7 Refreshing Honeydew Melon Frozen Dog Treats for Summer

Let’s start with the absolute easiest recipe on the list. If you have 5 minutes and a blender, you can make these. This recipe is the essence of simplicity and is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies, as it contains only two simple ingredients. It’s pure, frozen honeydew goodness that provides maximum hydration with minimum fuss.

Ingredients & Sourcing

The beauty of this recipe is its short ingredient list. All you need is a ripe honeydew melon and a bit of water. When picking your melon, look for one that is symmetrical, feels heavy for its size, and has a creamy yellow rind. Avoid melons with soft spots or cracks. Tap it – a ripe one should sound hollow. Since you’re not adding any other flavors, a sweet, juicy melon is key!

• 2 cups of ripe honeydew melon, seeds and rind removed, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup of water (add more if needed for blending)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the honeydew chunks into a blender.
2. Add the water.
3. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth, like a smoothie. If your blender is struggling, add another tablespoon of water at a time until it blends easily.
4. Carefully pour the mixture into silicone molds (paw or bone shapes are always fun!) or a standard ice cube tray.
5. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
6. Pop the treats out of the molds and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The Classic Honeydew Pupsicle is the perfect starting point for any pet parent new to making frozen treats. It’s also the best choice for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or multiple food allergies, as you know exactly what’s in it. If you need a quick, no-fuss way to help your dog cool down, this is your go-to recipe.

Ready to get a little fancier? Adding plain yogurt to the mix not only creates a beautiful visual swirl but also introduces a creamy texture and the benefits of probiotics, which are great for your dog’s gut health. The slight tang of the yogurt perfectly complements the sweet melon, creating a pupsicle that feels extra special.

Ingredients & Sourcing

The key here is to use the right kind of yogurt. You MUST use plain, unsweetened yogurt. Avoid any yogurts with added sugars, and especially any containing xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Greek yogurt is a great option as it’s thicker and higher in protein, but regular plain yogurt works just fine too.

• 1.5 cups of ripe honeydew melon, cubed
• 1/2 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt (Greek or regular)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blend the honeydew melon chunks in a blender until smooth. You likely won’t need water for this one, as the yogurt adds liquid.
2. Get your silicone molds or ice cube tray ready.
3. There are two ways to create the swirl effect:
4. Method A (Layered): Add a small spoonful of the honeydew puree to the bottom of each mold. Then add a small spoonful of yogurt. Repeat until the molds are full. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the layers together.
5. Method B (Mixed): In a bowl, gently fold the plain yogurt into the honeydew puree. Don’t overmix! You want to see distinct ribbons of green and white.
6. Spoon the swirled mixture into your molds.
7. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Honeydew & Yogurt Swirls are for the pup who appreciates a little luxury! They’re fantastic for most dogs, providing a gut-healthy boost of probiotics. If your dog isn’t sensitive to dairy and you want to give them a creamier, more dessert-like experience, this recipe is a clear winner.

Does your dog’s breath leave something to be desired after a long, hot day? This recipe is the answer! We’re combining the hydrating sweetness of honeydew with the natural breath-freshening power of fresh mint and parsley. It’s a treat that cools them down from the inside out and helps tackle that pesky doggy breath at the same time.

Ingredients & Sourcing

Fresh herbs are a must for this recipe; dried just won’t have the same effect. Both mint and parsley are perfectly safe for dogs in small quantities and are known for their ability to neutralize odors. Be sure you’re using Italian flat-leaf parsley, not spring parsley, which can be toxic in large amounts.

• 2 cups of ripe honeydew melon, cubed
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the honeydew, chopped mint, chopped parsley, and water into a blender.
2. Blend on high until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. You should see little green flecks of herbs throughout the puree.
3. Pour the mixture into your chosen molds. Smaller molds work well for these, as they make great little after-meal breath mints.
4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours until completely solid.
5. Serve one to your pup after their dinner for a refreshing, breath-cleansing dessert.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the ultimate two-for-one treat. It’s perfect for any dog owner who wants to combat stinky breath while also providing a hydrating summer snack. If your dog isn’t a picky eater and you love the idea of a functional treat, the Minty Melon Fresheners are a must-try.

