These famous frozen watermelon dog treats will be in every dog owner’s freezer this summer because they’re easy to make and dogs love them as a refreshing cool treat on a hot summer day.
As the temperature rises and the summer heat sets in, it’s not just us humans who crave refreshing treats to beat the heat.
Our dogs deserve a healthy and cool summer treat too!
If you’re looking to make your dog some fun and healthy frozen dog treats this summer, it’s kind of a necessity to add frozen watermelon into the rotation.
Not only are watermelon dog treats a delicious and hydrating snack for your dog, but they also offer a multitude of health benefits.
Let’s take a quick look at the large world of famous frozen watermelon dog treats, check out their nutritional advantages, find some homemade watermelon treat recipes, and make sure you keep your pup safe while enjoying a few cool treats this summer.
It’s getting hot in here, let’s take off all our fur!
I think that’s what my dogs say in their head when hot weather arrives in our backyard.
Newfies aren’t known for loving the heat so I make it a top priority to keep them comfy and cool when the temperatures rise.
That includes always making sure they have cool fresh water, keeping the AC on, using floor fans, misting fans, cooling dog beds and of course cooling mats.
It also includes always having a selection of frozen dog treats in my freezer ready to serve.
I regularly make our frozen carrot + bone broth treats and a batch of blueberry + yogurts treats but as soon as seedless watermelons hit the shelves, I add in a variety of frozen watermelon treats.
I’m sure almost everyone has a stash of the ever-so-famous watermelon + yogurt treats because they’re an easy frozen treat to make and most dogs love the taste of a slice of juicy watermelon.
The nice thing about homemade DIY watermelon pupsicles is that you can customize them to fit your dog’s needs.
You can simply blend the watermelon into a puree and pour it into ice cubes or silicone molds or you can add a little more nutrition to the treats by mixing in some plain Greek yogurt, dog-safe berries, coconut water, Keifer, watermelon and even some honey.
Today I’m going to share my favorite and easy frozen watermelon dog treat recipe that always leaves Odin, Finn and Lou drooling for more.
Famous Frozen Watermelon Dog Treats
If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that I’m all about making easy dog treat recipes.
I’m not a dessert chef or baker but I can definitely blend some fruit or vegetables together in a food processor, spoon it into silicone molds and freeze them.
So if you’re not a sous chef or you’re short on time, this easy recipe will make your life a little easier.
These watermelon treats only contain simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh and seedless watermelon
- 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp of honey (optional)
Instructions
- Cut watermelon into small pieces making sure to remove the rind
- Place watermelon cubes into a food processor or blender
- Blend into a watermelon puree
- Add in nonfat plain yogurt
- Add in honey
- Blend
- Pour mixture into ice cube trays, popsicle mold or silicone treat mold
- Freeze for 2-3 hours
- Serve to your dog!
Store the frozen watermelon treats in an airtight freezer container or bag.
The amount of servings you get will depend on the molds that you use.
Since I have 2 big dogs and a small one, I use different-sized silicone molds.
When stored properly, these frozen treats should stay good for about 1 month.
Tips & Tricks
Over the last 20 years of making frozen treats for my dogs, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that might make this treat recipe a little easier than it already is.
- Before you fill your silicone molds or small ice cube trays with the watermelon mixture, place them on a baking sheet or cookie sheet. This makes carrying the treats to the freezer a lot less messy.
- Use plain, nonfat Greek yogurt. This is the safest yogurt for dogs because it doesn’t contain any ingredients that are harmful to them.
- Make sure you use a seedless watermelon. Seeds can cause GI upset in some dogs
- Make sure to remove the watermelon rind. The rind is hard and could cause an intestinal blockage in a dog’s digestive tract if swallowed in large chunks.
- Get a fresh and juicy watermelon. If you’re like me and don’t know how to pick a fresh watermelon, this is a good way!
- You can substitute the yogurt for coconut milk, coconut water, bone broth or just plain water.
As with any new dog treats or new foods, always introduce them to your dog slowly and speak to your veterinarian if you have concerns or questions.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Benefits Of Watermelon
Watermelon is a great way to give your dog a nutritional boost because it’s packed with potassium, magnesium and essential vitamins.
It’s also low in calories and it’s 92 percent water so it’s a good source of hydration for most dogs in the summer months
According to Canine Nutritionist Amanda Collins, “Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit that is safe for most dogs. It’s packed with nutrients like vitamins A and Vitamin C, as well as lycopene, which has antioxidant properties. Frozen watermelon treats can be a delicious way to provide your dog with a cool and nutritious snack.”
