13 Cooling Frozen Cucumber Dog Treats For Hot Weather

Let’s start with the absolute easiest recipe on the list. If you’re short on time or ingredients, this is your go-to. It’s pure, simple, and incredibly refreshing for your pup. It’s essentially frozen cucumber water, making it a fantastic way to encourage a dog who is reluctant to drink enough on a hot day.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1 large cucumber, washed
• 1/2 cup of water

Step 1: Roughly chop the cucumber (no need to peel unless it’s waxed).
Step 2: Place the chopped cucumber and water into a blender.
Step 3: Blend until you have a smooth, liquid consistency.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone molds.
Step 5: Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid. Pop one out and watch your dog enjoy!

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is perfect for pet parents who want a no-fuss, super-healthy cooling treat. It’s the best choice for dogs on a strict diet, those with sensitive digestion, or as a first introduction to frozen goodies.

Adding a swirl of yogurt not only makes these treats look fancier, but it also adds a creamy texture and a boost of probiotics, which are great for your dog’s gut health. The combination of cool cucumber and tangy yogurt is a canine favorite.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1/2 large cucumber, blended
• 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (ensure it contains no xylitol)

Step 1: Blend the cucumber with a splash of water until it’s a smooth liquid.
Step 2: Fill your silicone molds or ice cube tray about halfway with the cucumber puree.
Step 3: Top off each mold with the plain yogurt.
Step 4: Use a toothpick or the back of a small spoon to gently swirl the yogurt into the cucumber for a marbled effect.
Step 5: Freeze for 4-6 hours until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An excellent choice for most dogs, especially those who could benefit from a little digestive support. If your pup loves creamy textures, these yogurt-swirled treats will be a massive hit.

Does your dog’s breath leave something to be desired, especially in the summer heat? This treat is the answer! Mint and parsley are natural breath fresheners, and when combined with hydrating cucumber, they create a powerhouse pup-permint patty that cools from the inside out.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1 cucumber
• A small handful of fresh mint leaves
• A small handful of fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup of water

Step 1: Wash the mint and parsley leaves thoroughly.
Step 2: Add the cucumber, mint, parsley, and water to a blender.
Step 3: Blend until everything is finely incorporated and the mixture is a vibrant green liquid.
Step 4: Pour into your molds and freeze solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

If you’re looking for a treat that does more than just cool your pup down, this is it. It’s the perfect multi-tasking snack for dogs whose breath could use a little herbal assistance.

Talk about a hydration hero! Both cucumber and watermelon are packed with water, making this combination one of the most hydrating treats you can offer. Watermelon adds a touch of natural sweetness that dogs find irresistible.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1 cup of seedless watermelon chunks
• 1/2 a large cucumber, chopped

Important: Make sure to remove all seeds and the rind from the watermelon, as they can cause digestive issues.
Step 1: Place the watermelon chunks and chopped cucumber into a blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth. You likely won’t need any extra water as both ingredients have high water content.
Step 3: Pour into molds and freeze for 4-6 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the ultimate treat for a dangerously hot day or for after a long walk or play session. It’s ideal for active dogs who need to replenish fluids and for pups with a sweet tooth.

Give your dog’s health a little boost with these antioxidant-rich bites. Blueberries are a well-known superfood for both humans and dogs, packed with antioxidants and fiber. They add a gorgeous purple hue and a burst of fruity flavor to the cool cucumber base.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 a large cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 cup of water

Step 1: Combine the blueberries, cucumber, and water in a blender.
Step 2: Blend until you have a smooth, deep purple liquid.
Step 3: Carefully pour the mixture into your molds.
Step 4: Freeze until completely solid, which usually takes about 4 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A fantastic choice for health-conscious pet owners who want to sneak some extra nutrients into their dog’s diet. These are great for senior dogs or any pup who could benefit from an immune system boost.

