DIY Doggy Ice Lollies: Cool Treats for Your Dog This Summer

When the summer sun is shining and temperatures rise, it's not just humans who need a refreshing way to cool down. Dogs feel the heat too, and they deserve a tasty, healthy way to beat it. That’s where DIY doggy ice lollies—also known as “pupsicles”—come in. These frozen treats are simple to make at home, budget-friendly, and provide several health benefits for your furry friend.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make these icy delights, including what ingredients to use, how to make them step by step, and why they’re especially beneficial during the warmer months.

Why Make Ice Lollies for Dogs?

Homemade frozen dog treats aren’t just a fun summer idea—they serve a real purpose. They help keep dogs hydrated by increasing their water intake in a sneaky and delicious way. As your dog licks and nibbles the frozen treat, it gradually melts, helping cool their body from the inside out. This natural cooling method is particularly useful after walks, playtime, or time spent outdoors.

Beyond hydration and temperature regulation, doggy ice lollies also offer mental stimulation. Frozen treats take longer to eat, which helps keep your dog occupied, reduces boredom, and can even ease anxiety. Puppies and young dogs especially benefit from frozen snacks, as the cold texture can soothe teething discomfort and sensitive gums.

Another perk is nutrition. Depending on what you add, pupsicles can be full of beneficial ingredients like fiber, vitamins, probiotics, and antioxidants—all wrapped up in a cold, lickable snack.

What Ingredients Are Safe and Recommended?

When making doggy ice lollies, it’s important to use only ingredients that are safe and approved for canine consumption. A good base for frozen treats includes plain Greek yogurt, natural peanut butter without xylitol, 100% pure canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), low-sodium chicken broth, coconut water, or even plain fresh water.

Fruits and vegetables are excellent additions. Bananas, blueberries, strawberries, apples (with the core and seeds removed), carrots, cucumbers, and seedless watermelon or cantaloupe all make healthy, dog-safe choices. Some herbs, like fresh mint or parsley, can be added for flavor and also help freshen your dog’s breath.

However, it’s critical to avoid ingredients that are toxic to dogs. This includes chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, anything with added sugar or salt, and especially xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely dangerous for pets.

Easy Homemade Recipes to Try

Making pupsicles at home is simple, and the possibilities are endless. For example, one easy and popular recipe combines equal parts plain Greek yogurt and natural peanut butter. You can stir in mashed banana for extra flavor and nutrients before pouring the mixture into molds and freezing it overnight.

Another refreshing option is a berry and yogurt blend. By pureeing a cup of blueberries or strawberries with plain yogurt, you create a fruit-packed treat that’s rich in antioxidants and very appealing to most dogs.

If your pup prefers something savory, try mixing low-sodium chicken broth with water and adding tiny pieces of cooked chicken. This frozen broth cube is incredibly hydrating and flavorful.

You can also make a pumpkin-based treat by combining three-quarters of a cup of pure pumpkin with half a cup of plain yogurt. Stir until smooth, then freeze. Pumpkin is especially good for digestion and is rich in vitamins like A and E.

Other great flavor combinations include blending cucumber with mint leaves and water for a cool, breath-freshening treat, or mixing apples and carrots with a splash of water to make a sweet, crunchy cube.

How to Make Doggy Ice Lollies at Home

To begin, prepare your mixture by blending or stirring your chosen ingredients until they reach a smooth consistency. Once the mix is ready, pour it into ice cube trays, silicone molds, or even paper cups.

If you’d like to make the treat feel more like a traditional popsicle, you can insert an edible “stick” into the center before freezing. Good options include a chunk of carrot, a green bean, or even a dog biscuit. Avoid using wooden popsicle sticks, as they can splinter or be accidentally swallowed.

Place the filled molds flat in your freezer and allow them to harden for at least four to six hours, or overnight for best results. When you’re ready to serve, remove the mold and run it under a bit of warm water to loosen the frozen treat. Then, gently pop it out and let your dog enjoy.

Serving and Storing Your Homemade Treats

To avoid a mess, it’s best to serve doggy ice lollies outside or on a towel indoors. Most dogs will lick and chew at the treat slowly, but you should always supervise, especially with puppies or dogs who tend to gulp their food.

Stick to moderation when it comes to quantity. One or two frozen treats per day is generally plenty. Since these are meant to supplement your dog’s diet and not replace a meal, they should be considered an occasional reward.

Any leftover pops can be stored in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn. They’ll typically stay fresh in the freezer for up to two weeks.

Health Benefits of Frozen Dog Treats

Besides being a delicious way to cool down, doggy ice lollies come with several health perks. First and foremost, they help with hydration, especially in hot weather or for dogs that don’t naturally drink a lot of water. The frozen texture makes licking them more fun and rewarding, encouraging fluid intake.

Licking itself is a soothing action for dogs. It releases endorphins, which can calm them and reduce stress or anxiety. That’s why frozen treats are great for dogs left home alone for short periods or when they need a little distraction.

These treats also provide some oral benefits. Puppies who are teething may find relief from the cold texture, and ingredients like mint or parsley can naturally help freshen their breath. While frozen treats are not a replacement for brushing or dental chews, they’re a helpful addition to your dog’s overall dental care routine.

Finally, because you control the ingredients, these ice lollies can offer a healthy boost of fiber, probiotics, and essential vitamins—making them a nutritious as well as a fun part of your dog’s summer routine.

Final Thoughts

Making your own doggy ice lollies is a fun, easy, and affordable way to keep your dog cool, hydrated, and happy during the summer. With just a few dog-safe ingredients, a blender, and a freezer, you can whip up a batch of frozen treats that your pup will absolutely love.

Whether you go sweet with berries and yogurt, savory with chicken broth, or simple with a frozen fruit blend, there’s a pupsicle recipe out there to match every dog’s taste. Feel free to get creative and mix different ingredients, always making sure they're safe for dogs. Serve in moderation, store properly, and enjoy watching your dog savor their chilly, homemade reward.

Ready to give it a go? Your dog will thank you—probably with lots of happy tail wags and a few drippy kisses.