Cool Down Your Dog with Homemade PUPsicles

What’s Up, Hungry People

My dogs love to hang out in the backyard, no matter how hot it is outside. So to help keep my dog chillin’ outdoors in the sun all summer, I made them “Pupsicles!” These homemade dog treats are perfect for keeping your furry friends cool.

Using an ice cube tray as the mold for the frozen treats, the “ice cream” portion of the pupsicle is made from just two ingredients: plain Greek yogurt and natural peanut butter. You can customize the pupsicles with your dog’s favorite treats and use a medium-length bone as the “stick” for easy handling.

I’m a certified dog-mom, the low-key “my dogs are my kids” type of person. I adore all animals, but my dogs hold a special place in my heart—they are truly my best friends! I strive to provide them with the best life possible, which means yes, they are spoiled rotten.

Theodore, who has Addison’s disease, holds a particularly dear spot in my life. We almost lost him to the disease when he was just a year old, so he is very much my dog-child. Theodore, or Theo Burrito as we affectionately call him, is just like a little person—full of personality and understanding far more than we often credit him with. He was essentially raised as a human baby, and apart from his canine appearance, he’s totally a tiny furry human.

A lover of socks and toilet paper rolls, Theo absolutely adores his puppy popsicles!

Luna, on the other hand, epitomizes the term “good girl.” I don’t think she has stopped wagging her tail since we adopted her as a Christmas gift for Theo. She’s a true mama’s girl and a handful, with energy levels that only a Jack Russell could exhibit—bouncing higher than any dog I know!

Looney Tuna, as we call her, also gives her lick of approval for these pupsicles!

These two are the lights of my life. As we don’t have any human children, they have certainly nestled deep into our hearts. What better way to express my love and appreciation than by preparing delicious summertime treats like these pupsicles?

Here’s What You Need

• Plain Greek yogurt: Offers a creamy texture and is a good source of protein.
• Natural peanut butter: Adds flavor and fat, making the treat more satisfying.
• Medium-length dog bones: Acts as the handle for the pupsicle, making it easy to hold.
• Dog treats: Provides a fun surprise inside each pupsicle, enticing for dogs.
• Cooking oil spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring pupsicles are easy to remove from molds.

Let’s Cook

First things first, grab a small bowl and mix together the peanut butter and Greek yogurt. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy texture. This usually takes about two minutes with a good stir—think of it as a mini workout!

Prep Your Mold

Next, you’ll want to get your ice cube tray ready. Give it a quick spray with cooking oil to make sure nothing sticks. Then, pop a small treat or a piece of kibble into each slot. This is where you can get creative and use your pup’s favorite snacks!

Fill and Freeze

Now, it’s time to fill up the tray with your peanut butter and yogurt mix. Spoon the mixture into each section and press it down with the back of the spoon to get rid of any air bubbles. Smooth out the top with a paper towel for that neat look. Then, grab those dog bones and stick one into the center of each filled section—this will act as the pupsicle stick. Pop the tray into the freezer and let it sit there until everything is nice and solid, which should take about 6-8 hours.

Ready to Serve

When it’s time to serve, let the tray sit out for about five minutes to loosen up a bit. This makes it easier to “crack” the tray like you would with regular ice cubes and get the pupsicles out.

Enjoy the Fun

Hand one over to your furry friend and watch them enjoy it! Whether you’re outside in the backyard or setting up a special treat time, it’s always a pleasure to see your pup happy and cool. Remember, it’s best to keep the feeding area easy to clean, because pupsicles can get a bit messy, just like kid’s popsicles.

Tips for Perfect Pupsicles

• Choose the right mold: Ice cube trays work well for small dogs, but for larger dogs, consider using muffin tins or specialized dog treat molds. This ensures the pupsicle is appropriately sized for your dog’s mouth and bite.
• Mixing the ingredients: Ensure the Greek yogurt and peanut butter are thoroughly mixed to avoid separation during freezing. A smooth, well-combined mixture results in a more uniform pupsicle.
• Customization is key: Feel free to add small pieces of your dog’s favorite fruits or vegetables into the mix. Make sure all additions are safe for dogs to eat and are cut into small, manageable pieces.
• Freezing time: Freezing times can vary depending on your freezer. To ensure your pupsicles are completely solid, it’s best to freeze them overnight. This guarantees that the treats are firm enough to hold their shape when served.
• Serving suggestions: Always serve pupsicles outside or on an easy-to-clean surface to avoid any messy cleanups indoors. Keep an eye on your pet to ensure they are enjoying their treat safely.
• Storage: Store any leftover pupsicles in the freezer, covered, for up to two weeks. This keeps the treats fresh and easily accessible throughout the hotter days.

No matter how your furry friend enjoys their pupsicle, these frozen treats are the perfect doggy dessert for a hot summer afternoon. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to keep your pup cool and happy during those warm summer days!

As you can see, making pupsicles is as easy as it is fun. Both Theo and Luna absolutely love these chilly treats on a hot day, and I bet your dogs will too! They are a fantastic way to help your furry friends beat the heat while indulging in a tasty treat. Plus, watching them enjoy their pupsicles is just as much of a treat for you. Whether it’s Theo delicately licking his way to the treat inside, or Luna excitedly chomping down, it’s moments like these that remind us of the simple joys of pet parenthood. So next time the temperature rises, remember this quick and easy solution to keep your pups cool and happy.

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