7 Frozen Yogurt Bark For Dogs Ideas for Summer Cooling

You can’t go wrong with a classic, and this Berry Bliss Bark is a certified crowd-pleaser in the canine world. Combining the creamy tang of yogurt with the natural sweetness of strawberries and blueberries, this recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s a fantastic starting point if you’re new to making frozen dog treats.

The Ingredients: The magic lies in its simplicity. You’ll need about one cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt (Greek yogurt works great for a thicker consistency), a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries, and a few strawberries. Berries are a superfood for dogs, packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K. They help support your dog’s immune system and overall health.

How to Make It:

1. Line a small baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
2. If using fresh strawberries, slice or chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Spread the plain yogurt evenly over the parchment paper, aiming for about a 1/4-inch thickness.
4. Generously sprinkle the blueberries and strawberry pieces over the yogurt. You can even get fancy and mash some of the strawberries to create a beautiful red swirl!
5. Place the tray in the freezer for at least 2-4 hours, or until completely solid.
6. Once frozen, take it out and break it into treat-sized pieces. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict: This recipe is perfect for any dog, but it’s an especially great choice for owners who want to provide a treat that’s bursting with natural vitamins. The sweet and tangy flavor combination is a hit with most dogs, even picky eaters.

If there’s one flavor combination that makes dogs’ tails wag uncontrollably, it’s peanut butter and banana. This recipe transforms that beloved duo into a cool, creamy, and satisfying frozen treat. It’s a bit more substantial than the berry bark, making it a fantastic snack for active dogs who need to replenish their energy.

The Ingredients: Grab your cup of plain yogurt, about two tablespoons of dog-safe peanut butter, and one ripe banana. CRITICAL NOTE: Always check your peanut butter label to ensure it does NOT contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. Look for a natural peanut butter with just peanuts (and maybe a little salt) as the ingredients. Bananas are a great source of potassium and vitamins, while peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein.

How to Make It:

1. In a small bowl, mash the ripe banana until it’s relatively smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, you can slightly warm the peanut butter for a few seconds in the microwave to make it easier to swirl.
3. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the yogurt.
4. Dollop the mashed banana and the softened peanut butter over the yogurt.
5. Use a knife or a spoon to gently swirl the three ingredients together for a marbled effect. Don’t overmix!
6. Freeze for 2-4 hours until solid, then break into pieces and store in the freezer.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict: This is the go-to recipe for active dogs or any pup that deserves an extra-special, high-value treat. It’s also a fantastic option for hiding medication if your dog is clever about spitting out pills.

Want to give your dog a taste of the tropics? This Mango and Pineapple bark is a vibrant, refreshing, and hydrating option that feels like a mini-vacation in a treat. The bright, sweet flavors are a fun departure from the usual dog treat fare and are packed with beneficial nutrients.

The Ingredients: You’ll need your base of one cup of plain yogurt, along with about a 1/4 cup each of finely diced fresh or frozen mango and pineapple. Mango is loaded with vitamins A, B6, C, and E, while pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can aid in digestion. Just be sure to use fresh or frozen fruit, not canned versions packed in sugary syrup, and always remove the tough core and skin from the pineapple.

How to Make It:

1. Ensure your mango and pineapple are cut into very small, dog-friendly pieces to avoid any choking hazards.
2. Prepare your parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Mix the diced mango and pineapple directly into your bowl of yogurt.
4. Spread the fruit-filled yogurt mixture evenly onto the sheet.
5. Freeze until solid, typically 2-4 hours.
6. Break apart and serve your pup their tropical delight!

Pros & Cons

The Verdict: This is a fantastic choice for the adventurous pup and the owner who loves to introduce new, healthy foods. It’s particularly great on extra hot days due to the high water content in the tropical fruits, providing both a treat and a hydration boost.

Okay, hear us out. Spinach in a dog treat? Absolutely! This Green Goodness Bark is a stealthy way to pack some extra nutrients into your dog’s diet. Paired with the natural sweetness of apple, the mild taste of the spinach is hardly noticeable to your pup, but you’ll know you’re giving them a treat that’s loaded with iron, vitamins, and fiber.

The Ingredients: One cup of plain yogurt, a large handful of fresh spinach, and half an apple (cored and finely diced). Make sure to remove all apple seeds, as they contain trace amounts of cyanide. Spinach is a great source of iron and other vitamins, while apples provide fiber and vitamin C for a healthy digestive and immune system.

How to Make It:

1. In a blender, combine the spinach with a few tablespoons of the yogurt and blend until the spinach is completely puréed and the mixture is a smooth, light green color.
2. In a bowl, mix the green yogurt blend with the rest of the plain yogurt.
3. Stir in the finely diced apple pieces.
4. Spread the mixture onto your parchment-lined tray. The light green color with specks of apple looks surprisingly gourmet!
5. Freeze for 2-4 hours, break, and serve the goodness.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict: This recipe is for the health-conscious pet parent. If you’re always looking for ways to boost your dog’s nutrient intake, this is the perfect multi-tasking treat. It’s a snack with a hidden superpower!

Who says pumpkin is just for the fall? This Pumpkin Spice Delight Bark is a fantastic, tummy-friendly treat that’s perfect any time of year. Pumpkin is a superstar ingredient for dogs, widely recommended by vets for its ability to aid in digestion, whether your pup is dealing with constipation or diarrhea.

