13 Sweet Nectarine Frozen Dog Treats (Safe Prep Tips)

Let’s start with a timeless classic! This two-ingredient recipe is as simple as it is delicious. The combination of sweet nectarine and creamy, probiotic-rich yogurt is a winner for most dogs. It’s a fantastic way to support their digestive health while giving them a tasty, cooling treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe nectarines, pit removed and chopped
• 1 cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. Wash the nectarines thoroughly and ensure the pit is completely removed.
2. Place the chopped nectarine and Greek yogurt into a blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the mixture into silicone molds (paw or bone shapes are fun!) or an ice cube tray.
5. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
6. Pop one out and watch your pup enjoy!

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect starter recipe for any pet parent new to making frozen treats. It’s ideal for dogs who enjoy creamy textures and for owners looking for a quick, healthy, and gut-friendly option.

What dog can resist the allure of peanut butter? Combining it with the fruity sweetness of nectarines creates a flavor explosion your dog will go crazy for. This recipe is a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats, making it a more substantial frozen snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed and finely diced
• 1/2 cup creamy, unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter and water until you get a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust water if needed.
2. Stir in the finely diced nectarine pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
3. Spoon the mixture into a silicone mold or ice cube tray.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours until firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for the peanut butter fanatic in your life! These bites are great for more active dogs who could use the extra protein and calories, but remember that portion control is key.

Ready to get a little fancy? These two-toned treats are as beautiful as they are healthy. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which are great for your dog’s immune system. Paired with nectarines, they create a vitamin-rich super-treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed
• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or water)

Instructions:

1. Blend the nectarine with 1/4 cup of coconut milk until smooth. Set aside.
2. Rinse the blender, then blend the blueberries with the remaining 1/4 cup of coconut milk until smooth.
3. Carefully pour the two mixtures into your molds, alternating them to create a swirled or layered effect. You can use a toothpick to gently swirl them together.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is a great choice for health-conscious pet owners who want to give their dogs an extra boost of antioxidants. It’s also a fantastic dairy-free option for sensitive pups.

Who needs a cone from the ice cream truck when you can make this? This dog-friendly ‘nice’ cream is naturally sweet and has a wonderfully creamy texture, thanks to the frozen banana. It’s a perfect treat to share with your pup on a hot afternoon (just give them their own bowl!).

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed, chopped and frozen
• 1 ripe banana, peeled, sliced and frozen
• 2-3 tablespoons of water or plain yogurt (optional, for blending)

Instructions:

1. Make sure your fruit is frozen solid for the best texture. This usually takes at least 4 hours.
2. Place the frozen nectarine and frozen banana chunks into a powerful blender or food processor.
3. Blend on high, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. It will look crumbly at first, but keep blending until it becomes smooth and creamy like soft-serve ice cream.
4. Add a splash of water or yogurt if your blender is struggling.
5. Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture, or transfer to a container and freeze for an hour for a firmer scoop.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is for the dog (and owner!) who loves a creamy, ice-cream-like treat. It’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas and is perfect for a special occasion or just a lazy, hot day.

Give your dog a taste of the tropics with this vibrant and refreshing treat. Mango is another dog-safe fruit that’s full of vitamins. The combination of nectarine and mango creates a sweet, tangy flavor that’s pure sunshine in a cube.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed and chopped
• 1/2 cup ripe mango, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Ensure all pits and tough skins are removed from the fruit.
2. Place the nectarine, mango, and water in a blender.
3. Blend until completely smooth.
4. Pour into an ice cube tray.
5. Freeze for at least 3 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Ideal for dogs who enjoy sweeter fruits. These tropical cubes are a simple, hydrating, and vitamin-rich treat perfect for a post-walk cooldown.

Sneak some veggies into your dog’s treat time! Carrots are a fantastic, low-calorie source of beta-carotene and fiber, and they add a satisfying crunch when grated. This recipe balances fruity sweetness with earthy vegetable goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed and pureed
• 1 small carrot, finely grated
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the pureed nectarine, finely grated carrot, and water.
2. Stir well to combine. The mixture will be a bit chunky from the carrot.
3. Spoon the mixture into your molds.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is a fantastic option for dogs on a diet or for owners who want to add more vegetables to their pup’s intake. The subtle sweetness of the nectarine helps make the carrot more appealing.

Boost your dog’s gut health with this simple yet powerful treat. Kefir is a fermented milk drink, similar to yogurt but often containing even more probiotic strains. It’s a fantastic digestive aid, and when blended with nectarine, it makes a tangy, creamy, and irresistible frozen paw.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed and chopped
• 1 cup plain, unsweetened kefir

Instructions:

1. Place the chopped nectarine and kefir into a blender.
2. Blend until perfectly smooth.
3. Pour into paw-shaped silicone molds (or any mold you have).
4. Freeze for 4 hours or until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who could benefit from a significant probiotic boost. If your dog likes yogurt, they’ll likely love the tangy taste of kefir.

This recipe is a bit more filling and is great for adding some healthy, soluble fiber to your dog’s diet. Oatmeal can be soothing for the stomach and provides a wonderful, hearty texture to these frozen treats. It’s like a frozen breakfast bite!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked plain oatmeal, cooled
• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed and pureed
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the oatmeal according to package directions (using water, not milk) and let it cool completely.
2. In a bowl, mix the cooled oatmeal, nectarine puree, and water. Stir until well combined.
3. Spoon the mixture into your molds. It will be thicker than other recipes.
4. Freeze for 4-5 hours until very firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for a more substantial snack. These are great for hungry pups or as a morning treat. The added fiber makes them a good choice for dogs needing a little extra digestive support.

