Frozen dog treats have become the go-to summer survival strategy for pet parents everywhere, but they’re more than just a beat-the-heat gimmick. When you make them at home, you turn a simple snack into a powerhouse of hydration, joint-loving collagen, and gut-soothing probiotics—all wrapped in tail-wagging flavor. My own terrier does a little happy dance when she hears the freezer door open because she’s learned good things always come out of it. If you’ve never watched a dog slurp a paw-shaped popsicle while droplets of watermelon drip off their chin, you’re missing one of the best parts of summer bonding.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to spin frozen creaminess, icy slush, or layered pupsicles out of ingredients you probably already have. We’ll cover functional add-ins that help sensitive tummies, crunchy mix-ins for dental enrichment, and frozen-texture hacks for older dogs who can’t chew ice. No specialty molds? No problem. By the end of the guide—even if you’re armed with nothing more than a muffin tin and a dream—you’ll be freezing confidence straight into your dog’s bowl.
Top 10 Homemade Dog Treats Frozen
Detailed Product Reviews
1. 2 Pcs Dog Treat Molds for Baking and Freezing – Bone & Paw Shaped Silicone Dog Treat Mold, Non-Sticking, Blue & Pink – Easy Release Design for Homemade Candies, Gingerbreads, Pudding and Jelly Sweets
Overview: Bright blue and pink paw- and bone-shaped silicone molds sized for portion-controlled dog treats and fun human snacks alike.
What Makes It Stand Out: Oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe from –40°F to 445°F, the same trays moonlight as ice-cube trays, candy molds, soap molds and resin crafts while staying vividly colored, flexible and genuinely non-stick.
Value for Money: At $6.45 for two trays (only $3.22 each) this is impulse-buy territory. Comparable molds sell for $9–$12 per piece, so you’re doubling up and saving 70 %.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: temperature-proof, pop-out release, bold colors, multi-function versatility, ultra-low price. Cons: cavity sizes are quite small (1–2 in), corners can flip when filled if unsupported, no recipe guide included.
Bottom Line: A no-brainer starter kit for owners wanting cute, custom treats without effort or expense—just add recipes.
2. Cooper’s Treats Pupsicle Starter Kit – Easy, Homemade Frozen Dog Treat Kit – Healthy, Delicious Dog Ice Cream Mix – Make Your Own Treats – Grain Free
Overview: Cooper’s “Pupsicle Starter Kit” bundles two grain-free, freeze-dried meat–based ice-cream powders that require only water and a freezer to transform into frozen dog pops.
What Makes It Stand Out: Real USA-sourced chicken or beef replaces the usual yogurt fillers; each canister yields 40+ nutrient-dense pops of varying sizes, and the treats firm up in 2–3 hours—half the time of DIY mixtures.
Value for Money: A $32.99 kit is spendy compared to grocery ingredients, yet cheaper per pop than boutique frozen desserts. Convenience, single-jar storage and premium protein justify the premium.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: ultra-fast prep, high-protein meat base, versatile portion sizing, grain- and filler-free, dogs go wild for the taste. Cons: only two flavors per kit, higher upfront cost, cannot customize beyond water additions.
Bottom Line: Splurge for owners who prize speed, meaty flavor and a zero-mess path to tail-wagging summer bliss.
3. Doggilicious: Healthy Homemade Dog Treats Cookbook (Baked Goods, No-Bake, Frozen and Dental Treats)
Overview: “Doggilicious” is a spiral-bound paperback delivering 75+ vet-reviewed recipes across baked, no-bake, frozen and dental treat categories—illustrated in full color for home chefs of any skill level.
What Makes It Stand Out: Emphasis on everyday pantry staples keeps costs and shopping trips low; scaled measurements cater from toy breeds to Great Danes, plus freezer time guides guarantee safe storage.
Value for Money: At $12.98 it equals one bag of boutique biscuits yet can replace hundreds in store treats; recipes average pennies a portion.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: crystal-clear steps, hard-to-find dental chews chapter, ingredient swap tables for allergies, friendly tone. Cons: paperback binding may stain, no nutritional data per treat, imperial-only measures.
