Dog Popsicles Recipe (Pupsicles)

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: With my adorable Dog Popsicles Recipe (Pupsicles), you’ll make sure your furry friend is not left out of the summer fun! These cooling, wholesome treats are so tasty that they might just give your dog the zoomies!

• Lightening-fast prep: My dog-approved pops need just a quick 15-minute prep before freezing.
• Four-legged fuel: Yes, your dog will be begging for these, but they’re super nutritious too!
• Paw-itively refreshing! Pupsicles are the ideal cool treat on sweltering days.
• Family fun: This is an easy and rewarding project to do together.
• 6 simple ingredients: You probably have most of what you need on hand!

Managing the summer heat in L.A. can be tough for our pup, Waffles, so frozen dog-friendly treats are essential to help him stay cool and comfortable. These popsicles are great for both cats and dogs, but like any treat, they should be given in moderation to avoid digestive upset. When choosing peanut butter, it’s best to go for a natural, unsweetened, unsalted (or low-salt) variety—most importantly, avoid any that contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. While I usually encourage creativity with recipes, because not all ingredients are safe for pets, I recommend sticking to the listed ingredients unless you’re certain otherwise.

Your pets aren’t the only ones who deserve a cool treat—I have a rainbow of mouthwatering popsicle recipes, from fruity to creamy to boozy. Be sure to try Blueberry Lemon Popsicles, Banana Split Popsicles, and Peaches and Cream Popsicles.

Table of Contents

• What are Dog Popsicles (Pupsicles)?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients and Substitutes
• How to Make Pupsicles
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips for Pupsicles
• Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
• FAQs
• More Dog Treat Recipes

What are Dog Popsicles (Pupsicles)?

• Dog Popsicles (Pupsicles) are frozen snacks with dog-appropriate ingredients.
  • Greek yogurt forms the creamy base of the pop, while dog-favorite peanut butter adds an intoxicating scent and flavor, and berries and bananas provide sweetness and nutrients.
  • The mixture is frozen in small paper cups to create the ideal dog-sized treat.
  • A dog biscuit is frozen into the treat for crunch.
• Peanut butter is a key ingredient here because it’s irresistible to dogs. They love its nutty scent and rich flavor, and many dog experts say its savory taste—as well as its high protein and fat content—make it almost as satisfying to them as meat.
• A few decades ago, a dog treat meant a store-bought biscuit, but with the shift toward healthier pet food in the early 2000s, owners began to learn how high-quality ingredients can improve their dog’s or cat’s health, and how they love all kinds of flavors. The pet treat market in the U.S. now has over $10 billion in annual sales! Wholesome DIY versions, like how to make popsicles for dogs, or my Homemade Dog Treats, are easy and budget-friendly options.

 Tools You Need

• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Glass measuring jug
• Kitchen scale (optional)
• Food processor or blender
• Eight 3 oz/60 ml cups

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

Mixed frozen berries

• Frozen berries give these ice pops for dogs a bright, sweet, juicy taste. Because they’re flash-frozen right after they’re harvested, frozen berries have excellent flavor.
• Additionally, frozen berries are budget-friendly and great to stock up on when they’re on sale.
• In moderation, berries are good for dogs because they are rich in nutrients, they promote digestion, boost dogs’ immune system, and provide antioxidants.
• Substitutes: You can use any berry mixture here, or a single type of berry if you prefer.

Plain fat-free Greek yogurt

• Plain Greek yogurt gives this frozen yogurt a lovely tanginess.
• Because Greek yogurt is strained, it has a much thicker consistency than regular yogurt. That makes it an excellent base for the popsicle mixture.
• Use fat-free yogurt, as it’s easier for your pet to digest.
• Yogurt is a healthy snack for dogs when served in moderation (it is packed with probiotics, rich in calcium, and a good source of nutrients dogs need).
• Use my simple recipe to make your own Greek yogurt at home.
• Substitute: 
  • You can use an equal amount of plain, unsweetened, fat-free coconut yogurt.
  • Additionally, you can use an equal amount of homemade or canned sweet potato puree.

