Description
Transform seasonal squash into irresistible frozen treats that taste like sweet popsicles but deliver serious nutrition for your pup!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 60 minutes | Freezing Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes | Makes: 12-16 medallions
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh butternut squash (choose heavy, firm squash without soft spots)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (thick variety with live cultures)
- 1 tablespoon honey (raw, local honey preferred for potential benefits)
- 1/4 cup water (filtered preferred for best taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional (anti-inflammatory benefits)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and cut butternut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out all seeds and stringy pulp from the center cavity.
- Place cut-side down on baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes until flesh is completely tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Let cool completely, then scoop flesh into blender along with Greek yogurt, honey, water, and cinnamon if using.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 60-90 seconds. The mixture should be thick but pourable with no lumps remaining.
- Pour into medallion-shaped silicone molds or ice cube trays. Fill each mold completely for uniform freezing and easy removal.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours until completely solid. These take longer than regular ice due to the creamy squash content.
- Let sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent tongue-sticking and allow flavors to brighten.
Notes:
- Roast squash until very tender for the sweetest, creamiest results
- Amber prefers these slightly thawed for easier eating and enhanced flavor
- Start with smaller portions for dogs new to squash or frozen vegetable treats
Storage Tips:
- Store in airtight containers in freezer for up to 2 months
- Transfer to freezer bags after completely frozen for space efficiency
- Don’t leave exposed—vegetable treats absorb freezer odors easily
- Label containers with contents and date for freshness tracking
What Makes This Recipe Special: These medallions combine the natural sweetness and beta-carotene of butternut squash with probiotic-rich Greek yogurt and anti-inflammatory cinnamon. The roasting process concentrates nutrients and natural sugars while creating a creamy base that freezes perfectly for hot weather relief.
Mix It Up (Dog-Safe Variations):
Pumpkin Blend: Substitute 1/4 of the squash with pure pumpkin puree for extra fiber and different flavor notes
Sweet Potato Twist: Add 1/4 cup roasted sweet potato for additional beta-carotene and natural sweetness
Spice Boost: Include a tiny pinch of ginger for digestive benefits and warming flavor (great for senior dogs like Amber)
Serving Guidelines: 1 medallion for small dogs, 2 for medium dogs, 3 for large breeds