Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
Are you totally fed up with having to pay exorbitant prices for small dog treats? It is indeed a horrible feeling to witness the cost of such snacks, which typically contain ingredients that you cannot even pronounce, keep going up.
All you want to do is to give your dog a nice treat without tearing your wallet apart or being concerned about the presence of some unknown additives. Fortunately, there exists a straightforward, wholesome, and extremely inexpensive method of pampering your closest companion.
Medical Questions? Talk to a Veterinarian 24/7.
Connect one-on-one with a licensed vet who will answer your questions in minutes.
*Article may contain affiliate links to retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Learn more on our disclosure page.
Recipe Overview
Get ready to make “Ice Cube Crunchers,” the ultimate budget-friendly frozen dog treat. This recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and packed with wholesome goodness. It’s perfect for cooling down your dog on a hot day or just giving them a refreshing snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freeze Time: 2-3 hours
- Yields: Approx. 24 ice cube treats (depending on tray size)
[lasso ref=”fave” id=”19043″]
Ingredients List
Making these treats is super cheap and uses common kitchen staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (dairy or non-dairy, like coconut yogurt, is fine if your dog is sensitive to dairy). Cost: ~$1.50 – $2.00
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free!). Cost: ~$1.00 – $1.50
- 1 ripe banana, mashed. Cost: ~$0.20 – $0.30
- 1/4 cup water or unsalted chicken broth (optional, for consistency). Cost: ~$0.05 – $0.10
Total Estimated Cost: ~$2.75 – $3.90
You can swap out ingredients too. For example, use pumpkin puree instead of banana. Or try almond butter instead of peanut butter if your dog has an allergy, just make sure it’s also xylitol-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is really straightforward. You don’t need any special equipment, just a bowl and an ice cube tray.
- Step 1: Get a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Add the plain yogurt, peanut butter, and mashed banana to the bowl.
- Step 3: Mix everything really well until it’s smooth. You want to make sure there are no big lumps of banana or peanut butter.
- Step 4: If the mixture is too thick, add the water or chicken broth a little at a time. Stir it until you get a consistency that’s easy to pour or spoon.
- Step 5: Carefully spoon or pour the mixture into an ice cube tray. Fill each compartment almost to the top.
- Step 6: Gently tap the ice cube tray on your counter. This helps get rid of any air bubbles.
- Step 7: Put the tray in the freezer. Let the treats freeze for at least 2-3 hours. They need to be solid.
- Step 8: Once they’re frozen, pop the treats out of the tray. Your dog is going to love these!
[lasso ref=”the-forever-dog-life-120-recipes-longevity-tips-and-new-science-for-better-bowls-and-healthier-homes” id=”18607″]
Feeding Guidelines
These treats are healthy, but everything in moderation, right? Here’s a general idea of how many to give your dog:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 treats per day. A Shih Tzu might get one, while a Beagle could have two.
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 treats per day. Think a Corgi or a Border Collie.
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 3-4 treats per day. A Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd can handle a few more.
If your dog is super active, they might be able to have an extra one. But if they’re a couch potato, stick to the lower end. Every dog is different, so watch how your dog reacts. And always, always chat with your vet if you have questions about their diet, especially for puppies or senior dogs.
Look, prepping and cooking for your dog is great, but sometimes you might be too tired or maybe a tad lazy, or maybe you just want to give yourself a well deserved break.
In such times, you want something reliable and nutritious for your dog, and that’s where Ollie comes in. It’s my favorite dog food subscription ever.
Fresh human grade dog food sent to your doorstep, and there’s no lock in.
Give it a shot, will ya?
Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
These Ice Cube Crunchers aren’t just tasty; they’re good for your dog too. Each ingredient brings something valuable to the table.
- Plain Yogurt: This is a great source of probiotics, which are good bacteria for your dog’s gut health. It helps with digestion and can even boost their immune system.
- Peanut Butter: Loaded with protein, which is essential for strong muscles. It also has healthy fats, like omega-6 fatty acids, that are good for skin and coat. Plus, it gives them energy.
- Banana: Bananas are packed with potassium, which is important for heart and kidney function. They also provide fiber, aiding digestion, and vitamins C and B6.
- Water/Chicken Broth: Keeps them hydrated and adds a little extra flavor without unnecessary calories.
This combo ensures your dog gets a well-rounded snack that supports their overall well-being. It’s a win-win: they get a treat, and you know it’s helping them stay healthy.
Storage and Serving Tips
Making a big batch of these treats is smart. Here’s how to keep them fresh and ready for snack time.
- Storage: Once frozen, you can transfer the Ice Cube Crunchers to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Serving: You can serve these treats straight from the freezer. They are meant to be crunchy!
- Thawing: Don’t let them thaw completely; the best part is the frozen crunch.
- Mix it Up: For a special twist, you can sprinkle a little dog-safe cinnamon on top before freezing. Or, mix a treat into their regular kibble for an extra flavorful meal.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
How do I know if the peanut butter has xylitol?
Always check the ingredient label very carefully. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Look for brands that explicitly state “xylitol-free” or only list peanuts and salt as ingredients. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to avoid that brand.
Can I use flavored yogurt?
No, it’s best to stick to plain, unsweetened yogurt. Flavored yogurts often contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners (like xylitol), or fruits that aren’t good for dogs. Always choose the simplest, plainest option.
My dog has a sensitive stomach. Is this recipe okay?
For most dogs, these ingredients are gentle. Yogurt with probiotics can even help digestion. However, if your dog has known sensitivities, you might start with a very small amount to see how they react. You can also try non-dairy yogurt or substitute banana with a small amount of cooked, plain pumpkin puree.
Can I add other fruits or veggies?
Yes, absolutely! You can blend in small amounts of other dog-safe fruits and veggies. Think blueberries, strawberries, or pureed cooked carrots. Just be sure they are safe for dogs and don’t contain pits or seeds that could be harmful.
The treats are too hard for my small dog. What can I do?
You can adjust the size by using smaller ice cube trays. Or, let them sit out for just a minute or two before giving them to your dog to soften slightly. For very small dogs or those with dental issues, you might even consider slightly less freezing time or blending the mixture with a little more water to make them less dense.
📖 Don’t Miss This…
Need more ideas on what to cook for your dog? Then you must check out my library of homemade dog food recipes today!
Wrapping Up
Ready to make your dog’s day with these super simple, delicious, and budget-friendly Ice Cube Crunchers? It’s a treat they’ll adore, and you’ll love how easy they are to make.
Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Treat board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!
