The Perfect Venison Tongue Frozen Bites (That Made My Golden Retriever Amber Forget His Manners!)

Here’s My Story With This Recipe

Want to know what made my 8-year-old Golden Retriever Amber forget his normally perfect manners? These venison tongue frozen bites had him practically climbing on counters (something he’s never done in his life) and doing the most dramatic begging I’ve ever witnessed. Here’s the thing—I never thought I’d be the dog parent making exotic protein treats, but after my vet mentioned that novel proteins could be great for dogs with sensitivities, I decided to give it a shot. Now Amber goes absolutely wild every time he hears the blender running, and I love knowing he’s getting high-quality protein that’s actually good for him.

Here’s the Thing About This Dog Recipe

The secret to driving dogs wild is that venison tongue has this incredibly rich, meaty flavor that’s totally different from everyday chicken or beef. What makes this irresistible to pups is how the pumpkin and coconut oil blend with that unique venison taste to create frozen treats that are like doggy popsicles. I never knew frozen treats could keep Amber entertained for so long—these become his personal puzzle as he licks and chews. It’s honestly safer than store-bought frozen treats because I know exactly what’s in them (no scary preservatives or artificial flavors).

The Lineup – Let’s Talk Dog-Safe Ingredients (Safety First!)

Good quality venison tongue is absolutely crucial—I finally found a local butcher who carries it after calling around town (learned this after realizing most grocery stores don’t stock it). Don’t skip the cooking step; raw venison tongue isn’t safe for dogs, but properly cooked, it’s an amazing protein source.

Plain pumpkin puree works beautifully as the base—just make sure it’s not pie filling with all those spices (way safer than I expected for dogs). I always grab the organic canned stuff because Amber somehow knows when I’m using the good ingredients and gets extra excited.

Low-sodium beef broth adds flavor without the salt overload (learned this after my vet scolded me about regular broth being too salty for dogs). Coconut oil melted down creates the perfect creamy texture that freezes well, plus it’s completely safe for dogs and great for their coats. For more information about the benefits of novel proteins for dogs, check out PetMD’s guide to alternative proteins.

Here’s How We Create This Dog-Approved Magic

Here’s where I used to mess up frozen dog treat making—I’d try to blend everything without properly cooking the venison first. Preheat isn’t needed here, but make sure your venison tongue is fully cooked and cooled before starting.

In your blender (Amber will start pacing the kitchen at this sound), combine the diced venison tongue, pumpkin puree, beef broth, and melted coconut oil. Now for the fun part—blend until smooth and well combined, which takes about 2-3 minutes depending on your blender power.

Here’s my secret for perfect frozen treats: pour the mixture into ice cube trays or fun silicone molds immediately after blending while it’s still smooth. Every Golden Retriever has different preferences, but Amber loves when I use bone-shaped molds because it makes him feel extra special.

Don’t worry if you’re new to making frozen dog treats—these are incredibly forgiving. The mixture should look like a thick smoothie that smells absolutely amazing (even to humans). Freeze for at least 3 hours until completely solid—this step requires patience, but frozen treats that aren’t fully set will just fall apart.

Make sure they’re completely frozen before serving; partially frozen treats can be messy and less satisfying for your pup. For more creative frozen dog treats, try our Watermelon Ice Pops.

If This Happens, Don’t Panic

Mixture seems too thick to blend? You probably need more beef broth—I’ve learned to add it gradually until the consistency looks like thick yogurt. That’s common with venison recipes, and it happens to everyone who’s new to making protein-rich frozen treats.

Treats won’t pop out of the molds easily? Don’t stress, just run warm water over the bottom of the tray for 30 seconds. When this happens (and it will), they’ll release perfectly without breaking.

If your dog seems hesitant about the venison flavor like some pups are with new proteins, try making half-sized portions first to let them adjust to this exotic taste gradually.

When I’m Feeling Creative

When Amber needs extra digestive support, I love adding a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt to the mixture before blending. For special hot summer days, I’ll make extra-large portions in silicone cupcake molds—these become his personal cooling stations.

