How to Make Dog Popsicles

As the weather turns warm this summer, you may be looking for a special treat to make for your pet. There's no need to spend big money on designer dog popsicles when you can make your own, with ingredients that already may be in your kitchen.

Another reason to consider making your own pupsicles is your pet's safety. Some store-brand popsicles created for human consumption contain the artificial sweetener xylitol. Over the past five years, cases of xylitol poisoning have increased by 230 percent. Dogs can suffer from hypoglycemia if they ingest xylitol.

Take the risk away and make your own dog popsicles. DIY recipes are all over the internet, but if you're looking for some of the basic steps, this guide can help. If you have any questions, or your pet has stomach or digestion issues, check with your experienced veterinary provider for advice on what to give your dog.

How do I get started?

If you're wondering how to make dog popsicles, first think about your dog. What are some of the flavors they love? If your furry friend has a hankering for fruit, there are plenty of ways to provide a frozen treat. And if your canine companion craves meat, you can even make popsicles with flavors like chicken.

What supplies are needed?

You won't need too many items to create these special treats. Aside from whatever flavors you want to add to the popsicles, other supplies may include:

• Paper cups
• Ice trays or molds
• Kong toys
• Blender
• Bowl

What are the best dog popsicle recipes?

You'll find dozens of ideas for popsicles online, but what you try may depend on your dog's taste buds. Some of the most popular popsicle recipes include ingredients like:

• Peanut butter
• Watermelon and cantaloupe
• Chicken
• Fruit-flavored yogurt
• Pumpkin

Try not to use popsicle molds that have wooden or plastic sticks. If those sticks hold the treat, your dog may be overeager and eat those foreign objects. That could lead to a visit to the vet.

How can I use peanut butter?

We all know that dogs love peanut butter, which makes it a natural choice for pet treats. When choosing a peanut butter, you do want to check the label, as xylitol is a common ingredient in many brands. Peanut butter can be difficult to break down into popsicle form. However, peanut butter and yogurt dog treat recipes are quite popular.

Take one large banana, 32 ounces of plain, nonfat yogurt and 3-5 tablespoons of peanut butter and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into ice cube tray. You can use a dog treat as the "popsicle stick." Freeze for at least four hours.

How to make pumpkin popsicles for dogs

Pumpkin may be a surprising flavor for a popsicle, but dogs enjoy the flavor and the gourds have great health benefits for pets, which include digestive and urinary health. Pumpkin can also help with weight loss. If you want to add a little pumpkin to your popsicle, here's how to do it.

Combine 1 cup pureed pumpkin - canned works best - with 2 cups of unsweetened, plain Greek yogurt. Stir well, place in small molds or ice cube trays and then freeze.

What are other frozen treats I can make?

Frozen blueberry treats for dogs are another favorite. Blueberries are a superfood that provide a lot of health benefits to both humans and pets. Simply combine blueberries and yogurt, blend well and freeze.

Banana and yogurt frozen dog treats are also easy to make and will be a hit with your four-legged friend. Add peanut butter for some extra flavor, blend, and freeze. You can keep the treats in the freezer for several weeks.

What other easy treats can I make?

The great thing about making popsicles or desserts for your pet is the simplicity. We're talking as simple as two ingredient dog treats. No bake recipes are a quick and easy way to whip something up and make your pet happy. Apples and Greek yogurt, pureed meat plus whole wheat flour, and black beans and almond flour are just some of the two-ingredient bakes you can make in just a few minutes. Additionally, creating DIY cat toys can be a fun project—simple items like yarn balls, cardboard scratchers, or feather teasers can entertain your feline friend and be crafted from household items. Moreover, consider frozen treats like ice cube treats with fruit or broth for dogs to help keep dogs cool in the summer months, providing a refreshing and enjoyable way to beat the heat.