How to Make Popsicles for Dogs: 4 Healthy and Easy Recipes

Hot weather hits our dogs harder than we sometimes realise. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat through their skin, so they rely mostly on panting and hydration to stay cool. This makes summer a very tricky season, especially when temperatures reach their peak. Giving your dog cold water helps, but a chilled treat can do so much more. That’s where homemade popsicles come in. If you’ve ever wanted to make popsicles for dogs that are healthy, safe, and downright delicious, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make popsicles for dogs using simple, safe ingredients you already have at home.

Are Popsicles Healthy for Dogs?

First, we must ask ourselves if dogs can eat popsicles. The most straightforward answer is yes, but only if they’re homemade with dog-safe ingredients. Just like certain human foods dogs can eat such as bananas, blueberries, and plain yoghurt, popsicles can be a refreshing, healthy treat when appropriately prepared.

The secret lies in simplicity. Basically, you just need to stick to natural ingredients with no added sugar, xylitol, or artificial flavours. In the same light, store-bought popsicles are usually a no-go because they often contain sweeteners and chemicals that can upset your dog’s stomach.

4 Easy Popsicle Recipes: How to Make Popsicles for Dogs

These four recipes are simple, nutritious, and guaranteed to earn a happy tail wag from your dog. 

1. Banana and Peanut Butter Popsicles

• How to make it: Blend one ripe banana, two tablespoons of xylitol-free peanut butter, and one cup of oat milk or water. Pour into silicone moulds or ice trays and freeze overnight.
• Why it’s great: Bananas give your dog an energy boost, while peanut butter adds healthy fats and a touch of enrichment as they lick and chew. Just be sure to use plain peanut butter, no salt, sugar, or artificial sweeteners.

2. Watermelon and Carrot Popsicles 

• How to make it: Blend seedless watermelon chunks with a few chopped carrots until smooth. Pour the mix into moulds or ice trays and freeze for two to three hours.
• Why it’s great: Watermelon keeps your pup hydrated and full of vitamins A and C, while carrots provide fibre and beta-carotene for eye health. The result is a naturally sweet, hydrating popsicle that tastes as good as it looks.

3. Pumpkin and Yoghurt Popsicles

• How to make it: Mix one mashed banana with a few spoonfuls of plain pumpkin purée and dairy-free or unsweetened yoghurt. Stir until smooth, pour into moulds, and freeze overnight.
• Why it’s great: Pumpkin is rich in fibre, helping with digestion and reducing hairballs, while yoghurt adds probiotics for gut health. It’s a gentle, nourishing popsicle perfect for sensitive stomachs or post-playtime cool-downs.

4. Berry Blast Popsicles

• How to make it: Blend strawberries, blueberries, and a splash of coconut milk or water until smooth. Pour into paw- or bone-shaped moulds and freeze for at least five hours.
• Why it’s great: Berries are full of antioxidants that support brain and heart health, while coconut milk adds a creamy texture dogs adore. It’s refreshing, nutritious, and perfect for those tail-wagging summer afternoons.

20 Ingredients to Avoid When Making Popsicles For Dogs

Not every tasty human ingredient is safe for your pup. Here’s what to keep off your dog’s popsicle list.

1. Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
2. Xylitol: A sugar substitute that can cause liver failure.
3. Grapes and Raisins: Can lead to kidney damage even in small amounts.
4. Avocado: Persin in avocado can upset your dog’s stomach.
5. Caffeine: Found in tea, coffee, and energy drinks; dangerous for dogs.
6. Alcohol: Even a few drops can cause severe reactions.
7. Onions and Garlic: Damage red blood cells and can lead to anaemia.
8. Macadamia Nuts: Highly toxic and can cause weakness or tremors.
9. Dairy with Added Sugar: Can trigger stomach upsets and diarrhoea.
10. Artificial Sweeteners: Many are unsafe and add no nutritional value.
11. Raw Dough: Expands in the stomach and produces harmful gases.
12. Salted Broths or Snacks: Too much sodium can dehydrate your dog.
13. Nutmeg: Contains myristicin, which can cause vomiting or hallucinations.
14. Raw Meat or Eggs: Risk of Salmonella and harmful bacteria.
15. Fatty Meats or Trimmings: Can lead to pancreatitis or obesity.
16. Sugary Syrups or Candy: Spike blood sugar and add empty calories.
17. Citrus Fruits (Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit): Too acidic for sensitive stomachs.
18. Raw Potatoes: Contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs.
19. Flavoured Yoghurts: Often packed with sugar or artificial additives.
20. Cooked Bones: Can splinter and cause internal injuries.

20 Safe Ingredients to Make Popsicles for Dogs

Give your dog a cool, healthy treat with these vet-approved, tail-wagging ingredients:

1. Bananas: Sweet, soft, and rich in potassium for energy.
2. Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants that boost brain health.
3. Watermelon: Super hydrating; remove seeds and rind first.
4. Pumpkin: Full of fibre and great for digestion.
5. Plain Yoghurt: Adds creamy texture and probiotics for gut health.
6. Coconut Milk: Dairy-free and gentle on sensitive stomachs.
7. Peanut Butter (Unsalted, Xylitol-Free): Tasty and full of healthy fats.
8. Strawberries: Vitamin C-rich and naturally sweet.
9. Apples (No Seeds): Packed with vitamins A and C.
10. Carrots: Add beta-carotene for eye health.
11. Cantaloupe: Refreshing, vitamin-filled melon that dogs love.
12. Spinach: Small amounts give iron and antioxidants.
13. Cucumber: Light, hydrating, and low in calories.
14. Sweet Potato (Cooked): Full of fibre and vitamins B6 and C.
15. Plain Goat’s Milk: Gentle alternative for sensitive dogs.
16. Bone Broth (Unsalted): Adds flavour and supports joint health.
17. Honey (in moderation): Natural sweetener with antibacterial benefits.
18. Oats:  Great fibre source for digestion; use in small amounts.
19. Kefir: A probiotic-packed alternative to yoghurt.
20. Unsweetened Applesauce: Easy to mix and adds natural sweetness.

Fun Ways to Serve Dog Popsicles

Once you’ve learned how to make popsicles for dogs, serving them can be just as fun as making them. Use silicone moulds or ice cube trays in cute shapes, paws, bones, or hearts. You can even freeze the mix inside a Kong toy for an interactive treat that keeps your dog busy.

For easy clean-up, serve popsicles outdoors or on tiled floors, especially on warm days. Always supervise your pup while they lick away. You don’t want any overexcited chomping. A little creativity is just really cool.

Freeze, Serve, and Enjoy!

Now that you know how to make popsicles for dogs, it’s time for the best part: serving them! Once frozen solid, pop a few out and let your dog enjoy one or two at a time, depending on their size. Store any extras in a sealed container for up to a week, ready for the next sunny day. It’s a simple way to show love while keeping your dog cool, hydrated, and full of tail-wags.