3 Amazing Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites

When the summer heat hits and you see your sweet pup panting, looking miserable, you just want to give them a little cool-down treat, right? I search everywhere for something refreshing that isn’t just plain ice cubes. That’s when I landed on these amazing **Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs**! Seriously, these are my secret weapon against doggy heat exhaustion.

My little guy, Buster, absolutely adores anything that tastes like peanut butter, so I needed a way to serve it safely and coolly. These little bites are so ridiculously easy—no oven needed, just mix and freeze! Plus, the blueberries give them the prettiest pop of color. I started making these because I needed a healthy snack option that was fast, and now Buster begs for them!

Why You Will Love Making Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs

Honestly, sometimes I don’t have time for complicated baking sessions, especially for treats that will be gone in five minutes! These frozen bites passed the Buster test, and I think they’ll pass yours too. Here’s why I always keep a batch ready in the freezer:

• They are unbelievably fast to make—we’re talking less than ten minutes of effort before they head to the freezer.
• Zero baking required! This means no worrying about oven temps or checking if the bottoms are too brown. Pure mixing magic.
• The texture is so satisfying for dogs; they get that nice, cold, firm feeling without being rock-solid ice.
• They use only three simple, whole-food ingredients, so I never worry about what I’m feeding my best friend. If you’re looking for more simple baking, you should really check out all the other easy homemade dog treats I’ve shared!

Essential Equipment for Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs

When I first started making these for Buster, I just grabbed whatever I had in the cupboard. You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe, which is part of what I love about it. Keeping things minimal means less cleanup, and trust me, cleanup is my least favorite part of any recipe!

For these simple frozen treats, here’s the short list of what you absolutely need:

• A mini muffin tin. This is what gives them that classic, cute bite shape.
• A small mixing bowl, just big enough to get a good swirl going.
• A fork or a small potato masher for squishing those blueberries.

Now, here’s one of my favorite kitchen tricks that makes getting these out in one piece a total breeze. While the muffin tin works perfectly fine, if you happen to have any small silicone molds, use those! Silicone is a total game-changer for frozen things because they pop right out. I have these cute little bone-shaped molds that I use now, but even little round ones work great. If you’re looking to use molds more often for dog treats, you should definitely check out some great ideas for dog treats using silicone molds! It saves so much time trying to pry frozen yogurt out!

Ingredient Clarity for Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs

Okay, since these are going straight into my dog’s tummy, I am super serious about what ingredients go in! When you’re dabbling in making **homemade dog food** or snacks, you have to pay attention to the details. A tiny bit of sugar or wrong spice can be fine for us, but for our dogs, it’s a big deal. So, stick precisely to these measurements, please!

Here’s exactly what you need. See those notes? Don’t skip them—they are important!

• Yogurt Power: You need 1 full cup of Plain, unsweetened yogurt. I like Greek style sometimes, but plain works best for the right consistency. The main thing is that it has to be plain and unsweetened.
• Blueberry Goodness: Grab 1/2 cup of Blueberries. You can use them straight from the freezer or fresh, it doesn’t matter, but we are going to soften them up first.
• The Star: You need 2 tablespoons of Peanut butter. And this is where we need to have a serious chat about safety!

Listen to me carefully about the peanut butter: You absolutely MUST ensure your peanut butter is xylitol-free. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that sneaks into some human foods, and I mean it when I say it is incredibly toxic to dogs. It causes their blood sugar to crash, which is an emergency! When you check the jar, look right at the ingredient list. If you see xylitol, put it back on the shelf immediately and find one that only lists peanuts and maybe salt, or definitely no added sweeteners. It’s non-negotiable for the safety of these treats. If you’re wanting other ideas on feeding your dog safely, check out my post on 10 easy homemade dog food recipes for more cooking inspiration!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs

Okay, now for the fun part! This is where the magic happens, and I promise you, it’s so fast. You’re going to have these gorgeous **Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs** ready before you can even finish your first cup of coffee. We’re going to move quickly, but don’t rush the mixing part—that’s where the swirl comes from!

1. Preparing the Blueberry Base

First things first, we need to get those blueberries soft so they mash easily into our yogurt base. Pop your cup of blueberries into a tiny, microwave-safe bowl. You only need about 15 to 20 seconds in the microwave—just until they start weeping a little bit and look plump. You’ll know they are ready when you take a fork and they yield easily! Give them a good mash right there in the bowl until you have a chunky, beautiful puree. Don’t worry if there are still a couple of whole ones clinging on!

1. Creating the Swirl Mixture for Your Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs

Now, take your yogurt and your xylitol-free peanut butter and toss them into your mixing bowl. Pour in the mashed blueberries too. Get your spoon or spatula in there and mix it all together. But here’s my biggest tip for amazing-looking treats: do not over-mix! I mean it! You want streaks of white yogurt, streaks of blue, maybe a dollop of peanut butter still visible. This swirl effect is what makes these bites so appealing, and it just gives a slightly different tasty texture in every single bite.