Bottom Line: Ideal beginner’s kitchen bible that begins saving cash from day one while baking variety into your pup’s diet.
4. The Authentic Homemade Dog Treats Cookbook: Nutritious, Allergy and Dental-Friendly Recipes With Pantry Staples For Puppies to Seniors (Healthy Homemade Dog Food Cookbook Series)
Overview: Targeting sensitive and aging dogs, “The Authentic Homemade Dog Treats Cookbook” offers 80 recipes explicitly built around common allergies, dental health and life-stage needs using everyday supermarket staples.
What Makes It Stand Out: Matrix-style allergy charts—grain, chicken, dairy and legume—make recipe selection foolproof; specialized “soft chews for seniors” and “teething biscuits for puppies” chapters address often-overlooked needs.
Value for Money: $19.99 sounds steep against other titles, but specialty formulations can retail $2–$3 per treat; making one batch pays for the book.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: precise allergy sourcing, texture-modification tips, metric & imperial measures, longevity and storage guidelines. Cons: no photos beyond a handful, recipes lean savory—sweet-tooth dogs may beg for variety.
Bottom Line: An invaluable tool for households managing allergies or mixed-age packs; the vet-backed health focus outshines prettier but less targeted guides.
5. Doggy Desserts: 125 Homemade Treats for Happy, Healthy Dogs (CompanionHouse Books) Easy & Nutritious Canine-Friendly Recipes for Cookies, Bars, Biscotti, Biscuits, Cakes, Muffins, and Frozen Desserts
Overview: “Doggy Desserts” crams 125 crowd-pleasing recipes—cookies, bars, biscotti, cakes, muffins and frozen pops—into one comprehensive dessert-specific volume aimed at dogs who deserve bakery-level indulgence.
What Makes It Stand Out: From bacon-maple pupcakes to goat-cheese frosting, recipes merge gourmet flair with canine safety; sidebars decode common toxic ingredients and offer easy substitutes (e.g., carob for chocolate).
Value for Money: At $12.99 it undercuts one premium bakery biscuit box while providing a lifetime of upscale treats; estimated at $0.10 per homemade cookie.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: dessert depth unbeatable, shopping lists per section, party-friendly sizing, glossy photos inspire Instagram posts. Cons: high treat sugar potential (rely on moderation), no weight-calorie chart, paper binding vulnerable to spills.
Bottom Line: Perfect gift for doting owners planning birthdays or social media brag moments—if you can stick to friendly portions.
6. GoSports Pets PupsCream Parlor – Non-Slip Frozen Dog Treat & Ice Cream Holder – Mess-Free Lick Mat Alternative, Includes 6 Reusable Cups & Lids
Overview: The GoSports Pets PupsCream Parlor is a purpose-built, patent-pending frozen-treat station that keeps pups busy while keeping floors spotless.
What Makes It Stand Out: A grooved, non-slip base anchors store-bought cups or DIY mix; six reusable dishwasher-safe cups swap out in seconds, delivering continuous playtime without the lick-mat chew risk.
Value for Money: At $29.99 you’re essentially buying six treat cups plus the dock—less money per use than stocking pre-made ice cream, yet faster than cleaning frozen Kongs.
Strengths and Weaknesses: + Secures treats firmly on any surface; + Quick-swap cups equal zero downtime; – Takes freezer shelf space for the dock and cups; – Plastic base looks utilitarian, not cute.
Bottom Line: Splurge if you want true “set-and-forget” convenience; the PupsCream Parlor marries enrichment with cleanliness better than any toy on the list.
7. Vodolo Frozen Dog Treat Mold Small with Lid,Dog Treats Ice Tray Molds Silicone for Freezing, Freeze Refill Treats
Overview: Vodolo’s seven-cavity silicone mold freezes bite-size treats trimmed to 1.4″—perfect cubes for dropping into toys or serving solo.
What Makes It Stand Out: A snug-fit lid doubles as fridge storage, letting you pre-make a week of flavors in one go and skip daily prep.
Value for Money: At $6.99 it’s the cheapest waypoint between DIY inspiration and store-bought cups—essentially a penny per bone-shaped cube.
