Frozen Christmas Treats Your Dog Will Love
While winter might seem like an unusual time to offer frozen treats, many dogs love cold snacks year-round. And with the hustle, bustle, and excitement of the holiday season, frozen treats can be a fantastic way to help dogs stay calm, entertained, and enriched—especially when guests are visiting or when the house is filled with holiday activity.
In this festive guide, we’ll explore dog-safe frozen Christmas treats that are simple to make, gentle on your pup’s stomach, and full of holiday cheer. Whether you’re looking for calming enrichment options, fun seasonal flavors, or cute holiday-themed treats, these recipes will have your dog celebrating in frosty style!
Why Frozen Treats Are Great for Dogs—Even in Winter
You might think frozen treats are for summer only, but there are many benefits to offering them during colder months:
1. Long-lasting enrichment
Frozen treats take longer for dogs to enjoy, keeping them occupied when you’re wrapping gifts or hosting family gatherings.
2. Naturally calming
Licking triggers the release of endorphins, helping dogs relax when the environment gets busy or loud with holiday festivities.
3. Perfect for dogs who run warm
Many breeds—huskies, shepherds, malamutes—thrive on cold snacks, even when there’s snow on the ground.
4. Easy to make and store
Frozen treats last weeks in the freezer, making them a convenient option all season long.
Dog-Safe Frozen Ingredients for Christmas
Frozen treats should be simple, wholesome, and without added sugars, spices, or dairy products that could upset your dog’s stomach.
Safe Ingredients to Use
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Plain Greek yogurt (if your dog tolerates dairy)
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Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
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Banana
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Applesauce (unsweetened)
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Strawberries
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Blueberries
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Water or bone broth (low-sodium)
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Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
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Unsweetened coconut milk
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Dog-safe carob
Keep These Out of Frozen Treats
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Chocolate
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Nutmeg
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Candy canes or anything with xylitol
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Eggnog
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Grapes or raisins
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Added sugars
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Holiday spices like clove or allspice
Keeping ingredients simple ensures treats are safe and easy for your dog to digest.
Recipe 1: Peppermint “Snowdrift” Frozen Bites (Dog-Safe!)
Real peppermint extract and candy canes aren’t safe for dogs—but dried peppermint leaves are! These treats offer a refreshing winter flavor without any danger.
Ingredients
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt
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¼ cup pumpkin purée
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½ tsp dried peppermint leaves (crushed)
Instructions
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
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Spoon mixture into silicone snowflake or Christmas tree molds.
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Freeze for 2–3 hours until solid.
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Pop out and store in the freezer.
These look beautiful and smell like winter without the risks of holiday mint products.
Recipe 2: Red & Green Holiday Smoothie Bites
These are festive, easy, and naturally colored using dog-safe fruits and veggies.
Green Layer (Spinach & Apple)
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½ cup unsweetened applesauce
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Small handful of spinach
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1–2 tbsp water
Blend until smooth.
Red Layer (Strawberry & Banana)
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½ cup strawberries
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½ banana
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Splash of water
Blend separately.
Instructions
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Add a spoonful of green mixture to each mold; freeze for 30 minutes.
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Add red mixture on top; freeze fully.
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Remove from molds and store.
These festive layered treats look like Christmas lights!
Recipe 3: Frozen Peanut Butter Christmas Swirls
Simple, classic, and always a hit with dogs.
Ingredients
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¼ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt or coconut milk
Instructions
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Microwave peanut butter for 10 seconds to soften.
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Stir into yogurt or coconut milk, creating light swirls.
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Spoon into molds or ice cube trays.
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Freeze for 2–4 hours.
These treats are rich, creamy, and totally irresistible.
Recipe 4: Carob-Dipped Snowballs
These resemble chocolate-dipped truffles—but with safe carob instead of chocolate.
Ingredients
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1 cup pumpkin purée
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½ cup oats
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2 tbsp plain yogurt
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Dog-safe carob chips
Instructions
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Blend pumpkin, oats, and yogurt; roll into bite-size balls.
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Freeze for 1 hour.
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Melt carob chips and lightly drizzle over frozen balls.
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Freeze again until firm.
Perfect for holiday photos—adorable and dog-safe!
Recipe 5: Frozen Holiday Kong Stuffing Ideas
Kongs or puzzle toys + frozen fillings = hours of enrichment.
Options to Fill:
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Pumpkin & banana mash
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Peanut butter mixed with applesauce
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Greek yogurt & blueberries
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Flaked cooked chicken mixed with broth
Stuff the Kong, freeze overnight, and offer when guests arrive or during gift opening.
More Fun Ways to Serve Frozen Holiday Treats
1. Ice “Wreaths” for Dogs
Use a bundt pan to freeze water mixed with small bits of fruit or kibble.
Offer outside or let your dog lick it on a towel indoors.
2. Frozen Broth Cubes
Low-sodium broth cubes make delicious, savory snacks.
3. Holiday Pupsicles
Use dog-safe popsicle sticks or carrots for handles.
Safety Tips for Frozen Treats in Winter
1. Serve in moderation.
Even healthy treats add calories.
2. Know your dog’s tolerance for cold.
Some dogs (especially small breeds or seniors) may prefer softer or partially thawed treats.
3. Avoid sugary or spiced ingredients.
Holiday human foods often contain hidden risks.
4. Supervise when giving frozen treats.
Especially with large frozen items or filled toys.
Storing Your Frozen Christmas Treats
Most frozen treats keep for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Consider storing them in:
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Mason jars
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Silicone bags
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Festive treat boxes
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Holiday tins labeled “For the Dog!”
It’s a fun and organized way to have quick enrichment ready all season long.
Final Thoughts: A Chilly Way to Celebrate Christmas With Your Pup
Frozen treats are an unexpected yet delightful addition to your dog’s Christmas festivities. They’re easy to make, long-lasting, and perfect for holiday downtime or overstimulation. With vibrant colors, dog-safe ingredients, and cute shapes, frozen Christmas treats bring joyful enrichment to your pup’s routine—even on the coldest winter days.
Whether you’re preparing for guests, enjoying a quiet night by the tree, or creating dog treat gift boxes for friends, these chilly delights are sure to spread holiday cheer.