My winter version includes a pinch of cinnamon (completely safe for dogs), though that’s totally optional and gives them a slightly warming spice note. Sometimes I substitute sweet potato puree for the pumpkin, especially when I want to switch up the flavor profile for variety.

Why This Works So Well for Dogs

This venison and pumpkin combination delivers novel protein that’s perfect for dogs with food sensitivities while providing natural cooling relief on hot days. What sets this apart from other frozen dog treats is the exotic protein source that most dogs have never experienced—it’s like giving them a gourmet frozen dinner.

My dog trainer taught me that frozen treats like these are excellent for mental stimulation because dogs have to work to enjoy them. The pumpkin provides fiber for digestive health, while the coconut oil supports skin and coat condition from the inside out.

Things People Ask Me About Dog Treats

Can puppies eat these venison frozen bites?

Absolutely, but make them smaller (about half the size) since puppies have sensitive stomachs. Always introduce new proteins gradually and watch for any digestive upset.

How long do these frozen treats stay fresh?

Most homemade frozen dog treats keep for up to 2 months in the freezer when stored in airtight containers. They actually maintain their flavor better than store-bought versions.

What if my dog has never tried venison before?

Start with just one small piece to make sure they tolerate this novel protein well. Some dogs need time to adjust to new flavors, so don’t worry if they seem hesitant initially.

Can I make these treats without a blender?

You can mash everything by hand, but the texture won’t be as smooth. A food processor works too, though you might need to scrape the sides more often.

How many frozen bites can I give my dog per day?

Treats should be about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For Amber (who weighs 70 pounds), that’s usually 2-3 cubes per day maximum, especially with rich ingredients like venison.

Are these treats safe for senior dogs?

Perfect for older dogs like my 8-year-old Amber! The frozen texture is soothing on aging gums, and venison is easier to digest than some other proteins.

What’s the best way to store these frozen treats?

Keep them in freezer-safe containers or bags with all air removed. I usually portion them into weekly amounts so I’m not constantly opening the main container.

Before You Head to the Kitchen

I couldn’t resist sharing this because watching Amber enjoy these exotic frozen bites while knowing they’re providing novel protein and mental stimulation makes me feel like the ultimate dog parent. The best dog treat days are when you can give your furry family member something completely different that challenges their taste buds while keeping them cool and happy.

Venison Tongue Frozen Bites

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• Author: Jamie Alisha

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Description

Give your pup a taste of the wild with these protein-packed frozen treats that’ll have them howling for more!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Freeze Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes | Makes: 12-15 cubes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz venison tongue, cooked and diced (completely safe for dogs when properly cooked)
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (not pie filling—plain only!)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted (great for coat health)

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Instructions

1. In your blender, combine the diced venison tongue, pumpkin puree, beef broth, and melted coconut oil—Amber starts getting excited at the blender sound.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes until it looks like the world’s most appetizing dog smoothie.
3. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds immediately while still smooth.
4. Freeze for at least 3 hours or until completely solid (if your dog can wait that long).
5. Pop out the frozen bites and watch your pup’s reaction—always supervise with frozen treats.

Notes:

• Always use properly cooked venison tongue—raw isn’t safe for dogs
• These work best when the mixture is completely smooth before freezing
• Amber prefers these slightly softened, so I sometimes let them sit for 2-3 minutes before serving

Storage Tips:

• Keep frozen for up to 2 months in airtight freezer containers
• Don’t refreeze once thawed—use within 24 hours
• Label with the date—frozen treats can lose quality over time

What Makes This Recipe Special:

Novel protein from venison provides an exciting taste experience while being gentle on sensitive stomachs. The combination of pumpkin for fiber and coconut oil for healthy fats creates frozen treats that are both delicious and nutritious—way better than artificial store-bought options!

Mix It Up (Dog-Safe Variations):

• Digestive Support: Add 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt for probiotics (great for sensitive tummies)
• Summer Special: Use extra-large molds for extended cooling relief on hot days
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warming flavor twist (completely safe for dogs)