Strengths and Weaknesses: + Compact freezer footprint, lid kept odors out; + Dishwasher and “dog-lick” cleanup options; – Square cavities feel repetitive, no novelty shapes; – Silicone smells faintly rubbery first wash.
Bottom Line: Perfect starter option for experimenting with broth, yogurt, or pumpkin—cheap, fuss-free, and instantly gratifying.
8. Set of 15 Non-Stick Silicone Dog Treat Molds – Paw and Bone Shapes, Ideal for Frozen Treats, Baking Jelly, Candy, Chocolate, Dog Snack Biscuits
Overview: This fifteen-piece set floods your kitchen with paw- and bone-themed molds (ten silicone trays + five stainless cutters) ready for freezing or baking.
What Makes It Stand Out: From 36-cavity minis to six-cavity giants plus cutters for rolled biscuits, versatility is limitless—freeze yogurt bones, bake pumpkin paws, even mold carob “ice cream” squares.
Value for Money: At $18.99 (≈ $1.27 per tool) you get unmatched variety; the cutters alone would cost that at pet boutiques.
Strengths and Weaknesses: + Rainbow colors brighten prep, tools nest for storage; + Cuts waste by custom-sizing portions; – Molds wander if you overfill; – Tiny cavities mean you’ll refill trays often.
Bottom Line: Ideal for crafty cooks who batch-bake and freeze—this bundle turns treat time into a menu.
9. Anaeat Reusable Silicone Molds with Puppy Dog Paw and Bone Shaped, Flexible & Non-Stick Ice Cube Tray, Candy and Chocolate Making Mold for Homemade Baking Dog Treats, Jelly, Biscuit & Cupcake (2 Pack)
Overview: Anaeat’s two-pack delivers one paw and one bone tray molded from food-grade silicone for single-batch creations.
What Makes It Stand Out: True no-stick release: a gentle press pops treats out unscathed, eliminating oil sprays and cracked plastic headaches.
Value for Money: $7.99 nets two BPA-free trays—durable enough to microwave, oven, freezer, dishwasher—cheaper than specialty silicone bakeware twice the size.
Strengths and Weaknesses: + Feather-weight, stores flat; + Lifetime brand warranty with free replacement promise; – Only two molds = limited volume per freeze cycle; – Paw cavity edges trap berry seeds during cleanup.
Bottom Line: Best “grab and freeze” set for small dogs or occasional treats, backed by a risk-free guarantee.
10. Non-Slip Frozen Dog Treat Holder – Frozen Treat Dispensing Dog Toy with Reusable Cup & Lid – Dogs Chew Toy for Small Medium Large Dogs, Easy to Clean Less Mess and Keep Your House Cleaning
Overview: An affordable frozen-treat dock that combines stout nylon construction with a twist-lock cup for dogs 20-90 lbs.
What Makes It Stand Out: A rotatable base simplifies cup swaps while aggressive rubber grip keeps eager snouts from skating it across hardwood; budget rivals can’t match the stable 15-20 minute lick session.
Value for Money: At $9.99 (including refill cup) the price dips below two packaged store frozen cups—top value for first-time buyers testing the frozen concept.
Strengths and Weaknesses: + All-dog sizing; + Cup rinses in seconds; – Single cup means downtime between batches unless you buy extras; – Blocky design lacks flair and the lid fits loosely for upright freezer storage.
Bottom Line: An excellent entry-level holder—buy, test, upgrade only if you crave style or multi-cup capacity.
Why Homemade Frozen Treats Are Better for Your Dog
Commercial freezies often hide sodium-packed broths, unnecessary sugars, or kelp-based thickeners that turn a quick refreshment into digestive roulette. Making treats at home puts you in the nutrition driver’s seat: you control every gram of protein, fat, antioxidants, and fiber. Because they’re flash-frozen and eaten within days, homemade treats also retain more heat-sensitive vitamins—like vitamin C from fresh berries—than store-bought versions that sit in a warehouse freezer for months.
