7 Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats for Hot Days (Easy & Healthy Recipes)

What Are Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats?

Frozen pumpkin dog treats are cold, refreshing snacks made from 100% pumpkin purée combined with dog-safe ingredients like yogurt, banana, blueberries, and peanut butter. These treats are poured into molds and frozen, creating a healthy pupsicle perfect for hot weather.

Pumpkin is rich in fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness, making it an ideal base for frozen dog treats. When frozen, it becomes a smooth, cooling snack that helps hydrate dogs while giving them a tasty reward.

Why Pumpkin Is a Safe & Nutritious Ingredient for Dogs

Pumpkin is recommended by veterinarians because it supports:

• Digestive health

• Hydration

• Weight control

• Immune system function

According to PetMD, pumpkin contains soluble fiber that may help regulate digestion.

Just make sure you use plain pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling (which contains sugar and nutmeg—unsafe for dogs).

How Frozen Dog Treats Help Dogs Stay Cool

Frozen treats slow down:

• Overheating

• Excessive panting

• Heat-related fatigue

They also provide mental enrichment, since licking frozen treats keeps dogs engaged and calm.

Frozen Treats vs. Pupsicles vs. Ice Pops

• Frozen treats → made from yogurt, pumpkin, fruit

• Pupsicles → molded, harder frozen treats

• Ice pops → more watery and melt faster

Frozen pumpkin treats fall into all categories, depending on ingredients.

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Benefits of Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats for Dogs

Cooling Relief in Hot Weather

These treats help lower body temperature while providing a refreshing snack. Perfect after walks, playtime, or outdoor training.

Pumpkin Supports Digestive Health

Pumpkin is loaded with fiber, which can help with:

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Irregular digestion

It’s a gentle, stomach-friendly food suitable for sensitive dogs.

Low-Calorie Treat Option

Pumpkin is naturally low in calories but high in nutrients, making these treats ideal for:

• Weight control

• Senior dogs

• Dogs on low-fat diets

Great for Enrichment & Slow Feeding

Frozen treats:

• Encourage licking

• Reduce anxiety

• Provide healthy boredom relief

Suitable for Dogs with Food Allergies

Pumpkin is hypoallergenic for most dogs and works well as a limited-ingredient base.

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Ingredients You Need to Make Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats

Choosing the Right Pumpkin

Use:

• 100% pure pumpkin purée

• Unsweetened canned pumpkin

• Fresh cooked pumpkin (blended)

Avoid:

• Pumpkin pie filling (contains sugar, spices, nutmeg)

The AKC warns that nutmeg contains a toxic compound called myristicin.

Dog-Safe Add-Ins

Pumpkin pairs well with many dog-approved ingredients:

• Plain Greek yogurt

• Bananas

• Peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• Blueberries

• Coconut oil

• Bone broth

• Applesauce (unsweetened)

Healthy Mix-Ins for Extra Nutrition

Optional boosters include:

• Chia seeds

• Flaxseed meal

• Turmeric (very small amount)

• Carob powder

Foods to Avoid

Never include:

• Nutmeg

• Xylitol (found in some peanut butters)

• Sweetened yogurt

• Chocolate

• Spices (cinnamon is okay in tiny amounts)

Check ASPCA’s toxic foods list for safety confirmation.

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7 Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats for Hot Days

Here are seven quick, healthy recipes you can make with minimal ingredients and no baking!

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1. Pumpkin & Banana Frozen Bites

A naturally sweet, creamy treat perfect for small dogs and puppies.

Ingredients

• ½ cup pumpkin purée

• 1 ripe banana

• Splash of water or yogurt

Instructions

1. Mash the banana in a bowl.

2. Add pumpkin and mix until smooth.

3. Pour into silicone molds.

4. Freeze for 2–3 hours.

Why Dogs Love It

Bananas add potassium and natural sweetness, while pumpkin helps digestion.

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2. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pupsicles

A creamy, high-value treat perfect for training rewards.

Ingredients

• ½ cup pumpkin

• 2 tbsp peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• 2 tbsp yogurt or water

Instructions

1. Mix pumpkin and peanut butter.

2. Add yogurt/water to thin out.

3. Pour into pupsicle molds.

4. Freeze 3–4 hours.

Why It Works

Peanut butter adds flavor and healthy fats. Always choose unsweetened PB.