Safety First
While watermelon is one of the safer human foods that dogs can safely eat, a few considerations should be taken before giving it to your dog on a hot summer day:
- High Sugar Content: Watermelon contains natural sugars, and excessive consumption of sugary fruits can contribute to weight gain or even diabetes in some dogs. Moderation is always key.
- Diarrhea or Upset Stomach: Introducing watermelon too quickly or feeding large quantities to a dog that is not accustomed to it can potentially lead to digestive issues, including diarrhea or an upset stomach. It’s important to introduce it gradually and monitor your dog’s reaction.
- Allergic Reactions: While rare, some dogs may be allergic to watermelon. Watch for signs of allergies such as itching, redness, swelling, or gastrointestinal disturbances. If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue feeding watermelon and consult your veterinarian.
- Choking Hazards: The seeds and rind of watermelon can pose a choking hazard for dogs. It’s essential to remove all seeds and rind before serving any watermelon treats to your furry friend.
- Individual Sensitivities: Dogs, like humans, can have individual sensitivities or digestive sensitivities to certain foods. While watermelon is generally safe for dogs, it’s important to observe your dog’s reaction and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
The best part about making watermelon treats for your dog is that you can customize them in a variety of different ways.
Just Freeze It
Dogs love a frozen chunk of watermelon so if you just want to toss a few seedless chunks into an airtight container and freeze them for a few hours, I’m sure your dog will love that as a cool treat on a warm day!
Alternatively, you can just cut the rind off, remove any seeds, ask your dog for a handshake and hand it over.
Skip The Yogurt
If your dog doesn’t tolerate dairy, you can make some easy watermelon treats that don’t contain any yogurt.
A few simple dog-safe ingredients to choose from are:
- coconut water
- plain water
- bone broth
- other fruits or vegetables. I like to use cucumber to make watermelon + cucumber dog treats.
Frozen Watermelon As a Training Treat
While watermelon might be a messy training treat to carry in your pocket, it can be a great and different training tool to use around the house for your dog.
Mark Thompson, Certified Dog Trainer says, ” Using frozen watermelon treats as a reward during training sessions can be highly effective. Dogs are motivated by the taste and the refreshing texture can help keep them engaged and focused. It’s a win-win situation for both training progress and keeping them cool on hot days.”
Conclusion
I already have a few different varieties of frozen treats ready to go in my freezer to kick off summer and one of them is this famous frozen watermelon treat.
These icy treats provide a burst of hydration, essential vitamins, and a natural sweetness that my dogs love and drool over.
I’ve been serving my dogs watermelon for years so I know they tolerate it well and don’t have a negative reaction to it.
Whether you opt for watermelon ice cubes, pupsicles, or plain bites, the joy and cooling relief they can bring to your dog’s summer days are unmatched.
Remember, every dog is unique, and it’s important to observe your dog’s individual tolerance and preferences.
If you have any concerns or questions, consult with your veterinarian.
Now get out there (or in my Newfie’s case-stay in the shade) and embrace the summer season with this simple yet cool way to show your dog some extra love!
Famous Frozen Watermelon Dog Treats
These famous homemade frozen dog treats are very easy to make and are made with yogurt, fresh seedless watermelon, and a small amount of honey. Easy, healthy, hydrating, and the perfect snack for your dog on hot summer days!
Ingredients
- 2 cups seedless watermelon cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Instructions
- Slice seedless watermelon into small chunks and make sure to remove the rind
- Add watermelon pieces to a blender or food processor
- Blend into a puree
- Add in yogurt and honey
- Blend
- Place your silicone molds or ice cube trays onto a baking sheet
- Carefully fill molds with watermelon mixture
- Place into freezer
- Freeze for 2-3 hours or until frozen solid
- Remove treats from mold and serve to your dog!
Notes
I used different-sized paw print molds to make out treats so the serving size may be different for you.
If you don't have a seedless watermelon, just remove the seeds before putting the watermelon chunks in the blender
Honey is optional
Only use plain yogurt. Flavored yogurt might contain ingredients that aren't dog-friendly
Store the remaining dog treats in an airtight container. They should last up to 1 month if stored properly
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Products used in this post to make and store frozen dog treats:
- Silicone dog treat molds small paw print
- Silicone dog treat molds large paw print
- Divided storage container