1. Freezing and Serving the Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs

Once you’ve got that beautiful, imperfect swirl going, grab that mini muffin tin. Spoon the mixture into the cups, filling them about three-quarters of the way up. They don’t spread, so filling them nicely is key for uniform treats. Head straight for the freezer! These need to stay frozen until they are completely solid, which takes at least 8 long hours, but overnight is always better for me. When you are ready to serve these **Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs**, just pop them out and give your pup a cool, refreshing snack!

I always keep a batch ready for when we get back from our evening walk. It’s honestly the best reward!

For more easy ideas for your furry friend, check out these 12 easy appetizers and snack ideas that are perfect for dogs!

Ingredient Notes and Safe Substitutions

I get so many questions about swapping ingredients, which is totally understandable! We all have different things hiding in our pantries, and sometimes we run out of yogurt or your pup is weirdly picky about peanut butter brands. While I stuck to the simple three for my main recipe, let’s talk about a few safe swaps you can try for these frozen bites.

Can I use Greek Yogurt instead of Plain Yogurt?

Yes, you absolutely can! Greek yogurt is a bit thicker, which is great because it helps make the final bite even firmer when frozen, which I actually prefer sometimes. The only thing is that Greek yogurt has a slightly tangier flavor. If your dog is sensitive to tang, maybe cut the amount of mashed blueberry slightly, or just let it be—most dogs don’t mind the extra zing at all!

Are there alternatives to peanut butter?

This is a big one, especially if your dog has potential allergies or if you’re trying to cut down on fat content. You still need something creamy to help bind things. If peanut butter is out, look for sunflower seed butter! It has a very similar consistency. Just like with peanut butter, you need to check that label obsessively—you absolutely cannot use sunflower butter that contains xylitol. Seriously, read the label three times!

Other options are a little trickier because they might freeze too hard or be too thin. A very small amount (like a teaspoon or so) of plain, unsweetened applesauce can sometimes work, but it might make the final bite icier rather than creamy.

Making Big Changes? Chat With Your Vet First!

Look, I’m a home cook, not a veterinary nutritionist, and I want you to know that! These tips are based on years of making these treats for my own dog, Buster. But every dog is unique, and their systems can be sensitive. If you are thinking about making big changes—like switching the fruit entirely, using a thick cashew butter, or trying to use a low-fat yogurt—it’s always, always best to run it by your veterinarian first.

They know your dog’s history best. A simple substitution might be totally fine, but we never want to upset a sensitive tummy! For more general thoughts on keeping treats healthy, you can browse through my general dog food blog where I talk more about ingredients.

Expert Tips for Perfect Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs

You’ve got the basic steps down, but you know how it is—the little tricks are what separate a good batch from an absolutely perfect batch! I’ve learned a few things over the last few years of keeping Buster happy with these frozen gems. These little bits of finesse really help when you’re dealing with frozen yogurt mixtures.

Quick Release Tip for Stuck Bites

This is a lifesaver, especially if you are in a hurry or you used a standard metal muffin tin instead of silicone. If a bite is glued to the bottom of the tin, don’t panic and don’t try to chisel it out with a knife! That just breaks the pretty little treat.

Instead, grab a small bowl of warm water—really just tap warm, not hot. Dip the bottom of the muffin tin into the water for just three to five seconds. Seriously, just a quick dip! This slightly melts the very edge that’s touching the metal. Flip the tin over, and that little treasure should slide right out. Perfect every time! You can find more great quick and easy homemade dog food tips on my main kitchen page.

Skipping the Microwave for Blueberries

I mentioned microwaving the blueberries for 15 seconds to soften them up before mashing. That step is super convenient, but what if you’re making a huge batch or you’re out of coffee cups and don’t want to dirty one just for this? You can skip the microwave entirely!

If you are using frozen blueberries instead of fresh, just toss them right into your mixing bowl with the yogurt and peanut butter. They will start to thaw as you mix. You’ll just have to mix a bit longer, maybe two extra minutes worth of stirring and gently squishing the berries against the side of the bowl with your spoon. Trust me, the gorgeous colors will still swirl nicely into your **Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs**!

Getting the Perfect Swirl Consistency

I told you not to over-mix, but sometimes people under-mix and end up with big gobs of plain yogurt next to big gobs of plain peanut butter. To get that beautiful, marbled, swirl look, try this: mix your yogurt and blueberries together until they are *just* combined. Then, dollop your spoonfuls of peanut butter right on top.

Now, use your spatula to slowly fold the mixture over itself just two or three times. You want to see the peanut butter being pulled through the blue yogurt, but you still need clear definition between the colors. That perfect, messy marbled look is what you are aiming for!

