Description
Creamy, naturally sweet frozen treats packed with vitamins and probiotics that provide cooling relief your pup will absolutely love!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Freezing Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes | Makes: 12-15 ice cube treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup (8 oz) cooked and mashed butternut squash (completely smooth)
- 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsweetened applesauce (no added sugars)
- 1/4 cup (2 oz) plain low-fat yogurt (skip for lactose-sensitive dogs)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) raw honey (skip for puppies under 1 year)
- Ice cube tray (standard size)
Instructions
- Make sure your butternut squash is completely cooked and mashed smooth—lumps will create uneven freezing and messy eating.
- Mix mashed squash, applesauce, yogurt, and honey in a bowl until well combined and creamy (your kitchen will smell amazing).
- Spoon mixture into ice cube tray slots, filling about 90% full to prevent overflow during freezing.
- Place tray in freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely solid.
- Let tray sit at room temperature for 2 minutes, then pop out treats and store in freezer-safe container.
- Serve one cube at a time and watch your pup enjoy this cooling, nutritious treat!
Notes:
- Always supervise dogs with frozen treats to prevent choking
- Make sure squash is completely smooth for best texture
- Size portions appropriately for your dog’s mouth and chewing style
- Let treats soften slightly for senior dogs with sensitive teeth
Storage Tips:
- Keep frozen for up to 2 months in airtight containers
- Label with date—orange cubes can look similar to other frozen treats
- Store in main freezer compartment for consistent temperature
- Toss if you notice freezer burn or off odors
What Makes This Recipe Special:
These treats combine the natural sweetness of butternut squash with probiotics from yogurt while providing essential vitamins A, C, and E for immune support. The smooth, creamy texture is perfect for dogs of all ages, and the natural orange color comes from real vegetables rather than artificial additives. Unlike commercial frozen treats with questionable ingredients, these deliver pure nutrition your dog’s digestive system recognizes and benefits from.
Mix It Up (Dog-Safe Variations):
Probiotic Boost: Add extra tablespoon of yogurt for enhanced digestive support during sensitive stomach days
Dairy-Free Version: Replace yogurt with coconut milk or extra applesauce for lactose-intolerant pups
Sweet Potato Swap: Replace half the butternut squash with cooked sweet potato for different flavor and nutrients
Puppy-Safe Option: Skip honey entirely and rely on natural fruit and vegetable sweetness for dogs under one year