Give your dog’s summer treat a tropical twist! This recipe swaps out regular water for coconut water or a splash of coconut milk, adding a new layer of flavor and a big boost of electrolytes. Coconut water is like nature’s sports drink, making these treats extra-hydrating and perfect for serving after a long walk or a vigorous play session at the park.

Ingredients & Sourcing

When buying coconut water or milk, check the label carefully. You want 100% pure coconut water/milk with no added sugars or preservatives. For coconut milk, the ‘light’ version from a can is often a good choice to keep the fat content down. Do not use sweetened coconut flakes or processed coconut products made for baking.

• 2 cups of ripe honeydew melon, cubed
• 1/2 cup of 100% pure coconut water (or 1/4 cup of light, unsweetened coconut milk)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the honeydew chunks and the coconut water (or milk) in a blender.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth and frothy.
3. Pour into your molds. This mixture is great for larger molds, creating a long-lasting treat for bigger dogs.
4. Freeze for 4-5 hours until solid. The coconut milk version might take slightly longer to freeze.
5. Serve to your pup on the patio for a taste of the tropics!

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Coconut-Honeydew Coolers are the ideal post-exercise treat. They’re perfect for active dogs who need to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes after a run or a long game of fetch. Serve these in moderation due to the higher fat content, but they’re a fantastic and flavorful option for a special occasion.

Why not add a superfruit to our super-hydrating melon? Blueberries are a fantastic, dog-safe fruit packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K. They add a pop of color and a burst of tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet honeydew, creating a treat that’s as healthy as it is pretty.

Ingredients & Sourcing

You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe. If you use frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first – just toss them straight into the blender. This is a great way to use up any blueberries that are starting to look a little past their prime.

• 1.5 cups of ripe honeydew melon, cubed
• 1/2 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2-3 tablespoons of water, if needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. For a swirled effect, blend the honeydew and water (if using) first until smooth. Pour into a bowl. Blend the blueberries separately into a coarse puree. Gently fold the blueberry puree into the honeydew mix.
2. For a fully combined treat, simply place the honeydew, blueberries, and water into the blender all at once.
3. Blend until you reach your desired consistency. A full blend will result in a lovely purple-ish color, while a quick pulse will leave nice chunks of blueberry.
4. Spoon the mixture into small molds, as these are rich in nutrients.
5. Freeze for 3-4 hours until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

These antioxidant-packed bites are for the health-conscious pet parent. If you’re looking to sneak some extra vitamins and powerful antioxidants into your dog’s diet, this is the perfect, tasty vehicle. They’re an excellent choice for senior dogs, as antioxidants help combat cellular damage.

Sometimes, a hot day can lead to an upset tummy. This recipe is designed to be gentle and soothing, combining hydrating honeydew with a tiny amount of fresh ginger, which is well-known for its digestive benefits and ability to soothe nausea. A swirl of yogurt adds probiotics for an extra gut-friendly kick.

Ingredients & Sourcing

Fresh ginger is essential here. You only need a very small amount, as it has a strong flavor. A little goes a long way for our canine friends. Be sure to peel it and grate it finely to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the treats. As always, use plain, unsweetened yogurt.

• 1.5 cups of ripe honeydew melon, cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
• 1/4 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the honeydew chunks and the freshly grated ginger into a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
2. Pour the ginger-melon puree into a bowl.
3. Add the plain yogurt and gently fold it in a few times to create a marbled effect.
4. Spoon the mixture into your molds.
5. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
6. Serve one to your pup when their tummy seems a little rumbly or as a general digestive aid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the go-to treat for dogs known to have sensitive stomachs or those prone to car sickness. The combination of gentle fiber from the melon, soothing ginger, and gut-friendly probiotics makes it a functional and delicious choice. Introduce it slowly to make sure your pup enjoys the taste of ginger.

