If there’s one thing I never expected to get so excited about, it’s making frozen treats for my dog. But here we are—and I’ve got to say, these Minty Fresh Dog Pupsicles have become a staple in our summer routine. They’re ridiculously easy to make, loaded with dog-safe ingredients, and most importantly, my pup absolutely loses it when I pull one out of the freezer.
I originally found this idea while browsing for ways to help my dog beat the heat. After one too many afternoons of watching her pant after our daily walks, I decided it was time to whip up something cool, healthy, and homemade. That’s when I stumbled across this simple recipe that checks all the boxes: fresh breath, hydration, and tail-wagging approval.
Why I Love These Minty Pupsicles
Before diving into the recipe, let me tell you why I keep coming back to this one. First, these pupsicles are made with ingredients I already have in my kitchen. Second, they actually help freshen my dog’s breath (a huge win in my book). And third, they take all of five minutes to prep and zero culinary skills—if you can pour liquid into an ice cube tray, you’re more than qualified.
Here’s what makes them a go-to:
- Dog-safe and vet-friendly ingredients
- Naturally helps freshen breath
- Perfect for teething puppies or hot summer days
- Can be customized with your dog’s favorite flavors
What You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 16 small pupsicles, depending on the size of your mold.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened and unflavored)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons of honey (just a touch for sweetness—omit for pups on a low-sugar diet)
Tools:
- Blender or food processor
- Ice cube tray or silicone mold
- Freezer-safe storage container
How I Make Minty Fresh Dog Pupsicles
1. Blend Everything Together
In a blender or food processor, I combine the Greek yogurt, mint, parsley, and water. If I’m feeling generous, I add a teaspoon of honey, especially if I’m using a stronger-tasting yogurt. I blend until it’s smooth and creamy, almost like a thick smoothie.
2. Pour into Molds
I carefully pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone dog bone mold. A small spoon or measuring cup with a spout helps avoid any messy overflow. If I’m making a bigger batch, I just double the ingredients and grab an extra tray.
3. Freeze Until Solid
I pop the tray in the freezer for about 3-4 hours, or until the pupsicles are fully solid. Once frozen, I transfer them into a labeled freezer-safe container or bag. That way, I can grab one whenever my dog deserves a little treat—or when the weather turns sweltering.
4. Serve and Watch the Tail Wag
I usually give my pup one pupsicle at a time, either outside on the porch or on a towel in the kitchen. They melt slowly, which gives her something to focus on and keeps her entertained for a bit.
Why These Ingredients Work
Each component of this recipe serves a purpose beyond just tasting good to dogs:
- Greek Yogurt: Packed with probiotics and calcium. Make sure it’s plain and free from xylitol (a sweetener toxic to dogs).
- Mint: Aids digestion and freshens breath, but always in moderation.
- Parsley: Known for its antibacterial properties and freshening powers.
- Water: Helps keep dogs hydrated and thins out the mixture for easy pouring.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pupsicles
- Use silicone molds for easy removal—especially ones shaped like bones or paws (bonus points for cuteness).
- Add extras like shredded carrots or a few blueberries for variety and a nutritional boost.
- Freeze in layers for a marbled look by blending yogurt and herbs separately and pouring in stages.
- Let it soften for a minute before serving, especially for smaller dogs or pups with sensitive teeth.
When I Serve These Treats
These pupsicles are a hit all summer long, but I’ve also found them useful for:
- Post-walk cooldowns on hot afternoons
- Distracting during bath time or grooming
- Rewarding good behavior (like not barking at the mailman)
- Helping teething puppies soothe their gums
What to Avoid
Before you go wild with substitutions, here are a few things I always steer clear of:
- Xylitol (often found in flavored yogurts): Extremely toxic to dogs.
- Too much mint: A few leaves go a long way—too much can cause GI upset.
- Sugar-laden ingredients: Dogs don’t need extra sugar, and it can upset their stomachs.
My Pup’s Seal of Approval
My dog has tried a lot of frozen treats—from store-bought ice creams to those fancy boutique ones—but these Minty Fresh Dog Pupsicles are the only ones that get her full attention from freezer to finish. The added bonus? I don’t have to hold my breath when she gives me a big lick to say thanks.
These pupsicles aren’t just cute—they’re practical, healthy, and make me feel like a five-star dog chef. And when your best friend is this easy to please, it makes all the effort (which is barely any!) totally worth it.
The Homemade Dog Pupsicles My Pup Begs For Every Summer
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened and unflavored)
- 4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 4 cup fresh parsley
- 4 cup water
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the Greek yogurt, fresh mint leaves, fresh parsley, and water.
- Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
- Once frozen, pop the pupsicles out of the molds and serve them to your pup!
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