There’s something special about making treats at home—not just for your family, but for your furry family members too. These homemade frozen carrot dog treats are one of my favorite ways to show a little love to our pup, especially during the warmer months. They’re refreshing, simple to prepare, and made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.
This recipe is a huge hit in our household. It’s easy enough that kids can help with the measuring and pouring, and there’s no cooking involved—just a blender and some freezer time. It’s a great summer project, and dogs absolutely love them. Best of all, these treats are made with ingredients you probably already have at home, and they skip the preservatives or fillers that can be found in many store-bought treats.
Let’s walk through how to make these frozen carrot dog treats your pup will be begging for every time you open the freezer.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup chopped carrots (peeled)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, no added flavor)
- ¼ cup water (or low sodium chicken broth for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (optional, and must be xylitol-free)
- Silicone molds (bone, paw, or any fun shape your dog will enjoy)
Pro Tips
- Use fun molds: Paw and bone-shaped silicone molds are the perfect size for treats and make them easy to pop out after freezing.
- Double-check peanut butter: If you include peanut butter, make absolutely sure it is free of xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
- Flavor boosters: Using low sodium chicken broth instead of water adds a richer flavor that picky pups may prefer.
- Make ahead: These freeze well, so go ahead and make a double batch.
- Add fresh herbs: A small pinch of finely chopped parsley adds a bit of fresh flavor and can help with your dog’s breath.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Silicone molds
- Freezer
Substitutions and Variations
- No yogurt? Use mashed banana or canned pumpkin puree instead of Greek yogurt.
- No blender? Use jarred pureed baby carrots, or boil and mash fresh carrots until smooth.
- Add-ins: Add a spoonful of pumpkin, some finely chopped spinach, or even blueberries for extra nutrients and variety.
- Texture option: If you want a chunkier treat, pulse the carrots less or stir in small carrot bits after blending.
Make-Ahead Tips
These are the ultimate make-ahead treats. After freezing, just pop them out of the molds and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. This makes it super convenient to have a stash of healthy dog snacks always on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Carrots
If using raw carrots, give them a quick steam or boil for about 5–7 minutes to make blending easier. Let them cool slightly before blending.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Add the steamed carrots, Greek yogurt, water or chicken broth, and peanut butter (if using) into your blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Pour into Silicone Molds
Carefully spoon or pour the mixture into your silicone molds. Fill each cavity to the top, leveling with a spoon if needed.
Step 4: Freeze
Place the molds into the freezer and let them set for at least 3–4 hours, or until completely frozen.
Step 5: Remove and Serve
Once frozen, pop the treats out of the molds and serve one to your dog. Store the extras in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Leftovers and Storage
After the treats are fully frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When it’s treat time, just grab one from the freezer and serve it cold—no need to thaw.
Final Thoughts
Making your own dog treats is such a simple and rewarding way to care for your pet, and these frozen carrot treats are one of the easiest options out there. With just a few ingredients and no baking, you can whip up a healthy snack your pup will look forward to again and again.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it went. Did your dog love them? Did you try any variations? Let me know in the comments below and feel free to ask questions—happy treating!
