Carrots
- Water
Instructions:
- Cut carrots into appropriate-sized pieces (whole baby carrots work great)
- Place in ice cube trays
- Cover with water
- Freeze overnight
- Serve frozen or partially thawed
Raw frozen carrots provide natural teeth cleaning action while your dog chews. They're low-calorie and great for dogs on weight management diets.
DIY Frozen Kong Treats
Kong toys are fantastic for frozen treats because they create a contained, engaging experience.
Instructions:
- Stuff a Kong toy with any of the above mixtures or with peanut butter, plain yogurt, or mashed banana
- Wrap in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag
- Freeze overnight
- Serve frozen directly from the freezer
A frozen Kong can keep a dog occupied for 30+ minutes, depending on size and filling. This is excellent for keeping dogs entertained during peak heat hours when they shouldn't be exercising outdoors.
Pro Tips for Success
Use appropriate molds. Small molds work for toy breeds and picky eaters. Larger molds or silicon cupcake liners work for big dogs. Kong toys work well for dogs that love to work for their food.
Make in batches. Most of these recipes freeze well for several weeks. Make a batch at the beginning of summer and you'll have treats readily available throughout the season.
Adjust thickness. If frozen treats are too hard for your dog, partially thaw them before serving. If they're too soft, add less liquid or freeze longer.
Layer flavors. Get creative by freezing treats in layers—peanut butter on bottom, fruit on top, yogurt in the middle.
Consider your dog's size. What's an appropriately-sized treat for a Labrador is a choking hazard for a Chihuahua. Always adjust portions and mold sizes accordingly.
Storage and Food Safety
Frozen treats made from fresh ingredients can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months without significant quality loss. Label them with the date prepared.
If you're using broth or yogurt with protein additions, use within 4-6 weeks for optimal safety.
Thawed treats should be consumed within 24 hours if left in the refrigerator. Don't refreeze thawed treats.
When to Avoid Frozen Treats
A few situations where frozen treats might not be appropriate:
Senior dogs with dental issues: Extremely hard frozen treats could damage compromised teeth. Slightly thaw treats before serving, or stick with softer options like yogurt.
Dogs with sensitive throats: Some dogs find extremely cold items uncomfortable. If your dog seems reluctant, try slightly thawing treats or skipping frozen options in favor of cool (but not frozen) alternatives.
Dogs on restricted diets: If your dog has specific dietary requirements due to health conditions, ensure treats don't interfere with their prescribed diet.
A Practical Summer Heat Safety Reminder
Frozen treats are wonderful, but they're not a substitute for proper heat safety. Remember:
- Never leave dogs in cars, even with windows cracked
- Avoid midday walks during extreme heat
- Provide fresh water constantly
- Watch for signs of heat stress (excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting)
- Older dogs, puppies, and flat-faced breeds are at higher heat risk
Use frozen treats as part of your comprehensive summer safety strategy, not as your only cooling method.
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn't have to be a miserable season for your dog. These simple frozen treats provide cooling, mental stimulation, and a fun way to use ingredients you probably already have at home.
Start with whichever recipe sounds easiest, make a batch, and see what your dog loves. Most dogs go crazy for frozen peanut butter or frozen broth. You might discover your dog has a favorite that becomes a summer staple.
What's your dog's favorite frozen treat? Do you have a favorite homemade recipe? Share in the comments—I'd love to hear what works for your pup during summer heat.
Sarah Mitchell is a certified pet care specialist and author of Pawprint Journals. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her golden retriever, two rescue cats, and an impressive collection of indoor plants.
