Description
Joint-supporting frozen cubes that make even arthritic dogs beg for more while providing collagen, digestive support, and cooling relief
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Freeze Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes | Makes: 16-20 cubes (depending on tray size)
Ingredients
- 16 oz high-quality beef bone broth (collagen and mineral powerhouse – should gel when cold)
- 1/2 cup cooked and mashed pumpkin (digestive support and natural fiber)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots (beta-carotene and natural sweetness)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green beans (vitamins and satisfying crunch)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (breath freshening and additional vitamins)
Instructions
- Ensure bone broth is at room temperature for easy mixing – if using homemade, let it warm slightly if it’s gelled from refrigeration.
- Prepare vegetables carefully by chopping carrots and green beans into pieces smaller than your dog’s kibble size for safety.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl – bone broth, mashed pumpkin, chopped vegetables, and parsley (your kitchen will smell like a gourmet dog restaurant).
- Mix thoroughly until vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the broth and pumpkin mixture.
- Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds – fill completely but avoid overflow that creates messy cleanup.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours until completely solid – collagen-rich mixtures take longer than plain water to freeze properly.
- Pop out frozen treats and store in clearly labeled, airtight freezer containers.
Notes:
- Always use bone broth that gels when refrigerated for maximum collagen benefits
- Start with smaller portions for dogs new to bone broth to prevent digestive upset
- Fresh vegetables provide better nutrition and texture than frozen alternatives
Storage Tips:
- Store in airtight freezer containers for up to 3 months maximum
- Label clearly with contents and date for optimal freshness tracking
- Remove only needed portions to maintain quality of remaining treats
What Makes This Recipe Special: These treats provide bioavailable collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin from properly prepared bone broth, combined with digestive support from pumpkin and antioxidants from fresh vegetables. The frozen format provides cooling relief while delivering therapeutic nutrition for joint health.
Mix It Up (Dog-Safe Variations):
Anti-Inflammatory Boost: Add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder for enhanced joint support and natural anti-inflammatory benefits that work with collagen.
Senior Support: Include finely minced fresh ginger (very small amounts) for additional arthritis relief and digestive warming properties.
Digestive Gentle: Substitute sweet potato for pumpkin and increase broth ratio for dogs with ultra-sensitive stomachs who still need joint support.