Frozen Dog Treats for Hot Summer Days: Healthy and Easy Recipes

Frozen dog treats are a popular way to keep dogs cool and refreshed, especially during warm weather. These treats combine the benefits of being tasty and hydrating, often made with simple ingredients like fruit, yogurt, or broth. They offer a healthy alternative to regular dog snacks, providing a fun way to reward your pet while helping them stay comfortable.

Making or buying frozen dog treats can be convenient and affordable. They come in various shapes and sizes, from ice cube-style bites to popsicles. Many owners choose frozen treats to help soothe teething puppies or calm anxious dogs.

When selecting frozen dog treats, the key things to consider are the ingredients, size, and ease of preparation. It’s important to avoid harmful additives, artificial sweeteners, or anything toxic to dogs like xylitol. Also, treats should be appropriately sized to prevent choking and be easy to store or freeze. We looked at multiple options and recipes to find the best frozen dog treats that balance safety, nutrition, and enjoyment.

Best Frozen Dog Treats

We have tested and reviewed a variety of frozen dog treats to find the best options for keeping your dog cool and happy. Our list includes treats that are healthy, tasty, and easy to serve. These picks suit different dog sizes and preferences.

Solimo Duck Jerky Treats

These duck jerky treats are a solid choice if you want a natural, chewy snack for your dog that most pups find tasty.

Pros

• Made with real duck as the main ingredient
• No corn, wheat, soy, or gluten added
• Easy to break into smaller pieces for training

Cons

• The jerky can be tough for very small dogs at first
• Occasionally the packaging gets damaged in shipping
• May require fresh water nearby while treating

We found that our dogs really liked the duck flavor. The jerky is thicker and chewier than softer treats, which can keep dogs busy and happy. Breaking the strips into smaller bits helps especially when rewarding smaller dogs or puppies.

One thing to watch for is giving your dog plenty of water while they chew. It feels like the jerky can dry their mouths a bit. The no fillers promise is a big plus if your dog has allergies or sensitivities.

The large 2-pound bag lasts a while with regular treats or training. Sometimes the outer bag arrived with a small rip, but the treats inside stayed fresh when stored well. Overall, these treat strips are a good value and worth trying for dogs who enjoy chewy snacks.

Pup Ice by SPOT

Pup Ice is a good choice for keeping medium-sized dogs cool and entertained with safe, tasty frozen treats.

Pros

• Made from natural ingredients, no sugars or artificial flavors
• Comes in fun shapes that last longer when frozen
• Supports dental health and digestion with added calcium and prebiotics

Cons

• Not suitable for puppies under 6 months or teething dogs
• Needs to be frozen at home for a few hours before serving
• Should be eaten within a few hours after thawing to stay fresh

We found Pup Ice easy to prepare by simply freezing it for a few hours. Our dogs enjoyed licking the icy treat, which helped them cool down on warm days and kept them busy longer than usual snacks.

The edible cone and stick are a nice touch, so there’s no waste or risk from hard pieces. It feels good knowing every part of the treat is safe for our pups to chew.

One downside is that the treat must be eaten fairly soon after taking it out of the freezer. Also, small or young puppies can’t have these due to their formula and texture, so they’re better for adult medium dogs.

Pup Ice does a solid job balancing taste, health benefits, and summer fun for our dogs. We recommend it for those wanting to give their pets a treat that cools and nourishes.

WOOF Pupsicle Refill Pops

These treats are great for keeping dogs busy and calm with minimal effort and mess.

Pros

• Long-lasting distraction for dogs
• Ready to use, no freezing needed
• Made with simple, quality ingredients

Cons

• Can be pricey compared to homemade options
• Packaging can arrive damaged sometimes
• Pupsicle holder may be hard to open

We found these refill pops handy for when we needed a quick treat without prepping ahead. Dogs stayed busy for up to 30 minutes, which gave us a break. The treats are shelf stable, so they’re easy to carry on hikes or trips.

The mix of chicken, peanut butter, and natural flavor worked well for our pets. We liked that there was no mess since the pops fit right into the Pupsicle toy. It saved us time and cleanup compared to stuffing frozen peanut butter ourselves.

Price was a bit of a downside, especially since some packs arrived crushed. Still, the convenience and quality make these a solid choice for anyone wanting a quick, healthy dog treat.

Puppy Cake Frozen Dog Treat Mix

This mix makes a tasty, easy frozen treat that our dogs really enjoyed, though it can be a bit pricey.

Pros

• Simple to prepare by just adding water and freezing
• Made with natural ingredients and no added sugar
• Offers a nice variety of flavors to keep dogs interested

Cons

• More expensive compared to other frozen dog treats
• Container size is smaller than expected
• Some flavors contain ingredients not suitable for all dogs

We found making Puppy Cake’s mix straightforward and quick. It was fun to mix the powder with water and freeze it into scoops. Our dogs got excited at every scoop and liked trying the different flavors.

The natural recipe means we felt good giving these treats. They helped cool our pups during hot days. However, the bag is smaller than we thought, so we needed to plan treats ahead, especially for gatherings.

The cost stands out as a downside if you want to buy this regularly. Still, the quality and easy prep make it a handy option for special moments. You can check it out and decide if it fits your budget and your dog’s tastes.

Brutus Brothcicles

A good frozen treat for dogs that offers hydration and some healthy ingredients but may take time for pets to like.

