Making frozen pumpkin dog treats at home is a breeze, and it's a great way to provide your furry friend with a healthy and tasty snack. Simply mix together 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin, 1/4 cup of plain yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
The combination of these ingredients provides a boost of fiber and probiotics, which can help support your dog's digestive health. This is especially important during the fall season when many dogs are prone to gastrointestinal issues due to changes in their diet.
With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can create a batch of frozen pumpkin dog treats in no time. Simply pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.
Your dog will love the sweet and savory flavor of these treats, and you'll love knowing that you're giving them a healthy and natural snack.
Recommended read: Healthy Frozen Dog Treats
Making the Treats
To make frozen pumpkin dog treats, you'll need to mix pumpkin and yogurt together in a bowl. This is the first step in creating the treat batter.
The mixture should be combined until it's smooth and well combined. You can use a spoon to mix the ingredients together until you reach the desired consistency.
To fill the molds, spoon enough of the dog treat batter to fill each mold slot to the top. Use a bench scraper or knife to flatten out the top of the filled molds and remove excess batter.
Freezing the treats takes some time, but it's worth it. You can freeze the treats for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 hours, depending on the recipe you're using.
Here's a summary of the freezing times for your reference:
Once the treats are frozen, you can pop them out of the mold and store them in a freezer bag for later use. You can also leave them in the ice tray if you have space in your freezer.
Ingredients and Options
For making delicious frozen pumpkin dog treats, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most essential one is cooked, mashed pumpkin, which should be pureed and free of any added spices or sweeteners.
You can also add some healthy oils like coconut or olive oil to enhance the flavor and texture of your treats. These oils are safe for dogs to consume in moderation, but be sure to use them sparingly.
Some dog owners like to add a bit of plain yogurt to their pumpkin treats for extra creaminess and a dose of probiotics. Just be sure to choose a dog-friendly yogurt that's free from added sugars and artificial ingredients.
You might like: Blueberry Yogurt Dog Treats
Ingredients and Options
Pumpkin is a great ingredient for dog treats because it's full of fiber that strengthens digestive health.
Pumpkin puree is a must-have for these recipes, as it's the only ingredient that should be used. Make sure to choose a plain pumpkin puree without any added spices or sugars.
Bone-shaped dog treats are a fun and creative way to use as popsicle sticks for the Pumpkin Puree "Pupsicles" recipe.
A unique perspective: 3 Ingredient Dog Treats No Bake
Pre-Made Dog Treats
Life can get busy, and making dog treats from scratch might not be feasible. You can buy pre-made pumpkin treats for your dog instead.
Doggie health bars baked with cinnamon and pumpkin are a great option for a quick and easy snack. They're perfect for a pick-me-up on a busy day.
For puppies, pumpkin-flavored teething ring treats are a great way to introduce them to the taste of pumpkin. These treats can help soothe their gums during teething.
Soft and chewy pumpkin and blueberry snacks are another great option for dogs. They're a tasty way to add some extra fiber and nutrients to your dog's diet.
About This Recipe
I used dog-themed silicone molds to make sure the frozen treats are clearly labeled for my furry friends.
This recipe makes about 50 treats using the smaller molds, perfect for smaller dogs.
If you have a smaller dog, consider cutting the recipe in half to avoid making too many treats.
Using a stand mixer like my KitchenAid with the flat beater can make mixing the "ice cream" a breeze, but a fork will do the trick if you don't have one.
Consider reading: Homemade Dog Treats in Dehydrator
Frequently Asked Questions
Is frozen pumpkin good for dogs?
Yes, frozen pumpkin is a nutritious and easily digestible treat for dogs, providing fiber, fatty acids, and antioxidants to support their overall health and coat. Consult with your veterinarian before introducing frozen pumpkin into your dog's diet.
Can I give my dog pumpkin every day?
Yes, you can give your dog pumpkin daily, but only in moderation, with a recommended serving size of 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day. Consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice on incorporating pumpkin into your dog's diet.
What can I mix with pumpkin for my dog?
You can mix pumpkin with dog-friendly foods like plain yogurt, cooked rice, quinoa, chicken, or turkey to add nutrients and flavor to your dog's diet. Consider combining pumpkin with these foods for a healthy and tasty meal.
How long does it take for pumpkin puree to work on a dog?
Pumpkin puree typically takes 24 hours to produce a bowel movement and provide relief in dogs. Regular use can also help prevent constipation from occurring in the future.
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/pumpkin-recipes-for-dogs/
- https://urbanblisslife.com/frozen-pumpkin-dog-treats-recipe/
- https://www.reddogbluekat.com/post/10-easy-healthy-frozen-treat-recipes-for-dogs
- https://www.justfoodfordogs.com/blog/diy-frozen-dog-treats.html
- https://momsneedtoknow.com/homemade-frozen-dog-treats/
Featured Images: pexels.com