Storage and Make-Ahead Guidance for Your Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs

Okay, since these are so easy to make, it’s tempting to just make one tiny batch for the next day, but honestly, you should go big! Making a big batch of these **Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs** is the best kind of planning. If you spend 10 minutes making a giant tray, you have a cool treat ready for weeks!

The freezer is your very best friend here. Since these are basically frozen yogurt, they last for ages as long as they stay truly frozen. I aim to use them up within about six weeks. After that, they’re usually fine, but I’ve noticed the color saturation from the blueberries can start to fade a tiny bit, and I’m all about presentation, even for Buster!

The container you use after they are fully frozen is super important. You can’t just leave them loose on the tray; they’ll clump together into one giant, slightly blue-ish frozen dog-treat brick, and then you’ll have to chip one off!

• First, make sure they are frozen completely solid. I usually leave them in the muffin tin overnight—that’s nearly 12 hours—just to be absolutely positive.
• Once they are hard as rocks, gently pop them out of the tin using my warm water trick I shared before.
• Transfer them quickly into a sturdy, airtight freezer bag or a rigid plastic container. If you use a bag, try to press out as much air as possible before sealing it up tight.

These need to be served cold, straight from the freezer! Think of them like ice cream—they won’t hold their shape if they sit out on the counter for too long. I usually pull out just four or five bites at a time for Buster’s afternoon snack. If you’re looking for tips on organizing your freezer and planning out your dog’s meals like this, check out my guide on weekly dog food prep. It really helps keep things tidy so you can always grab these tasty frozen swirls in a pinch!

Understanding Nutrition in These Healthy Dog Snacks

I know a lot of us who cook for our pups—whether it’s full meals or special treats like these frozen bites—are always thinking about what nutrients we are putting into their bowls. It’s important to know that while these little Blueberry & Peanut Butter gems are made with generally good stuff, they are definitely a treat, not a complete meal replacement!

These numbers are based on my estimates for one single frozen bite. You’ll notice high protein from the yogurt and good carbs from the blueberries, which is exactly what you want in a quick, healthy snack. But remember, these are *estimates* based on standard ingredients, so your numbers might shift slightly based on the exact brand of yogurt you use.

Here’s a rundown of what’s in one of those delicious little frozen bites:

• Calories: About 50 per bite. That’s low enough that I don’t stress about giving Buster two on a hot afternoon!
• Carbohydrates: Around 6 grams. This comes mostly from the natural sugars in the blueberries and a little from the yogurt.
• Protein: Right around 3 grams, thanks to that lovely yogurt helping to build strong muscles.
• Fat: About 2 grams, which is important for healthy coat shine, but we keep it moderate because of the peanut butter.
• Sugar: Roughly 4 grams. Again, this is natural sugar from the fruit, not added granulated sugar, which is key.

I always tell people that when you’re making healthy homemade dog food recipes or treats, you need to see the math to feel good about it. While these figures are handy, please remember this disclaimer: These frozen swirls are fantastic for an occasional reward or cooling snack during training. If you’re looking to make full meals, you need to consult with your vet or a certified canine nutritionist! You can check out a few of my thoughts on making wholesome meals over at my guide on healthy homemade dog food recipes, but these frozen bites should always be served in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs

I know when you find a great recipe, you have a million little questions popping up, especially when it involves our furry family members! I’ve gathered up the most common things people ask me about making these frozen swirls. I hope this helps put your mind at ease, because we all want to make sure we are giving the best dog food tips and treats possible!

Are blueberries safe for dogs in these frozen bites?

Absolutely, yes! Blueberries are fantastic, and I love sneaking them into Buster’s diet because they are packed with antioxidants. They are a wonderful, natural way to add flavor and color to these Healthy Dog Snacks. The key, as with anything good, is moderation. Since we are mixing them with yogurt and peanut butter, we keep the serving size small—these are treats, after all, not a main course supplement for their homemade dog food diet. Just a few a day is perfect!

What if my dog has a peanut allergy?

This is such an important safety question! While peanut allergies in dogs aren’t as common as you might think, a reaction can be serious, so we always play it safe. If you know your pup has an allergy to peanuts, or if you just want to avoid tree nuts entirely, sunflower seed butter is a marvelous stand-in here. It has that creamy texture we need to get that nice swirl effect. It’s vital that you check that sunflower seed butter jar just like you checked the peanut butter—it must be xylitol-free. Always check ingredients if you are substituting!

Can I add other fruits to my Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs?

You can totally experiment here, but remember we are aiming for yummy, safe Healthy Dog Snacks! Blueberries pair really nicely with a little bit of banana, as banana is great for adding creaminess and potassium. If you want to try swapping out half the blueberries for mashed banana—go for it! Strawberries are also usually a big hit with dogs and work well here too. Just make sure you mash any fruit you add very well so you don’t end up with big frozen chunks that are hard for your dog to chew comfortably. Adding a little strawberry could make these **Blueberry & Peanut Butter Frozen Swirl Bites for Dogs** taste like a summer dream!