Broth & Herb Blitz: Fast Frozen Dog Treat Recipe

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.

Do​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you ever worry about the ingredients in those dog treats that you buy from the store?

Quite a few of them are loaded with strange ingredients and fillers that your dog does not require at all, making it difficult to put your trust in them.

Such a situation can cause upset tummies, allergies, and even larger health problems in the future.

But here’s the thing: you want to spoil your furry friend, don’t you? I will teach you how to prepare very nutritious and tasty frozen treats at home that your dog will love, so let’s go!

Recipe Overview

• Purpose: These frozen treats are perfect for cooling down your dog on hot days or for a healthy, low-calorie snack.
• Benefits: Hydrating, packed with natural vitamins, and excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to common treat ingredients. They also help with fresh breath!
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (freezing time not included)
• Freezing Time: 2-4 hours
• Serving Size: Approximately 24-30 small treats (depending on mold size)

Ingredients List

• Bone Broth (low sodium, dog-safe): 2 cups (around $4.00 – $6.00 for a carton). Make sure it’s unsalted or very low sodium and free of onion/garlic. This is great for gut health.
• Fresh Parsley (finely chopped): 1/4 cup (around $1.50 – $2.00 per bunch). Helps with breath and is a good source of vitamins K and C.
• Fresh Mint (finely chopped): 2 tablespoons (around $1.50 – $2.00 per bunch). Also great for fresh breath and can soothe an upset stomach.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: 1/4 cup (around $2.00 – $3.00 for a jar). Adds a touch of natural sweetness and fiber. Make sure it has no added sugar or xylitol.
• Gelatin Powder (unflavored): 1 tablespoon (around $3.00 – $5.00 for a box of envelopes). This helps the treats set firmly. It’s also good for joint health.
• Water (cold): 1/4 cup. Used to bloom the gelatin.

Total Estimated Cost: $14.00 – $18.00

Suitable Substitutions:

You can swap out parsley and mint for other dog-safe herbs like dill or cilantro, if your dog prefers. Always research herbs to ensure they are safe for dogs. For the bone broth, chicken or beef varieties are both fine, just remember to check sodium and ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather Your Tools: Get out a medium mixing bowl, a whisk, a measuring cup, measuring spoons, and silicone ice cube trays or treat molds.
2. Bloom the Gelatin: Pour the 1/4 cup of cold water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes thick and spongy. This is an important step to make sure it dissolves well later.
3. Heat the Broth: Gently warm 1 cup of the bone broth in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until it’s warm, but not boiling. Warm liquid helps the gelatin dissolve easily.
4. Dissolve Gelatin: Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the warm bone broth. Whisk constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. It should be a smooth liquid.
5. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour the gelatin-broth mixture into your medium mixing bowl. Add the remaining 1 cup of cold bone broth, the finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh mint, and the unsweetened applesauce.
6. Mix Well: Stir everything together thoroughly with your whisk or a spoon. You want all the ingredients evenly distributed.
7. Fill the Molds: Carefully pour the mixture into your silicone ice cube trays or treat molds. Don’t overfill them; leave a little space at the top.
8. Freeze Until Solid: Place the filled molds on a flat surface in your freezer. Let them freeze for at least 2-4 hours, or until they are completely solid.
9. Store Them: Once frozen, pop the treats out of the molds. Transfer them into an airtight freezer-safe bag or container.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 small treats per day. These are a refreshing snack, not a meal replacement.
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 small treats per day. Watch their reaction and adjust if needed.
• Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): 3-4 small treats per day. They can handle a bit more due to their size.

For highly active dogs, you might offer one more treat, but remember to factor it into their daily caloric intake. For older or less active dogs, stick to the lower end of the recommendations. Always introduce new treats slowly to see how your dog reacts.

Here’s the thing, every dog is different. It’s always a good idea to chat with your vet about how many treats are right for your specific dog. They can give you personalized advice.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Bone Broth: This is a powerhouse for gut health. It contains collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support digestion and joint health. It’s also super hydrating.
• Parsley: A fantastic source of Vitamin K for blood clotting and Vitamin C for immune support. It also helps freshen breath naturally.
• Mint: Beyond freshening breath, mint can help soothe an upset stomach and contains antioxidants. It’s a mild herb, but potent enough for its benefits.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds a gentle touch of fiber for digestion and natural vitamins without any added sugars. Fiber is important for a healthy bowel.
• Gelatin Powder: Besides helping the treats set, gelatin is beneficial for joint health and can support a healthy coat. It’s essentially cooked collagen.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Refrigeration: These treats are best stored in the freezer. They will melt if left out for too long.
• Freezing Instructions: Store the solid treats in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date you made them.
• Reheating: No reheating needed! Serve them straight from the freezer.
• Serving Ideas:
  • Offer them as a cool, refreshing treat on a hot day.
  • Use them as a high-value reward during training sessions.
  • Mix one or two into your dog’s regular kibble for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
  • If your dog is teething, these can be really soothing for their gums.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use regular broth instead of bone broth?

You can, but make sure it’s very low sodium and completely free of onion, garlic, or other harmful ingredients. Bone broth offers more nutritional benefits like collagen. So it’s generally a better choice.

My dog won’t eat them. What can I do?

Some dogs are picky. Try adding a tiny bit of peanut butter (xylitol-free) to the mixture before freezing, or a very small amount of mashed banana. You can also try different dog-safe herbs to see what they prefer.

Are these safe for puppies?

Yes, these treats are generally safe for puppies, especially for teething. Always serve in moderation and consider cutting larger treats into smaller pieces for tiny pups. Talk to your vet first if your puppy has any health issues.

How do I know if the herbs are safe for my dog?

Always do a quick online search or check with your vet. Herbs like parsley, mint, basil, and rosemary are usually fine in small amounts. Avoid things like chives, which are toxic.

Wrapping Up

Making these treats is a simple way to show your dog some extra love with healthy, wholesome ingredients. They’re super easy, cost-effective, and your dog will absolutely adore them!

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Treats board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!