Health Benefits Beyond Cooling Down
The act of licking a frozen block slows a frenzied eater, reducing bloat risk in large breeds. Adding plain gelatin increases amino acids that nurture cartilage and ligaments. Frozen kefir introduces live cultures that crowd out troublesome gut bacteria. Even a modest amount of parsley can freshen breath while supplying vitamin K for blood clotting. In short, your dog gets a wellness multi-tool disguised as dessert.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Safe Preparation
You don’t need a professional kitchen, but you do need:
– BPA-free silicone trays or stainless steel popsicle molds for easy release.
– A stick blender or mini-processor to puree tougher veggies.
– Kitchen scale—portions of peanut butter or yogurt can quietly skyrocket calories.
– A dedicated “pet prep” cutting board to prevent cross-contamination with onions or garlic.
– A rimmed baking sheet for flash-freezing individual portions before stacking them in bulk bags.
Ingredient Safety 101: What to Use and What to Skip
The dog-approved pantry always includes plain Greek yogurt, unsalted bone broth, banana, blueberries, cucumber, pumpkin purée, and small amounts of salmon or coconut oil. Toxic or risky foods are grapes, xylitol-laced peanut butter, avocados (persin overload), and high-fat bacon drippings that can trigger pancreatitis in sensitive pups. When in doubt, check the ASPCA or call your vet—even seemingly innocent ingredients like macadamia nuts are silently dangerous.
Texture & Freezing Techniques for Different Chewers
A teething puppy loves the dense resistance of a frozen baby carrot core, whereas a senior with worn enamel might appreciate softer yogurt blended with ripe mango. Use graded freezing: pour liquid base halfway, freeze 30 minutes, insert chew stick treat (like a collagen chew for teething), then top off and refreeze. Tip: the outer layer sets quickly, sealing the stick upright so Fido doesn’t chase a swirling stick around the bowl.
The 90-Second Homemade Bone Broth Base
Simmer raw turkey necks or leftover chicken carcass on low for 2–3 hours with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to leach minerals. Strain, skim fat, cool fully, and freeze in ice cube trays—yielding a nutrient-rich slurry you can blend into other recipes. Broth keeps six months in the freezer, but rotate stock; even good fat turns rancid when repeatedly thawed and refrozen.
The Role of Superfoods in Dog-Friendly Frozen Snacks
Spirulina powder (½ tsp per cup mix) adds iron and B12 for active dogs. Blueberries are loaded with anthocyanins that support retinal health, while turmeric’s curcumin paired with a pinch of black pepper offers anti-inflammatory perks. Chia seeds create a pudding texture and deliver plant-based omega-3s. Freeze in micro-batches first; some dogs reject funky colors—or earthy flavors like spirulina—until their taste buds adjust.
Portion Control & Calorie Budgeting for Active and Senior Dogs
Treat Reality Check: one tablespoon of plain peanut butter adds 105 calories. Small breeds like French Bulldogs should stay under 10 % of their daily calories from treats; a single modest pupsicle is their entire “extra” allowance. Portion molds into tablespoon dots for bite-sized training rewards. Conversely, a husky running agility midsummer could use a bigger bar packed with slow-release banana carbs plus MCT oil for stamina.
Freezing Temperatures: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Ice-Cube-Crunch and Slushy-Lick
Standard freezers set to 0 °F / –18 °C can be too hard for dogs with dental issues. Try reducing freezer to 10 °F for semi-frozen pops, or add a splash of low-sodium broth to yogurt bases to prevent rock-hard bricks. Another trick: spray molds with a quick mist of water and then roll in crushed kibble—surface cracks hold the kibble like a seasoned rim on a margarita glass—adding crunch but softer interior.
Storage & Shelf-Life Secrets That Prevent Freezer Burn
First freeze treats unwrapped on a tray, then transfer to vacuum-sealed silicone bags or wrap individually in beeswax wrap. Label, date, and rotate every two weeks; ice crystals form fastest where temperature fluctuates (door racks). Pro-tip: gas-flush vacuum sealers suck out moisture-laden air, reducing freeze-dried edges and preserving flavor for up to three months.