Hydration station! Watermelon is about 92% water, making this treat an ultimate thirst quencher on a hot day. The combination of juicy watermelon and sweet nectarine is incredibly refreshing. You can serve this as a slushy right out of the blender or freeze it into cubes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup seedless watermelon chunks
• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed and chopped

Instructions:

1. For a slushy: Blend the watermelon and nectarine until smooth. Serve immediately in your dog’s bowl.
2. For frozen treats: Blend the fruits, pour the liquid into ice cube trays, and freeze for 3 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate treat for a hot day, especially for dogs who don’t drink enough water. It’s a fun, low-calorie way to help them stay hydrated after a long walk or a play session in the yard.

Need to combat some less-than-fresh doggy breath? Mint is a natural breath freshener! A small amount of fresh mint, combined with nectarine, creates a uniquely refreshing treat that tastes good and helps with smelly kisses.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed and chopped
• 4-5 fresh mint leaves (peppermint or spearmint)
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Make sure you are using mint and not English Pennyroyal, which is toxic to dogs.
2. Place the nectarine, mint leaves, and water in a blender.
3. Blend until the mint leaves are finely incorporated into the mixture.
4. Pour into small ice cube trays or molds.
5. Freeze for 3 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A great multi-purpose treat for owners looking to give their dog a cool-down snack that also helps with dental hygiene. Perfect for a post-meal treat.

For the pup who prefers savory over sweet, this recipe is a game-changer. The sweetness of the nectarine pairs surprisingly well with the savory flavor of chicken broth. It’s an enticing, hydrating treat that will grab the attention of even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pureed nectarine (pit removed)
• 1 cup low-sodium, onion-free, and garlic-free chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Gently whisk the nectarine puree and chicken broth together in a bowl.
2. Pour the mixture into your molds. You can even drop a small piece of cooked, shredded chicken in the middle as a surprise!
3. Freeze for 3-4 hours until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect choice for picky dogs who turn their noses up at purely fruit-based treats. The savory smell and taste of the broth make it irresistible.

Looking for a protein-packed, creamy treat? Low-fat cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium for dogs. Its lumpy texture freezes into an interesting consistency that many dogs enjoy. This is a simple, satisfying, and healthy snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed and finely diced
• 1 cup low-fat plain cottage cheese

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, gently fold the diced nectarine into the cottage cheese.
2. Spoon the mixture into small paper cups or a silicone muffin tray.
3. Freeze for 4 hours, or until firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fantastic choice for active dogs or growing puppies who can benefit from the extra protein. It’s also great for owners who don’t want to pull out the blender!

Why stop at one fruit? Let’s throw a party in a popsicle! This recipe combines the goodness of nectarines, strawberries, and bananas for a trifecta of flavor and nutrients. It’s a vitamin-packed treat that’s bursting with fruity flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe nectarine, pit removed
• 4-5 large strawberries, hulled
• 1/2 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Place all the fruits and the water into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth. The mixture will be a lovely pinkish-orange color.
3. Pour into your favorite popsicle molds. You can even place a dog-safe chew stick (like a carrot stick or a dental chew) in the middle to act as a handle.
4. Freeze for 4-5 hours until completely solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is for the fruit-loving dog! It’s a vibrant, nutrient-dense treat that’s perfect as a special reward. Because of the higher sugar content, it’s best served in moderation, especially for smaller or less active dogs.

Before you get carried away with all these fun recipes, let’s talk about the most important part: safety. Nectarines are healthy, but only when prepared correctly. Following these simple rules will ensure your dog can enjoy their treats without any risks.

The Pit is a No-Go!

This is the number one rule. The pit (or stone) of a nectarine is dangerous for two reasons. First, it’s a serious choking hazard. Second, and more critically, it contains trace amounts of cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. The pit itself is hard, but if your dog chews and cracks it open, it can release the toxin. Always, always, always remove the pit and throw it away somewhere your dog cannot access it.

Wash, Wash, Wash

Just like you would for yourself, thoroughly wash the outside of the nectarine before preparing it. This helps remove any pesticides, dirt, or bacteria that might be on the skin. A good rinse under running water is usually sufficient.

Portion Control is Key

Nectarines contain natural sugars and fiber. While beneficial in small amounts, too much can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, or unwanted weight gain. Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For most of these frozen recipes, one or two small cubes or one pupsicle is a perfect serving size for a medium-sized dog.

Go Plain and Unsweetened

When using additional ingredients like yogurt, kefir, coconut milk, or peanut butter, always choose the plain, unsweetened, and unsalted versions. Added sugars (especially artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs) are unhealthy for your pup. Read your labels carefully!

Watch for Allergic Reactions

While rare, it is possible for a dog to be allergic to nectarines. The first time you offer a nectarine treat, give only a very small amount and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, itching, hives, or digestive upset. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet.

Are nectarines safe for dogs?

Yes, the flesh of the nectarine is safe and healthy for dogs in moderation. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. The key is to remove the pit, which is a choking hazard and contains cyanide.

Can dogs eat nectarine skin?

Yes, the skin of a nectarine is safe for dogs to eat. It contains a lot of fiber. However, for some dogs with sensitive stomachs, the high fiber content might be a bit much. It’s also important to wash the skin thoroughly to remove any pesticides.

How much nectarine can a dog have?

This depends on the size of your dog. For a small dog, a few small slices are plenty. For a larger dog, half a nectarine might be okay. As a general rule, all treats (including fruit) should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily diet to avoid stomach upset and maintain a balanced diet.

What part of the nectarine is poisonous to dogs?

The most dangerous part is the pit (also called the stone or kernel). It contains amygdalin, which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide when ingested. The stem and leaves of the nectarine tree also contain this compound. Always stick to feeding your dog only the fleshy part of the fruit.