The holidays can get busy, but your dog doesn’t have to miss out on all the festive fun. These Frozen Yogurt Christmas Dog Treats are the perfect quick and healthy snack to keep your pup cool, happy, and full of holiday cheer. They’re creamy, refreshing, and made with wholesome, dog-safe ingredients like yogurt, banana, and cranberry.
Best of all, they look adorable and store beautifully in the freezer—making them great for Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, or a healthy dessert after your dog’s holiday meal.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
These treats have a creamy texture and a mildly sweet flavor from banana and yogurt that dogs love. They’re easy to lick, soft enough for older dogs, and naturally packed with calcium, probiotics, and vitamins. The cranberry adds a festive flavor and color, while the cold temperature makes them extra satisfying after a walk or playtime.
You’ll love how simple they are to make, and your pup will love every bite.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, no artificial sweeteners)
- 1/2 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cranberries (fresh or unsweetened dried)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce (optional, for smoother texture)
Optional festive layers:
- 1 tablespoon pure pumpkin puree (for orange color)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped spinach (for green swirl effect)
Pro Tips
- Use plain yogurt only—avoid flavored versions or any that contain xylitol.
- Mash banana well to ensure a smooth consistency.
- If using cranberries, chop them finely so the texture stays even when frozen.
- Silicone molds make portioning easy and help remove treats once frozen.
- Freeze overnight for the best texture and solid shape.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone molds or ice cube trays
- Spoon or piping bag for filling molds
- Freezer-safe container for storage
Substitutions and Variations
- Yogurt substitute: Use lactose-free yogurt, goat milk, or kefir for sensitive stomachs.
- Banana substitute: Swap with unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree.
- Peanut butter substitute: Use sunflower seed butter or plain pumpkin for nut-free versions.
- Festive twist: Add a layer of spinach-blended yogurt for a green and white Christmas look.
- Fruity version: Try blueberries, strawberries, or grated apple instead of cranberries.
Make Ahead Tips
These frozen treats are ideal for making ahead since they store so well. You can prepare the mixture up to two days in advance and refrigerate before freezing. Once frozen, they’ll keep for months.
They’re great for gifting too—simply pack a few in small freezer-safe jars or tins lined with parchment and give them to fellow dog parents for a thoughtful homemade surprise.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, mashed banana, and peanut butter. Stir until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add applesauce to loosen it slightly.
Step 2: Add Cranberries
Stir in the chopped cranberries. They’ll add a festive red color and a touch of tartness that complements the creamy base.
Step 3: Optional Festive Layers
For a colorful holiday twist, divide the mixture into separate bowls. Add pumpkin puree to one bowl for an orange hue or spinach puree to another for green. You can layer or swirl the colors in your molds for a Christmas-inspired look.
Step 4: Fill Molds
Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon to keep the treats even.
Step 5: Freeze
Place the molds in the freezer and freeze for at least 4–6 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
Step 6: Remove and Store
Pop the frozen treats out of the molds and transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and date the batch for easy tracking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve one or two treats after a winter walk or playtime.
- Add as a topping to your dog’s regular meal for a creamy boost.
- Mix different colored layers for holiday patterns.
- Pack a few in small bags or boxes for homemade gifts.
- Serve as a cool reward on Christmas morning while you enjoy breakfast.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use unsweetened coconut yogurt or lactose-free yogurt.
- Grain-free: Naturally grain-free as written.
- Nut-free: Skip the peanut butter or use pureed pumpkin or mashed banana instead.
- Low-fat: Use low-fat Greek yogurt and omit the peanut butter.
- Sensitive stomach: Stick to banana, pumpkin, and plain yogurt only for gentle digestion.
Leftovers and Storage
These frozen treats last quite a while and maintain their texture if stored properly.
- Freezer: Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Refrigerator: Can be stored for up to 3 days, but they’ll soften significantly.
- Serving tip: Let thaw slightly for a minute before serving if they’re too hard right out of the freezer.
To make them gift-ready, freeze them in festive silicone molds like stars or snowflakes and store them in small decorative tins or resealable bags.
Nutrition & Benefits
These treats are not only fun but also full of nutrients your dog can benefit from:
- Greek yogurt adds calcium and probiotics for gut health.
- Banana provides potassium and fiber to aid digestion.
- Cranberries bring antioxidants that support urinary health and immunity.
- Peanut butter contributes healthy fats and protein for sustained energy.
- Pumpkin or spinach (optional) offer vitamins A, C, and K for added nutrition and festive flair.
Each bite delivers a balance of creamy texture and natural flavor that feels like a dessert but supports your dog’s well-being.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: Yes, but choose unsweetened and plain varieties. Greek yogurt is thicker, which helps the treats set better.
Q: Can puppies have these treats?
A: Yes, in moderation. These are soft and safe for puppies as long as the ingredients suit their diet.
Q: How do I make these smaller?
A: Use mini molds or pour into ice cube trays and fill only halfway.
Q: Can I add honey for sweetness?
A: It’s optional, but not necessary. Bananas and cranberries add plenty of natural sweetness.
Q: How long do they take to freeze completely?
A: About 6 hours, depending on your freezer and the mold size. Overnight is best for solid treats.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Frozen Yogurt Christmas Dog Treats are a cheerful, healthy way to include your dog in the holiday fun. They’re easy to make, festive to look at, and refreshing after a cozy winter walk or play session. With their creamy texture, natural sweetness, and pops of holiday color, they’re sure to be a hit with every pup.
Whether you’re baking up holiday goodies for the family or prepping special treats for your dog, this recipe is the perfect way to spread joy, love, and a little festive chill this Christmas season.