Oh my goodness, when that summer heat hits, you know our furry best friends melt right along with the sidewalk! I swear my dog, Buster, starts panting the second the temperature hits 75 degrees, so I get really serious about keeping him cool. Forget expensive doggy ice cream; I whip up batches of these incredible, nearly instant Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for dogs basically every other day.
The best part? You only need two ingredients. That’s right—two! It’s the simplest, most refreshing thing you can make for your pup, and Buster goes absolutely bonkers for them. If you want a guaranteed way to earn major canine kudos this summer, grab your blender; we are making these superstars!
Why You Need These Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs
Honestly, these aren’t just a treat; they are a necessity when the sun is trying to bake us all! I keep a batch on hand all summer long because they tick every single box a good dog recipe should. You absolutely have to try them because…
- They are ridiculously easy! Seriously, less than five minutes of actual work before they hit the freezer. You can check out some of my other super simple homemade dog treats, but these are probably the fastest.
- Maximum refreshment! Watermelon is hydrating, and when it’s served icy cold, it’s perfect for cooling down a hot pup.
- Only two ingredients means no worrying about weird fillers or preservatives—just good, wholesome goodness.
- My dog, Buster, drools the second he hears the blender start when I make these. The excitement levels are off the charts!
- They are soft enough for older dogs or puppies, but firm enough to give them that satisfying frozen chew.
Essential Ingredients for Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs
When I say this recipe is simple, I mean it! You only need two things, and if you try substituting anything, I promise you, Buster will know. Trust me on this one; the flavor balance is perfect the first time.
You will need:
- 2 cups of seedless watermelon, cut into cubes. If you use frozen watermelon, your freezies will set way faster! But fresh works great too.
- 1 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt. This is crucial—you need plain yogurt, whether it’s the thick Greek kind or regular. Make sure there’s no sugar added. If you want to check out another recipe using yogurt, try my cucumber yogurt dog treats next time!
Equipment Needed for Perfect Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs
You don’t need a lot of fancy gear for these Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for dogs, which is fantastic for a busy weeknight treat. Honestly, if you have a kitchen, you probably have what’s needed! But having the right tools makes the cleanup part so much easier.
The two non-negotiable items are:
- A good, strong Blender. This is where the magic happens because you need to liquefy that tough watermelon.
- Ice cube trays or silicone molds.
Now, here’s my little bit of expertise that saves my fingers every single time. Don’t just grab whatever old hard plastic ice cube tray you have lying around! They work, sure, but trying to pop out twelve frozen cubes without breaking them—or breaking a nail—is a nightmare. If you can swing it, please get some silicone molds. They are lifesavers for any frozen dog treat recipe. You just push gently on the bottom, and the little watermelon yogurt freezie slides right out. If you use regular trays, just run the bottom under slightly warm water for about five seconds! But silicone gets my highest recommendation for ease!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs
Making these Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for dogs is so straightforward, I often make a batch while Buster is finishing his breakfast. We aren’t cooking anything, which is always a win in my book! We’re relying totally on the blender to do the heavy lifting here. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have cooling treats ready in no time.
Blending the Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs Mixture
First things first, dump those cubed watermelons right into your blender. If you forgot to freeze them beforehand, that’s totally fine; just know you might need to blend for an extra minute. Next, pour in that cup of plain yogurt.
Now, blend away! You really need to push this until it’s totally smooth. Don’t cut corners here. If the watermelon chunks are sticky on the sides, stop the machine, grab a spatula, and scrape everything back down into the blades. Nobody wants chunky watermelon bits in their perfectly creamy freezie, and this ensures your pup gets the best texture. Remember, we *must* use seedless watermelon for safety, and if you’re using fresh, you might want to check out my tips on how to make perfect frozen watermelon cubes recipe for dogs to prep ahead!
Freezing and Storing Your Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs
Once that mixture is looking like pink, creamy perfection, it’s time to pour it out. Carefully fill up your ice cube trays or your silicone molds. Try not to make too big of a mess—yogurt tends to splatter when you try to move the full tray!
Then, the hard part: waiting! Slide the tray into the freezer. You need these puppies to set completely. I find that after about 4 hours, they are generally perfect and completely firm. Once they are done, pop out what you want to serve right away. If you have leftovers, just transfer them all into a sturdy freezer bag or an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can find more ideas for frozen recipes like these strawberry banana frozen pops too!
Tips for Success When Making Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs
Even though this recipe is super simple, a few little tricks make sure these Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for dogs are always perfectly safe and tasty for your pup. My goal is always safe treats, so pay attention to your yogurt brand!