Flavor Layering Hacks for Dessert-Like Parfaits
Create a triple-layer sensory game: bottom layer pumpkin-cinnamon, middle frozen yogurt, top blueberry mint. Freeze each section 20 minutes before adding the next. When a licking session melts the top layer, the next unveils new tastes and keeps dogs engaged longer. Bonus: kids in the house love doing color taste tests with their four-legged taste-testers.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide: Common Freezing Fails
Foamy mixture after blending? Whirl an extra 5 seconds then tap molds on counter to release air bubbles that create brittle ice. Crystallized surface? Base lacked fat (add teaspoon of coconut oil). Treats stick to mold? Let them sit 60 seconds at room temp or dip the mold bottom in cool water—never hot, which melts the outer layer into a messy blob.
Allergy-Safe Substitutes for Sensitive Pups
Swap dairy yogurt for lactose-free coconut yogurt. Replace PB with sunflower-seed butter if your dog avoids legumes. Egg allergies? Use a teaspoon of soaked chia gel to bind. Limited-ingredient turkey broth instead of chicken for poultry-intolerant pets. Always reintroduce one novel ingredient at a time and monitor stool for 24 hours.
Celebrating Seasonal Flavors Year-Round
Spring means strawberries + basil; summer layers lean toward watermelon + lime zest (a micro-zest, as too much citrus can upset tummies). Fall brings roasted sweet potato + ginger, while winter blends cranberry + cinnamon into frozen festive shapes. Rotate produce by seasonal sales: you’ll cut cost, organic peak nutrition, and keep Fido from flavor boredom.
How to Use Frozen Treats for Training Enrichment
Freeze a lick-mat level yogurt layer, smear soft cheese or pâté into the grooves, then freeze again. Tiny quick-lick breaks between training reps reset over-aroused dogs and cool them when ambient temps soar. Store finished mats flat in doubled freezer bags; they thaw just enough in five minutes so you can pop one out mid-sequence.
DIY Molds vs. Store-Bought Pawsicles: Pros & Cons
Silicone dog-paw molds yield perfect shapes and flop out with a gentle twist, but they cost more and occupy freezer real estate. Repurposed egg cartons fashioned into cups with foil lids work for budget batches yet lack portion precision. Stainless steel shot-glass cubes are indestructible but risk scratching glass water bowls. Choose molds that match your dog’s size and your batch frequency—there’s no universal winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long can homemade frozen dog treats stay in the freezer?
Up to 3 months with vacuum sealing and stable temperature. After that, fat turns rancid and flavor drops.
Q2: My dog gulps ice cubes whole—will frozen treats be safer?
Puree ingredients into softer slushes or freeze partially so interior stays slushy rather than solid.
Q3: Can I use skim milk instead of Greek yogurt?
Skim frosts into icy crystals that are flavorless and unpleasant. Fat is needed for texture—opt for 2 % plain Greek or coconut yogurt instead.
Q4: Are frozen bones safe to chew?
Raw marrow bones can be frozen briefly for dental hygiene, but they still fracture teeth. Opt for brothy slushes inside rubber toys rather than hard bone.
Q5: How many treats can a 20-lb dog have per day?
Count calories: 10 % of daily kcal from treats is the ceiling. Typically two tablespoon-sized pupsicles hit the limit.
Q6: My dog is lactose intolerant—any dairy-free bases?
Unsweetened applesauce, coconut milk kefir, or pureed pumpkin work brilliantly.
Q7: Can cats lick the same treats?
Cats process lactose poorly and need higher protein. Make a tiny cat-only batch using 90 % meat broth and no peanut butter.
Q8: Do I need to blanch fruits like apples or peaches first?
Peach skin and apple seeds contain amygdalin; simply peel, core, and slice. No blanching needed—freezing preserves vitamin C.
Q9: Is granulated peanut butter powder okay?
It’s fine in moderation provided there’s no xylitol. Rehydrate with broth to maintain texture.
Q10: What if my dog ignores the treat after 30 seconds?
Texture may be too hard. Let it thaw at room temperature two minutes, or re-formulate with more yogurt and less water next batch.