This recipe is a triple threat of goodness. Cucumber hydrates, carrot adds a touch of sweetness and beta-carotene, and a tiny bit of ginger can help soothe an upset stomach. It’s a well-rounded treat with a unique, earthy flavor profile.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1/2 a large cucumber
• 1 medium carrot, washed and chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 cup of water

Step 1: Add the cucumber, carrot, and water to a blender and blend until mostly smooth.
Step 2: Add the grated ginger and pulse a few more times to combine.
Step 3: Pour the bright orange mixture into molds.
Step 4: Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Perfect for dogs who get a little carsick or have a sensitive tummy. The combination of ingredients makes it a healthy, functional treat that goes beyond simple cooling.

Give your pup a taste of the tropics! A small amount of coconut oil can be beneficial for a dog’s skin and coat. When combined with refreshing cucumber, it creates a creamy, flavorful treat that feels truly luxurious.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1 large cucumber
• 1 tablespoon of organic, cold-pressed coconut oil (melted)
• 1/2 cup of water

Step 1: Blend the cucumber and water until smooth.
Step 2: While the blender is on a low setting, slowly drizzle in the melted coconut oil until it’s incorporated.
Step 3: Pour into molds and freeze. The coconut oil will help it set nicely.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is a wonderful treat for dogs with dry skin or dull coats. Serve these rich bites in moderation as a special, functional snack to keep your pup cool and looking their best.

We couldn’t make a dog treat list without including peanut butter! This recipe is a bit unconventional, but the savory, nutty flavor of peanut butter pairs surprisingly well with the fresh, light taste of cucumber. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1/2 large cucumber, blended
• 2 tablespoons of all-natural, xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1/4 cup of water

Step 1: In a blender, combine the blended cucumber, peanut butter, and water.
Step 2: Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times.
Step 3: Pour the light-brown/green mixture into paw-print shaped molds.
Step 4: Freeze for at least 6 hours, as the peanut butter makes it a bit denser.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the perfect high-value cooling treat for training on a hot day or for the pup who turns their nose up at plain veggies. It’s a surefire winner for the vast majority of dogs.

For the dog who prefers savory over sweet, these broth-sicles are a game-changer. The salty, meaty flavor of chicken broth is incredibly enticing and encourages drinking, while the cucumber adds its usual cooling magic. It’s like a frozen soup for your pup!

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1 cup low-sodium, onion-free and garlic-free chicken broth
• 1/2 a large cucumber, finely diced

Step 1: Place the finely diced cucumber pieces into the compartments of your ice cube tray.
Step 2: Pour the chicken broth over the cucumber, filling each compartment.
Step 3: Freeze until solid. The cucumber pieces will be suspended in the frozen broth.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the number one choice for picky dogs or those who are feeling under the weather and need encouragement to take in fluids. The savory flavor is a welcome change from the usual fruity treats.

Combine the satisfying crunch of an apple with the cool freshness of cucumber. This treat offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamins A and C for your canine companion.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1/2 an apple, cored and deseeded
• 1/2 a large cucumber
• 1/4 cup of water

Warning: Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide and should always be removed.
Step 1: Chop the apple and cucumber into small pieces.
Step 2: Add the apple, cucumber, and water to a blender.
Step 3: Pulse the blender a few times. You want a slightly chunky texture, not a perfectly smooth puree.
Step 4: Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A great everyday frozen treat that offers more fiber and a sweeter taste than plain cucumber. It’s perfect for dogs who enjoy a bit of texture and the classic, sweet flavor of apples.

Here’s another functional treat aimed at boosting your dog’s health. Salmon oil is a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support joint health, reduce inflammation, and promote a shiny, healthy coat. A little goes a long way!

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1 cucumber, blended
• 1 teaspoon of high-quality salmon oil for dogs
• 1/4 cup of water

Step 1: Blend the cucumber and water until smooth.
Step 2: Add the salmon oil to the blender and pulse just to combine. Over-blending can degrade the oil.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into small molds (as this is a rich treat) and freeze.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is tailor-made for senior dogs with stiff joints, dogs with allergies or skin issues, or any pup whose coat could use a little extra shine. It turns supplement time into treat time.