Seriously, the most important thing is the yogurt. You absolutely must check the label to make sure there is zero xylitol or any added sugars. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, and I just won’t risk it. Stick to 100% plain, unsweetened yogurt. If you need more information on safe ingredients, you might want to check out my guide on general homemade yogurt dog treats!
Also, remember these are a treat, not a meal replacement! Watermelon is mostly water, which is great, but these freezies still have calories, and yogurt has fat. I only give Buster one or maybe two cubes after a good long walk in the heat. Always serve them in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet for your dog. It’s about cooling them down, not filling them up!
Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs: Serving Suggestions and Moderation
When the weather is just miserable outside, these Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for dogs are the absolute best poolside snack! I try to serve them when Buster is tired out from a long walk or just needs a fun distraction in his bowl on the patio. He loves licking them slowly—it gives him something cool to focus on.
But I have to remind everyone right up front: these are treats! They are hydrating and fun, but they aren’t a substitute for their regular food. Always check out my main recipe for watermelon dog treats for other ideas. Moderation is key, sweet friends, so serve a couple and save the rest for the next scorcher!
Common Questions About Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs (FAQ)
I get so many questions buzzing into my inbox once the summer hits, and that’s okay! It just means everyone loves spoiling their pups safely. Here are a few things I hear all the time when people are getting ready to make these fantastic Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for dogs.
Can I use flavored yogurt in my Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs?
Oh, please, don’t! This is where we have to be super careful for our furry friends. You absolutely have to stick to plain, unsweetened yogurt. Flavored yogurts are usually packed with added sugar, which isn’t great for dogs, but even worse, some brands sneak in artificial sweeteners. The big, scary one we must avoid is xylitol, which is super toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. So, plain yogurt is the only way to make sure these treats are safe and yummy!
How long do Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for dogs last in the freezer?
Because we aren’t adding any weird preservatives—since these are fresh fruit and dairy—they last beautifully in the freezer. If you store them correctly in a truly airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, you can easily keep these wonderful Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for dogs for about one to two months. If you find your dog starting to give you the side-eye after a month, that’s when it might be time to whip up a fresh batch, though they usually taste great way longer!
If you need more reassurance about dog-safe treats in general, you can always cross-reference my dog biscuit blueberry recipe for flavor ideas!
Nutritional Estimates for Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs
Okay, now I know some of you super diligent pet parents like to track everything your pup eats in a day, and I totally get that! When I make these Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for dogs, I like to have a rough idea of what Buster is getting, especially since his diet needs to stay balanced.
Since we are using just two simple ingredients—and remember, those standard measurements work differently depending on how much water is in your watermelon or the thickness of your yogurt—these are just rough estimates per one little freezie cube. Use these as a guideline, okay? They aren’t official lab results!
Based on using standard cubed watermelon and regular plain yogurt, here’s what you can generally expect per serving (one cube):
- Calories: Around 15–20 calories (Such a low count makes these perfect for dogs needing to watch their weight!)
- Fat: Less than 1 gram
- Protein: About 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 3–4 grams
See? Nothing scary here! They are mostly water and a tiny bit of protein from that lovely yogurt. If you wanted to get fancier with your yogurt (like using Greek yogurt), the protein count might tick up just a hair, but honestly, they are a fantastic, low-guilt treat. If you’re looking for other great recipes that use yogurt but focus more on seasonal produce, you really need to try my pumpkin yogurt dog treats when fall rolls around!
Share Your Success with These Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs
Okay, that’s all there is to it! We’ve made the easiest, most refreshing treat possible for our best friends. Now I absolutely need to know what you and your pups think! Did Buster love his? Did your little terrier manage to lick it clean faster than mine?
If you made a batch of these amazing Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for dogs, please tell me about it! You can drop a comment right down below and let me know how quickly your dog devoured them. Did you share your results on social media? If you did, feel free to tag me! I love seeing all your happy dogs enjoying my simple recipes. It truly makes my day knowing I helped cool down another pup!
And hey, while you’re waiting for your own treats to freeze, why not jump over to the main blog page for even more fun ideas? Happy treating, and stay cool out there!
Watermelon Yogurt Freezies for Dogs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the cubed watermelon into a blender.
- Add the plain yogurt to the blender with the watermelon.
- Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides.
- Carefully pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone mold.
- Place the tray in the freezer and allow the freezies to set completely, which takes about 4 hours.
- Once frozen, pop out the treats and serve one or two to your dog.
- Store any remaining freezies in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
