3-Ingredient Frozen Dog Treats

Mix ½ cup plain pumpkin, ¼ cup xylitol-free peanut butter and 1 cup plain yogurt, spoon it into molds and freeze for 3 hours. That’s the whole recipe: about 24 small treats, no baking. They’re handy for hot days, teething puppies, or keeping your dog busy while you’re on a video call.

Ingredients (makes about 24 small treats)

• ½ cup plain canned pumpkin (100% pumpkin — not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup natural peanut butter, unsalted and xylitol-free
• 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt (regular or Greek)

That’s it.

Check the peanut butter label. Some peanut butters contain xylitol, also called birch sugar, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Ingredients should be just peanuts (and maybe a little salt — unsalted is best).

Equipment

• A mixing bowl and spoon (or a blender)
• A silicone mold (paw or bone shapes are cute; an ice cube tray works too)
• A freezer-safe container or bag

Instructions

1. Mix. Add the pumpkin, peanut butter and yogurt to a bowl. Stir until smooth. If your peanut butter is very thick, warm it for a few seconds first (let it cool before mixing).
2. Fill. Spoon or pipe the mixture into the silicone mold. Tap the mold on the counter to remove air bubbles.
3. Freeze. Freeze for at least 3 hours, or until solid.
4. Pop out and store. Pop the treats out of the mold and keep them in a sealed container or freezer bag.

Shortcut: no mold? Spread the mixture into a lick mat or stuff it into a rubber chew toy and freeze it whole.

How many treats can my dog have?

Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Each small treat (about 1 tablespoon) has roughly 15–20 calories. As a guide:

Dog size	Treats per day
Small (under 25 lb / 11 kg)	1
Medium (25–50 lb / 11–23 kg)	2
Large (50 lb+ / 23 kg+)	2–3

If your dog is on a weight-loss plan, use smaller molds or count them as part of the daily food. Not sure about calories? See how much to feed your dog.

Safe swaps and variations

• Banana: swap the pumpkin for ½ mashed ripe banana. (Are bananas safe?)
• Blueberry: press 2–3 blueberries into each mold before freezing.
• Dairy-free: replace the yogurt with mashed banana or plain bone broth made without onion or garlic.
• Apple: add a few tiny pieces of peeled apple (no seeds or core).

Never add

• Chocolate or cocoa
• Raisins or grapes
• Sweetened or flavored yogurt
• Anything containing xylitol / birch sugar
• Macadamia nuts
• Honey or sugar (not toxic, but not needed)

Want to know why? Read our list of foods your dog should never eat.

How long do they keep?

• Freezer: up to 2 months in a sealed container.
• Out of the freezer: serve straight away — they melt quickly in summer. Serve on a mat or outside if you don’t want sticky floors.

Tips for first-timers

• Give just one the first time and watch for any tummy upset over 24 hours.
• Some dogs crunch frozen treats very fast — if your dog gulps, choose a larger mold so they can’t swallow it whole, or serve in a lick mat.
• Ask your vet first if your dog has pancreatitis, diabetes, food allergies or is on a special diet.

Enjoy — and get ready for a very happy dog.