Here’s an easy homemade frozen pumpkin dog treat recipe for summer snack time.
Dogs can get hot on a hot day, and a refreshing homemade snack can be an occasional treat. This Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require extra sugar.
Fiber and water can be provided by pumpkin, and plain yogurt can provide creaminess. A very basic version with pumpkin and water is also available.
Homemade items should not be used as a substitute for your dog’s regular complete and balanced diet. If your dog is experiencing a new treat or food, small portions should be given.
Yes, pumpkin can be safe for dogs.
Pumpkin is safe for dogs.
In most cases, plain pumpkin is safe for dogs as long as it is given in small quantities.
Use either fresh, cooked pumpkin or plain canned pumpkin puree. Be sure to read ingredient labels on canned pumpkin. It shouldn’t include added sugar, spices, salt or other unneeded components.
Avoid pumpkin pie filling. May contain ingredients which are not appropriate for dogs.
Easy Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe
The recipe is easy and a few simple ingredients are required.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
- 1/2 ripe banana
1 tablespoon peanut butter (no xylitol added), optional
Peanut butter is not required. If you choose to use it, please note that the label does not contain xyliitol.
Dogs are extremely sensitive to the effects of xylitol.
Use plain, unsweetened yoghurt – not sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Making frozen pumpkin dog treats is actually quite simple.
It’s really easy to make frozen pumpkin dog treats!
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Weigh the pumpkin, yogurt and banana.
Use fresh pumpkin, if used cooked, cook until soft, then chill completely before preparing treats.
Use plain pumpkin puree when canning pumpkin.
Step 2: Blend Everything
Place the pumpkin, yogurt and banana into a blender.
Add peanut butter if using peanut butter.
Blend until the mixture is smooth.
If your dog likes a bit of texture, you can leave a few small bits of banana.
Next, lay the material in the molds.
Then place material in the molds.
Pour into clean silicone mold or ice cube tray.
Small molds are advantageous since they assemble smaller portions.
Fill molds not all the way to the top.
Step 4: Freeze
Place the tray in the freezer.
Keep the treats in the freezer until they become solid. Depending on the size of the molds and your freezer, it could be several hours.
Step 5: Serve
Remove one treat from the freezer.
Allow it to rest a couple minutes before feeding to your dog.
Use a small amount for small dogs and puppies.
Always supervise your dog while eating a frozen treat.
Simple Two-Ingredient Version
For an even easier recipe use:
- Plain pumpkin puree
- Water
Add a bit of water to the pumpkin and place in an ice cube tray.
Freeze until solid.
If your dog is not a good dairy digester, this version works for them.
So, why use pumpkin in frozen dog treats?
So, why use pumpkin in frozen dog treats?
Pumpkin is a favourite ingredient in homemade dog recipes.
Pumpkin Contains Fiber
Higher in dietary fibre, pumpkin may aid in normal digestion.
Too much fibre can lead to flatulence or diarrhoea, though. Hence, treats from frozen pumpkin should be served in limited quantities.
Pumpkin Contains Water
Pumpkin is naturally watery and this moisture can be added to the treat.
However, frozen drinks can’t be substituted for fresh drinking water. It is important to keep clean water available for your dog at all times.
So, mixing up pumpkin is simple.
Plain pumpkin is soft and will mix well with other dog-safe ingredients.
Yes, dogs can eat yogurt.
Yogurt is safe for dogs.
Plain yogurt, depending on the dog, can be a treat, but for some dogs, dairy products can be hard to digest.
If you are using yogurt, use plain, unsweetened yogurt that is free of artificial sweeteners such as xylitol.
If your dog hasn’t tried yogurt before, give it to them in small quantities first.
If yogurt makes your dog have diarrhea, gas, vomiting or other tummy symptoms, discontinue its use and consult your veterinarian.
No known dairy sensitive dogs should consume yogurt unless their veterinarian is happy to allow it.
Yes, puppies can eat Frozen Pumpkin Treats.
Puppies may have small amounts of plain pumpkin but do have special nutritional needs.
They should be fed a well balanced puppy food as their primary diet.
Puppies should be given very small frozen treats as well as being supervised when eating.
Never give a puppy a big or too tough frozen treat.
When a puppy has diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness or other symptoms of concern, call a veterinarian, rather than use treats to attempt to manage a problem.
Just how many frozen pumpkin treats can dogs have?
Just how many frozen pumpkin treats can dogs have?
This is dependent on your dog’s size, activity, health, and usual diet.
Reward with only one small treat at first.
If it is well tolerated by your dog, you can treat with the item occasionally.
Remember that treats contain calories. Even if they make things at home, treats should be limited in amount of calories that they provide.
If your dog is overweight or has a medical condition consult your vet for the appropriate quantity of treats.
Some ingredients to avoid are:
Avoid some ingredients such as:
When making frozen dog treats, avoid ingredients that can be dangerous.
Never add:
- Chocolate
- Cocoa
- Xylitol
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Onion
- Garlic
- Alcohol
- Coffee or caffeine
A considerable amount of sugar - Excess salt
- Spicy seasonings
Stay away from pumpkin pie filling and sweetened dessert yogurts.
When adding packaged foods, always check labels before adding.
How to Store Frozen Pumpkin Treats
Keep the treats frozen in a clean, airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Write the date when you made the treats on the container.
Homemade treats are without commercial preservatives, so it can be better to make smaller batches.
Discard treats if they are found to be frozen but have an unusual odor or freezer burn that impacts the quality of the treat.
If your dog has sensitive stomach, what can you do?
Add the recipe by touch.
Offer a little bit initially and observe changes.
Stop the new treat and consult with your veterinarian if your dog starts to vomit, diarrhea, itch, swell or has any other strange reaction.
Food allergies, digestive issues, diabetes, and other health issues might warrant special dietary recommendations for dogs.
Before introducing treats, check with your veterinarian if your dog has a health condition.
Are frozen pumpkin treats good for diarrhea?
Pumpkin is used in dietary regimen for mild digestive upset and it is rich in fiber.
Frozen foods should not be used to treat diarrhea, however.
May include yogurt, banana or other products that may aggravate digestive issues in certain dogs.
Call a veterinarian if your dog continues to have diarrhea, has blood in the stool, vomits, weak, is in pain, is dehydrated or has no appetite if the diarrhea has repeated or is severe.
Final Thoughts
This frozen pumpkin dog treats recipe is an easy recipe to create a chilly homemade treat for your dog. Pumpkin may be combined with unsweetened yogurt and banana or one can create a simple two ingredient option with pumpkin and water.
Use safe ingredients and use small amounts. Don’t feed pumpkin pie filling, added sugar, chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onion, and garlic.
Add new treats gradually and observe your dog’s behavior for any strange response. Keep in mind that frozen treats are a treat and a snack, but never a meal or a balanced diet.
Before you give your dog a new recipe, consult with your vet if your dog suffers from allergies, stomach sensitivity, or a medical condition. Safe ingredients and appropriate amounts, fruited frozen pumpkin treats can be simple, occasional rewards on a warm day.