Kefir is like yogurt’s super-powered cousin. It’s a fermented milk drink that is absolutely loaded with a wide variety of beneficial probiotics. If your dog’s digestion is a concern, these tangy, creamy treats are a fantastic choice.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened kefir
• 1/2 a large cucumber, blended with a splash of water

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the kefir and the blended cucumber until well combined.
Step 2: The mixture will be creamy and pourable.
Step 3: Pour into your favorite molds and freeze for 4-6 hours until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An outstanding choice for dogs who have recently been on antibiotics, have chronic digestive upset, or for owners who want to be proactive about their dog’s gut health. It’s a creamy, cooling, and health-boosting snack.

Why should humans have all the green smoothie fun? This recipe packs a nutritional punch with dog-safe greens and a touch of banana for creaminess and potassium. It’s a veggie-packed treat that tastes surprisingly delicious to dogs.

Ingredients & Instructions:

• A handful of fresh spinach
• 1/2 a large cucumber
• 1/4 of a banana
• 1/2 cup of water

Step 1: Place all ingredients—spinach, cucumber, banana, and water—into a high-powered blender.
Step 2: Blend until completely smooth. You want to make sure the spinach is fully broken down.
Step 3: Pour the vibrant green smoothie into molds.
Step 4: Freeze until solid and serve up some frozen green goodness!

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the treat for the health-conscious pet parent who wants to maximize the nutritional value of every bite. It’s a fantastic way to introduce more greens into your dog’s diet in a fun, frozen form.

Ready to become a master of frozen pup-fection? Making these treats is simple, but keeping a few things in mind will ensure they are both safe and enjoyable for your best friend.

Choosing Your Ingredients

The golden rule is to always use ingredients that are safe for dogs. When in doubt, a quick search or a call to your vet is the best course of action.

• Fruits & Veggies: Stick to known safe options like cucumber, watermelon, blueberries, carrots, and apples (no seeds!). Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic at all costs.
• Dairy & Liquids: If using yogurt, kefir, or broth, always choose plain, unsweetened varieties. Critically, check peanut butter and yogurt labels for Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. For broths, ensure they are low-sodium and do not contain onions or garlic.
• Add-Ins: Herbs like mint and parsley are generally safe in moderation. Oils like coconut or salmon oil should be high-quality and used sparingly due to their high calorie content.

Essential Equipment

You don’t need a professional kitchen, just a few basics:

• A Blender: A standard blender is perfect for pureeing your ingredients into a smooth, pourable liquid.
• Molds: While a standard ice cube tray works perfectly fine, silicone molds are a fantastic investment. They come in fun shapes like bones and paw prints, and their flexibility makes it incredibly easy to pop the frozen treats out without breaking them.

Storage & Serving

Once your treats are frozen solid (usually 4-6 hours), you can remove them from the molds and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This frees up your molds to make another batch! They will typically last for several months in the freezer. When serving, especially on a hot day, it’s best to offer them outside or on a surface that’s easy to clean, as they will melt and can get a little messy.

Are cucumbers safe for dogs to eat every day?

Yes, cucumbers are safe for most dogs to eat daily, but they should be given in moderation. They are low in calories but, like any treat, should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Too much of any food, even a healthy one, can potentially cause mild digestive upset.

Can I use other vegetables or fruits in these recipes?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative, as long as the ingredients are dog-safe. Strawberries, peaches (without the pit), pumpkin puree, and sweet potato are all great options to mix and match with cucumber. Always research a new ingredient before giving it to your dog.

How long do these homemade frozen treats last?

When stored properly in an airtight container or freezer bag, these treats will stay fresh and delicious in your freezer for up to 3 months. However, they’re usually so popular with the pups that they don’t last nearly that long!

My dog is lactose intolerant. What can I substitute for yogurt or kefir?

If your dog can’t handle dairy, you can easily substitute it. For a creamy texture, try blending in a small amount of banana or a spoonful of plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree. You can also simply use water or a dog-safe broth as the liquid base for any of the recipes.