Hot, sticky, humid summer is finally here in southeast Michigan, and honestly, it was touch and go there for a while. Now that it has arrived, the garden is going, the produce is rolling in, and I am fully in my frozen treat era. If you are looking for easy summer dog treats to keep your pup cool and happy, this one is as simple as it gets. A silicone mold, a little fruit, and a base your dog can actually tolerate. That is the whole recipe.
Before we get into it, full disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things Benji and I actually use.
What Is Growing in the Garden Right Now
Summer in Michigan means the garden is suddenly producing everything at once. Strawberries, blueberries, green beans, zucchini, sweet peppers, cucumbers. The bounty is real and slightly overwhelming.
The good news is your dog can share in a lot of it. Cucumbers, green beans, zucchini, and sweet peppers are all fair game as snacks straight from the garden. Just skip the onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs and not up for debate
Benji's Frozen Pup Pops
When it gets this hot, I like to make Benji what I call his ‘ice cream.’ It is not ice cream. It is frozen Greek yogurt and fruit in a paw-shaped silicone mold, but do not tell him that. He absolutely loses his mind over these.
A bone or paw-shaped silicone baking mold is my go-to. They pop out easily, they are the right size for a treat, and honestly they are adorable.
→ Silicone paw and bone mold — the one I use, easy to pop out and dishwasher safe
A Note on Dairy and the Swap That Works Just as Well
Plain unsweetened Greek yogurt is what I use, and Benji tolerates it fine. But dairy is not right for every dog. If your pup has a sensitive stomach or does not do well with dairy, swap the yogurt for plain unsweetened bone broth. Same method, same mold, completely dairy-free.
Just as yummy, just as cold, just as satisfying for a dog who has been lying dramatically on the tile floor all afternoon.
If you are not sure whether your dog tolerates dairy, offer a small amount first and see how they do before making a full batch.
One rule that applies to both versions: nothing sweetened. No honey, no maple syrup, no added sugar of any kind. Plain yogurt, plain bone broth, fresh fruit. That is it.
Recipe: Benji's Summer Pup Pops
Makes: 8 to 12 treats depending on mold size
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt (or plain unsweetened bone broth for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- Silicone paw or bone-shaped mold
Instructions:
- Wash all fruit thoroughly and slice strawberries into small pieces.
- Place a few strawberry slices in the bottom of each mold cavity. This gives the treats a pretty layered look and hides a little fruity surprise.
- Spoon the plain unsweetened Greek yogurt (or bone broth) over the fruit, filling each cavity almost to the top. Do not add honey, sugar, or sweeteners of any kind.
- Tap the mold gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. Pop treats out and serve. Store leftovers in a sealed bag in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Yogurt version: Use 1 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt. No flavored yogurt, no vanilla, no honey-added varieties. Read the label.
Bone broth version: Use 1 cup plain unsweetened bone broth. No added salt, no onion, no garlic. Dog-safe or homemade only.
Tips for Serving
- Serve outside or on a surface you can wipe down. They melt.
- Pop treats out of the mold before serving so your dog is not wrestling with silicone.
- Treats keep in a sealed freezer bag for up to two weeks.
- Adjust fruit based on what is in season. Blueberries, strawberries, or small watermelon pieces all work well.
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FTC DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. Joan of Bark may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.