The Ingredients: You’ll need a cup of plain yogurt, about 1/4 cup of pure pumpkin purée, and a tiny pinch of cinnamon. IMPORTANT: Ensure you are using 100% pure pumpkin purée and NOT pumpkin pie filling, which is loaded with sugar and spices that are harmful to dogs. Cinnamon is safe for dogs in small quantities and has anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin purée and the pinch of cinnamon into the plain yogurt until well combined.
2. You can either fully mix it for a uniform orange color or gently swirl it for a marbled look.
3. Spread the pumpkin-yogurt mixture on your parchment-lined sheet.
4. Freeze solid for 2-4 hours.
5. Break into pieces and know you’re giving your dog a treat that’s both delicious and great for their gut health.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict: This is an absolute must-try for any dog, but it’s especially beneficial for pups with sensitive stomachs or occasional digestive issues. It’s a gentle, soothing, and tasty treat that serves a dual purpose.

When it comes to ultimate summer refreshment, nothing beats watermelon. This recipe combines the super-hydrating power of watermelon with a hint of fresh mint for a treat that cools your pup from the inside out and even helps freshen their breath. It’s the perfect post-walk snack on a sweltering day.

The Ingredients: Your standard cup of plain yogurt, about a cup of seedless watermelon, and 2-3 fresh mint leaves. Watermelon is over 90% water, making it incredibly hydrating, and it’s also a good source of vitamins A and C. Mint is a well-known natural breath freshener.

How to Make It:

1. Place the seedless watermelon and fresh mint leaves in a blender and blend until you have a smooth, juicy purée.
2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Spread the plain yogurt onto the sheet.
4. Pour the watermelon-mint purée over the yogurt and swirl it together to create a beautiful pink and white pattern.
5. Freeze for 2-4 hours until firm. This one might take slightly longer due to the high water content.
6. Break it up and watch your dog enjoy the most refreshing treat on the block!

Pros & Cons

The Verdict: This is the quintessential summer treat. It’s perfect for any dog after a long walk, a romp at the park, or just lounging in the sun. If you’re concerned about your dog’s hydration or their ‘doggy breath’, this bark is a delicious solution.

Not all dogs have a sweet tooth! For the pup who prefers savory flavors, this Chicken Swirl Bark is a game-changer. It combines the creaminess of yogurt with the rich, meaty flavor of chicken broth for a unique frozen treat that will have your dog begging for more. It’s an excellent way to rehydrate and provide a little protein boost.

The Ingredients: One cup of plain yogurt and about 1/4 cup of low-sodium, onion-and-garlic-free chicken broth. For an extra special treat, you can also add a tablespoon of finely shredded, cooked chicken breast. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: Never use standard cooking broth, which often contains high levels of sodium, onions, and garlic, all of which are toxic to dogs. Use a broth made specifically for dogs or a homemade version with no salt or harmful seasonings.

How to Make It:

1. Prepare your parchment-lined tray and spread the yogurt evenly.
2. Slowly pour the dog-safe chicken broth over the yogurt. Use a spoon to create a gentle swirl effect.
3. If you’re using shredded chicken, sprinkle it evenly over the top.
4. Freeze for 2-4 hours until completely solid.
5. Break into pieces and serve this savory surprise to your very lucky pup.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict: This recipe is the perfect solution for the savory-loving dog. It’s also a wonderful option for senior dogs or dogs recovering from illness who might need a little encouragement to stay hydrated and get some protein in (always check with your vet first).

Making your own dog treats is fun and rewarding, but safety is the number one priority. Not all human foods are safe for our canine friends. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best and safest ingredients for your frozen yogurt bark.

The Yogurt

The star of the show! Always opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt. Flavored yogurts are packed with sugar and sometimes contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Greek yogurt is a fantastic choice as it’s thicker and higher in protein, but regular plain yogurt works perfectly well too. Look for brands that contain live and active cultures, as these probiotics are great for your dog’s digestive system.

Fruits & Veggies: The Good and The Bad

Fruits and vegetables add flavor, vitamins, and fiber. Stick to the safe list:

• Good to Go: Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Bananas, Apples (seeds and core removed), Watermelon (seedless), Mango, Pineapple, Pumpkin Purée, Spinach, Carrots, Green Beans.
• Strictly Avoid: Grapes and Raisins, Onions, Garlic, Avocado, Cherries, and anything with xylitol. If you’re ever unsure, a quick search or a call to your vet is the best course of action.

Powerful Add-Ins

Want to add a little extra something? Here are some safe and beneficial options:

• Peanut Butter: A dog favorite! But you MUST read the label. Ensure it is all-natural and does not contain xylitol (sometimes listed as ‘birch sugar’).
• Broth: If making a savory bark, only use bone broth or stock made specifically for dogs, or a homemade version with absolutely no salt, onions, or garlic.
• Herbs: A little fresh mint or parsley can be a nice addition for fresh breath.

By being a savvy shopper and a careful chef, you can ensure your homemade treats are nothing but wholesome, safe, deliciousness for your best friend.

Can I use something other than yogurt?

Yes! If your dog doesn’t tolerate yogurt well or you want to mix things up, plain, unsweetened kefir is an excellent alternative with even more probiotic power. You could also blend plain cottage cheese with a little water for a creamy, high-protein base.

How long does this bark last in the freezer?

When stored properly in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, your frozen yogurt bark will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 months. Storing it properly prevents it from absorbing other freezer odors and developing freezer burn.

How much frozen bark can my dog have?

This is a treat, not a meal replacement. A good rule of thumb is the 10% rule: treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. The appropriate portion size depends on your dog’s size and activity level. For a small dog, a 2×2 inch piece is plenty. For a large dog, you could offer a slightly larger piece. Always supervise your dog when they are eating any treat.

My dog is lactose intolerant. What can I do?

Many dogs have some degree of lactose intolerance. While the fermentation process in yogurt breaks down much of the lactose, some dogs are still sensitive. You can look for lactose-free plain yogurt or try a dairy-free alternative like plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt. As with any new food, introduce it in a very small amount first and watch for any signs of digestive upset. Consulting your vet is always the best idea when managing food sensitivities.