Banana

• Bananas add delectable creaminess to this dog popsicles recipe.
• Additionally, they give the dog popsicles mild sweetness.
• Bananas are rich in fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy alternative to high-fat dog treats.
• Substitute: Use an equal amount of pureed sweet potato.

Water

• Using water makes the popsicle mixture pourable and helps them freeze softer, so they’re easier on your pup’s teeth.
• Importantly, water provides additional hydration in hot weather.

Creamy peanut butter

• Creamy peanut has a rich taste and creamy texture that dogs adore, and is a good source of protein and healthy fat.
• It’s beneficial to have an irresistible scent that draws a dog to this treat, as the smell of other healthy ingredients, such as berries or yogurt, may not be as enticing.
• Additionally, peanut butter contributes to a softer texture, so the pop isn’t icy and hard.
• Be sure to only use natural, unsweetened, unsalted (or low-salt) peanut butter.
  • Do not use peanut butter that contains artificial sweeteners, especially XYLITOL, which is toxic to dogs.
• Substitute: Instead of peanut butter, you can use an equal amount of additional banana or sweet potato puree.

Dog biscuits

• A dog biscuit (sort of like edible popsicle sticks!) in the popsicles adds just the right amount of savory flavor and crunch.
• If your dog isn’t used to frozen or fruity treats, the dog biscuit is a good incentive to try them.
• Substitute: You can also use a piece of dog jerky treat.

How to Make Pupsicles

1. Blend all of the ingredients: Place the berries, yogurt, banana, water, and peanut butter in a food processor (or blender) and puree until smooth.

2. Pour into cups: Divide equally among 8 Dixie cups (or any 3 oz/89 ml paper cups).

3. Add biscuit: Insert the biscuit (or jerky) into the cup and freeze for at least 6 hours.

4. Bone appétit! Unmold and serve.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips for Pupsicles

• Fresh or frozen: This recipe calls for frozen berries, but fresh berries are also okay if you have an abundance.
• Mini treats: If you don’t have small paper cups to use as a popsicle mold, you can make these in ice cube trays.
• Make it a game: You can add this to a dog treat toy and freeze it. Be sure your dog enjoys this outside, as it can make a mess!
• Bond over a pop: If you leave out the jerky or dog biscuit, these popsicles are also okay for humans!
• Good boy! If your dog loves these, be sure to check out our other Homemade Dog Treats!
• Feline friendly: These popsicles are also safe for cats.
• Go slow: For both dogs and cats, these treats are to be eaten in moderation.
• Best yogurt: Low-fat or fat-free yogurt is the best option for dogs, as it helps avoid stomach upset.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Make-ahead tips: You can make these dog popsicles (pupsicles) up to two months in advance.
• How to store leftovers: Store leftover pupsicles for up to two months.

FAQs

Can I make this dog popsicle treat recipe dairy-free?

• Yes, you can make this dog popsicle treat recipe dairy-free.
• Replace the plain, fat-free Greek yogurt with unsweetened coconut yogurt
• Another option is to replace the yogurt with the same amount of pumpkin puree (plain purée, not pie filling) or mash and add additional banana.

My dog prefers savory tastes. Can I make pupsicles that’s less sweet?

• Yes, you can make a frozen treat that’s less sweet.
• In place of the water, use no-salt chicken broth.
• Add some shredded cooked chicken to the mixture.

What mix-ins could I add to these pupsicles?

• Be cautious when adding mix-ins to this dog popsicle recipe:
  • Make sure that anything you add is safe for dogs.
  • Adding a few tidbits is fine, but too many could make the treat difficult to digest.
• Great mix-in ideas: 
  • A few small dog treats
  • Cut up dog-friendly jerky
  • A handful of small pieces of carrot
  • A small amount of flaked, cooked chicken
  • A few pieces of diced apple

More Dog Treat Recipes

• Chicken and Raspberry Dog Treats
• Homemade Dog Ice Cream
• Yogurt Dog Treat with Berries
• Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats
• Dog Birthday Cake

Try These Recipes!

How to Make Soft Serve Frozen Yogurt

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich

Whiskey Ice Cream (No-churn)

Homemade Ice Cream Cake