5 Easy Greek Yogurt Dog Treat Recipes for Summer

Summer is approaching quickly and you know what that means… Long, dry, hot as heck days are on the horizon. As you prepare for the seasons to change, bear in mind that you’re not the only one who gets overheated in the warm summer sun. Just like you, your dog needs a way to stay cool and hydrated throughout the summer months. An easy way to ensure your pup beats the heat is with cold, healthy, easy to make homemade snacks.

5 Greek Yogurt Dog Treat Recipes

1. Breath Freshening Mint Freezies

This treat is a great “go-to” because it's as tasty as it's healthy. Not only will your pup love the cooling effects, but it’s also a great breath freshener since it contains parsley and mint. (Check out our homemade dog toothpaste recipes to help keep their teeth clean!) These herb-centric ingredients also have many other surprising health benefits. Parsley aids digestion, reduces inflammation and is even thought to have cancer preventing properties. Mint is a powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral herb that fights bacteria development in your dog’s mouth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of plain or Greek yogurt
• Small handful of fresh parsley leaves
• Small handful of fresh mint leaves

Instructions

• Add yogurt to a blender with parsley + mint leaves.
• Blend until the herbs are evenly mixed.
• For a thinner batter + better pouring consistency, add a splash of water.
• Fill ice cube trays to the brim and place them in the freezer.
• Freeze until solid + serve.

Precautions: Can you give a dog Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is a safe and healthy addition to your dog's diet, unless they’re lactose intolerant in which case it may upset their stomach. Greek yogurt in particular is higher in protein than regular yogurts and has probiotic qualities. With modest, but regular doses it can improve your dog’s digestion and strengthen their immune system. Try feeding in small quantities and keep a lookout for any signs of stomach upset.

2. Dog S’mores

These Dog S’mores are a delicious take on your favorite campfire treat for your furry friend. The easy to assemble ingredients and tasty BBQ flavor is safe for your pooch to enjoy all summer long.

Ingredients

• Dog biscuits of choice
• 1 cup of carob chips or 1 tablespoon of carob powder
• 1 cup of plain or Greek yogurt

Instructions

• Add the carob chips into a bowl and melt over boiled water. If you’re using carob powder, mix the powder directly into yogurt.
• Dip one side of a doggie biscuit into the carob mixture and place onto a tray. Place another biscuit on top to make a sandwich and repeat.
• Pop the tray into the freezer to harden and serve.

Precautions: Can I give my dog carob?

Although it looks eerily similar to chocolate, carob treats are safe for dogs. Unlike chocolate, carob doesn’t contain caffeine + theobromine, and is perfectly safe for your pup to enjoy. So rather than using chocolate, you can use carob which is similar in taste and texture. Carob also contains healthy nutrients and can even help flush toxins from your dog’s system. Find out more about why dogs shouldn't eat chocolate.

@aricadorff wearing Bloodhound Collection

3. Apple Peanut Butter Bites

It’s no secret… Dogs go absolutely nuts over peanut butter and apples. If you have a dog who has a fruity, peanut butter obsession, then these frozen treats will not disappoint you or your pooch this summer. This is by far the best treat for you and your dog to devour while cooling off in the shade.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of plain or Greek yogurt
• 1 apple
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter

Instructions

• Mix yogurt and peanut butter together in a bowl. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water to thin.
• Slice your apple into bite-sized chunks and remove any seeds.
• Fill ice cube trays almost to the top and place the apple chunk in the center of each slot.
• Pop them in the freezer and wait to harden.
• Serve while frozen.

Precautions: Can I buy any peanut butter?

The simple answer is no. Not all peanut butters are created equal and some may be toxic for your pup. Be careful not to buy or use peanut butter that contains xylitol, a sweetener sometimes found in peanut butter that is toxic to dogs. Try looking for xylitol-free peanut butter when purchasing.

4. Peanut Butter and Banana Pupsicles

This simple treat is made to replicate the popsicles that we all crave on a hot summer’s day. With creamy peanut butter and the added sweetness of banana, as well as an edible stick to munch on, it will become one of your dog’s favorites in no time.

Ingredients

• 32 ounces of Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• ⅓ cup of water
• 1 large banana, chopped
• Dog biscuits

Instructions

• Add yogurt, water, peanut butter, honey, and banana to a blender or food processor and purée. If you don’t have a blender, you can use a fork and spoon to mash and mix it all together.
• Once blended, scoop a few spoonfuls into a silicone ice cube tray.
• Place a small dog biscuit upright in each slot to mimic a popsicle stick.
• Leave the tray in the freezer overnight.
• In the morning, remove the treats and serve immediately.

Precautions: Can my dog eat honey?

In this recipe, honey will act as a natural sweetener. Pasteurized honey is safe in small servings for dogs, but it is important to keep the serving small. Just like in humans, excess sugar can cause tooth decay and may cause poor nutrition if doled out too liberally. But as a rare offering with regular brushing, honey is a safe way of enhancing all kinds of homemade treats.

@goldenboy_bennett wearing Golden Retriever Collection

5. Pumpkin Banana Pops

This homemade treat is full of healthy ingredients making it high in fiber and easy to make. While the touch of pumpkin may remind you of autumn, I can guarantee it’s a summertime hit.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 15 oz (1 can) of pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 banana, chopped

Instructions

• Place the chopped banana and the pumpkin purée into a blender, or mash by hand, until smooth. Pause and mix in the yogurt and honey.
• Scoop the mixture into a silicone ice cube tray and place in the freezer overnight.
• Come morning, serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Precautions: Can I feed my dog pumpkin?

Pumpkin is a high fiber ingredient known for helping settle indigestion in dogs with the added bonus of being loaded with prebiotics, antioxidants, Vitamin C, and more. Unflavored pumpkin purée or homemade pumpkin mash is a safe and nutritious snack for your dog. Find out more about feeding pumpkin to dogs.

 

We hope you enjoy making these easy Greek yogurt dog treat recipes. We've got more cooling inspo for summer with 3 Chilled Summer Recipes for Fido and Top 4 Frozen Cat Treats for Summer.