Pros

• Made with natural, human-grade ingredients
• Contains added antioxidants and superfoods
• Easy to serve either as a popsicle or mixed with food

Cons

• Some dogs may take a while to get used to the cold texture
• Brothcicle melts fairly quickly in warm weather
• Packaging can be fragile and prone to leaking

We found that Brutus Brothcicles provide a refreshing way to cool down dogs while adding some extra nutrition. The turkey flavor smells natural and seemed appealing to our dogs after a little time.

The added cranberry, kale, turmeric, and pumpkin boost the treat beyond simple broth. This makes it a nice option for pets who need hydration and a small health boost without sugar or artificial ingredients.

Since the popsicles melt fast, keeping them frozen until use is key. We also noticed some dogs hesitate at first because the cold texture is different. Still, this treat works well for hot days or as a special snack.

Overall, Brutus Brothcicles suit dog owners looking for wholesome frozen snacks with benefits, but patience may be needed for pets unfamiliar with cold treats.

GoSports PupsCream

This treat holder keeps small dogs busy and calm by holding frozen snacks firmly without sliding around.

Pros

• Stays firmly in place during use
• Easy to clean, dishwasher safe
• Made with durable, food-safe rubber

Cons

• Holds a small amount, may need frequent refills
• Best for dogs under 30 lbs only
• Can leave stains on some surfaces after washing

We enjoyed how the Pups Cream stays put, unlike other treat holders that roll or bounce. It works well for dogs that get excited and messy trying to eat frozen snacks. The sturdy rubber feels safe and stood up to our dog’s licking and chewing without damage.

Filling it with peanut butter or broth was simple, and freezing made the treat last longer than usual. We liked that it was easy to clean; a quick run in the dishwasher saved time compared to other sticky treat toys.

It’s a handy solution for smaller dogs who need distraction or cooling treats. Just keep in mind it fits about 1.75 ounces and is designed for dogs under 30 lbs. Overall, it helped keep our home cleaner while keeping our dog entertained.

Wag Chicken & Waffle Bites

These treats are a solid choice for rewarding dogs, with real chicken and easy-to-handle pieces.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient
• No artificial flavors or common fillers like corn, wheat, or soy
• Comes in a resealable bag to keep freshness

Cons

• Treats can be soft and sometimes sticky
• May be a bit expensive compared to other options
• Portion control requires breaking the treats into smaller pieces

We found the Wag Chicken & Waffle Bites easy to give, whether as whole pieces or broken down for training. Our dogs clearly enjoy the taste, and the real meat content is a big plus for us.

The soft texture makes it easy to break off bits for smaller dogs or training sessions, but it can get a bit sticky in warm weather. Keeping the resealable bag sealed helps maintain freshness longer.

While the price is higher than some generic treats, the ingredients and quality make it worth trying. We liked knowing there are no fillers or artificial flavors that might upset our dogs’ stomachs.

WOOF Pupsicle Mix

This mix makes easy, healthy frozen treats that keep dogs happy and calm.

Pros

• Simple to prepare—just add water and freeze
• Contains calming ingredients for anxious dogs
• Lasts longer when stored properly in the freezer

Cons

• Some dogs may not love the smell at first
• Requires a specific Pupsicle mold for best use
• Texture can be less appealing if not frozen well enough

We mixed this treat with water in minutes and froze it for a few hours. Our dog enjoyed licking it outside on a hot day. The added calming ingredients like chamomile seem to make a difference when she gets nervous.

It’s nice to have a treat that doesn’t just taste good but also helps with anxiety during storms or car rides. We liked that it had no baking step, saving time and effort.

The mix works best with the Woof Pupsicle trays, which hold the perfect size. We did notice the smell isn’t very pleasant while mixing, but our dog quickly forgot that once frozen. Overall, a practical choice for frozen dog treats.

Cooper’s Pupsicle Mix

This mix makes frozen dog treats easy and tasty, perfect for keeping dogs cool on hot days.

Pros

• Made with real freeze-dried meat
• Simple to prepare with just water and freezing
• Suitable for all dog sizes and life stages

Cons

• The container size limits how many treats you can make
• Slightly more expensive than some other mixes
• Requires freezer space and preparation time

We liked how fast it was to mix the powder with water and freeze it. Our dogs enjoyed the beef and cheddar flavor, and the treats kept them occupied longer than plain ice cubes.

The real meat ingredient made a difference in taste and nutrition. It felt good knowing it wasn’t full of artificial stuff like many other frozen treats.

One downside is the jar doesn’t last very long if you have more than one dog. Also, it needs some planning because you have to freeze the treats ahead of time for a few hours. Overall, it’s a practical option if you want easy homemade frozen treats.

Buying Guide

When we buy frozen dog treats, we should think about ingredients first. Look for treats made with natural, simple ingredients like fruit, yogurt, or peanut butter. Avoid anything with artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Texture is another key factor. Some dogs like soft treats that melt quickly, while others prefer something a bit firmer. Knowing our dog’s chewing habits helps us pick the right kind.

Size and portion matter too. We want treats that are the right size for our dog to avoid choking or overeating. Smaller dogs need smaller treats while bigger dogs can handle larger ones.

We should also check if the treat supports any special dietary needs. Some dogs may need grain-free or low-fat options. Reading the label helps us find treats that fit our dog’s health needs.

Features to Consider

We should also think about storage. Some frozen treats need to stay frozen, while others are just chilled. Knowing how we will store them helps with choosing the right product.

By paying attention to these points, we can pick frozen treats that are safe and enjoyable for our dogs.