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3. Pumpkin Yogurt Swirl Cubes

A probiotic-rich frozen treat.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup pumpkin

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Spoon pumpkin into molds.

2. Add yogurt and swirl lightly.

3. Freeze 2–4 hours.

Benefits

Great for digestion and gut health. Perfect for hot days and stomach comfort.

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4. Frozen Pumpkin & Blueberry Treats

Packed with antioxidants and digestive fiber.

Ingredients

• ½ cup pumpkin

• ¼ cup blueberries

• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Blend blueberries into a light puree.

2. Mix with pumpkin.

3. Freeze in bite-size molds.

Benefits

Blueberries support brain and immune health.

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5. Pumpkin Coconut Oil Freezer Drops

Great for skin, coat, and inflammation support.

Ingredients

• ½ cup pumpkin

• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil

• Optional: tiny pinch turmeric

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients.

2. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined tray.

3. Freeze for 1–2 hours.

Benefits

Coconut oil supports coat shine and skin hydration.

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6. Frozen Pumpkin Bone Broth Pops

The most hydrating treat on this list.

Ingredients

• ½ cup pumpkin

• ½ cup dog-safe bone broth (no onion)

Instructions

1. Mix pumpkin with bone broth.

2. Pour into molds or ice trays.

3. Freeze 3–4 hours.

Why It’s Great

Bone broth helps hydration, joint health, and flavor.

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7. Pumpkin Applesauce Ice Cubes

A light, low-calorie, stomach-friendly frozen snack.

Ingredients

• ½ cup pumpkin

• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

• Water as needed

Instructions

1. Mix pumpkin and applesauce.

2. Add water to thin.

3. Freeze until firm.

Benefits

Perfect for weight control and sensitive digestive systems.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats

Step 1 — Prepare Ingredients

Use plain pumpkin and dog-safe add-ins.

Step 2 — Mix Ingredients

Blend for smooth texture or mix by hand for chunkier treats.

Step 3 — Pour Into Molds

Silicone molds make removal easier.

Step 4 — Freeze for 2–5 Hours

Time varies based on mold size.

Step 5 — Serve in Proper Portions

Small dogs → smaller cubes
Large dogs → standard pupsicles

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Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Using Pumpkin Pie Filling

Contains sugar + spices → dangerous for dogs.

Adding Too Much Peanut Butter

High calorie → use small amounts.

Molds Too Large for Small Dogs

Choose small shapes to avoid choking hazards.

Overfeeding Frozen Treats

Moderation is key, especially in cooler weather.

Not Checking for Allergies

Introduce new ingredients slowly.

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Best Tools & Products for Making Pumpkin Frozen Treats

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Expert Tips for Perfect Frozen Pumpkin Treats

Adjust Texture Based on Your Dog

• Add yogurt for creamy texture

• Add broth for icier pops

• Add banana for thick, sweet consistency

Healthy Add-Ins

Blueberries, chia seeds, shredded carrot.

Serving to Puppies

Use tiny molds and avoid added oils.

How Often Dogs Can Eat Frozen Treats

1–3 treats per day depending on size.

Flavor Pairings Dogs Love

Pumpkin + peanut butter
Pumpkin + banana
Pumpkin + yogurt

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Storage & Shelf Life

Freezer Life

Frozen treats last up to 2 months when stored in airtight containers.

Avoid Freezer Burn

Use BPA-free containers or silicone bags.

Signs Treats Have Gone Bad

• Ice buildup

• Sour smell

• Discoloration

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FAQs About Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats

1. Is pumpkin safe for dogs every day?

In small amounts, yes. Pumpkin is great for digestion but should be fed in moderation.

2. Can puppies eat frozen pumpkin treats?

Yes, but offer small pieces and avoid large hard-frozen chunks.

3. What type of pumpkin should I use?

Always use 100% pumpkin purée. Avoid pumpkin pie filling.

4. How many frozen treats can my dog have?

1–3 small treats per day depending on size and activity level.

5. Can I substitute pumpkin with sweet potato?

Yes! Sweet potato is equally nutritious and dog safe.

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Conclusion

Frozen pumpkin dog treats are one of the easiest and healthiest ways to help your dog stay cool on hot days. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create refreshing pupsicles packed with nutrition and flavor.

Whether you choose the pumpkin yogurt swirl, pumpkin banana bites, or bone broth pops, each recipe offers your dog something cool, tasty, and wholesome.