Let’s sneak some veggies in! Carrots are a fantastic, low-calorie vegetable for dogs, loaded with beta-carotene, which is great for their vision. When blended, their natural sweetness complements the melon perfectly, and they add a beautiful, subtle orange tint to the final product. It’s a vitamin-packed powerhouse treat disguised as a simple summer cooler.

Ingredients & Sourcing

You’ll want to use a whole carrot, peeled and roughly chopped. If you have a high-powered blender, it should have no trouble breaking it down. If not, you may want to lightly steam or grate the carrot first to make it easier to blend into a smooth puree.

• 1.5 cups of ripe honeydew melon, cubed
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup of water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chopped carrot and water into the blender first. Blend until the carrot is finely pureed.
2. Add the honeydew melon chunks to the blender.
3. Continue blending until the entire mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
4. Pour into paw-shaped molds (it’s only fitting!).
5. Freeze for 4 hours or until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The Honeydew & Carrot Paws are for the dog who needs more veggies in their life. It’s an excellent low-calorie option for dogs on a weight management plan who still deserve a tasty treat. If you want to boost your pup’s vitamin intake while keeping them cool, this is the recipe to choose.

Making homemade treats is fun and rewarding, but it’s important to do it safely. Here are some tips to ensure your frozen creations are both delicious and healthy for your furry friend.

Choosing Your Ingredients

• Stick to the Good Stuff: When adding ingredients, stick to things you know are safe for dogs. Other great options include strawberries, bananas, pumpkin puree (not pie filling!), and unsweetened applesauce.
• What to ALWAYS Avoid: Never use grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate, macadamia nuts, or anything containing the artificial sweetener xylitol (sometimes called ‘birch sugar’). Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Always read labels on products like yogurt and peanut butter.
• Go Plain and Unsweetened: For additions like yogurt, coconut milk, or applesauce, the golden rule is ‘plain and unsweetened’. Your dog doesn’t need the extra sugars.

Tools of the Trade

• Molds: Silicone molds are your best friend. They’re flexible, making it easy to pop the treats out, and they come in countless fun shapes. Paw prints and bones are classic choices. Standard ice cube trays also work perfectly well.
• Blender: A decent blender is key to getting a smooth consistency, especially when using harder ingredients like carrots. If you don’t have one, you can use a food processor or even mash softer fruits by hand for a chunkier treat.

Storage and Serving

• Prevent Freezer Burn: Once your treats are fully frozen, pop them out of the molds and store them in an airtight, freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from picking up weird freezer smells and from getting freezer burn. They should last for up to 2-3 months.
• Serve Smart: On very hot days, it’s best to serve frozen treats outdoors or on a tile floor to avoid a sticky, melted mess on your carpet. You can also put one in their bowl to contain the drips.
• Moderation is Key: Remember, these are treats! They should only make up a small part of your dog’s overall diet. One or two small treats a day is plenty for most dogs. Always supervise your dog while they’re enjoying a frozen treat to prevent choking.

Is honeydew melon safe for all dogs?

Yes, honeydew is safe for most dogs in moderation. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, always remove the rind and seeds, as they can cause indigestion and be a choking hazard. Second, because of its sugar content (even though it’s natural), it should be given in limited quantities, especially to diabetic or overweight dogs. If you’re introducing it for the first time, start with a small piece to see how your dog’s system handles it.

How many frozen treats can my dog have?

This depends on the size of your dog and the size of the treats. A good rule of thumb is the 10% rule: treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For these simple, fruit-based treats, one small (ice-cube sized) treat per day is great for a small dog, while a large dog might enjoy one or two larger ones. Think of it as a special dessert, not a meal.

Can I use other melons, like cantaloupe or watermelon?

Absolutely! Both cantaloupe and watermelon are also safe and healthy for dogs. Watermelon, in particular, is another hydration superstar. Just be sure to follow the same rules: no seeds and no rind. You can easily substitute cantaloupe or seedless watermelon in any of these recipes for a different flavor profile.

How long do these homemade treats last in the freezer?

When stored properly in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag, these frozen treats will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 months. After that, they are still safe to eat, but they might start to develop ice crystals or lose some of their flavor.