There’s nothing quite like seeing your pup’s tail wag like crazy when they know a treat is coming—especially a cold, creamy one on a hot day! My dog, Max, goes absolutely nuts for these frozen yogurt puff bones, and honestly, I love making them just as much as he loves eating them. They’re ridiculously easy to whip up with just three simple ingredients: plain yogurt, xylitol-free peanut butter, and a mashed banana. Not only do they help keep him cool in the summer, but I also feel good knowing exactly what’s going into his snacks—no mystery ingredients here. Trust me, your dog will be begging for these!
Why Your Dog Will Love Frozen Yogurt Puff Bones
Let’s be real—dogs go wild for anything peanut butter, but these frozen yogurt puff bones take treat time to a whole new level. First off, they’re ice-cold and refreshing, perfect for cooling down your pup on a scorching day. Second, the combo of yogurt and banana makes them gentle on sensitive stomachs (no sketchy fillers here!). And let’s not forget the peanut butter factor—that rich, dog-approved flavor is basically canine crack. Plus, they’re soft enough for senior dogs or puppies to nibble safely. Max does his “happy dance” every time he sees me pull one from the freezer—need I say more?
Ingredients for Frozen Yogurt Puff Bones for Dogs
Okay, let’s talk ingredients—because I’m a stickler for keeping things simple and safe for my pup. You only need three things to make these frozen yogurt puff bones, but each one matters:
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt – Full-fat or low-fat works, but avoid flavored yogurts (sugar and artificial sweeteners are a no-go). Greek yogurt is great for extra creaminess!
- ½ cup peanut butter – Must be xylitol-free (this artificial sweetener is toxic to dogs). Look for “natural” on the label, and give it a good stir if it’s oily. You can even make your own with this homemade peanut butter for dogs recipe!
- 1 ripe banana, mashed – The spottier, the better! It adds natural sweetness and helps bind everything together. No banana? Unsweetened applesauce works in a pinch.
That’s it! I’ve tossed in a sprinkle of cinnamon before (Max loves it), but keep add-ins minimal—dogs don’t need fancy. Just tasty, cold, and safe.
How to Make Frozen Yogurt Puff Bones for Dogs
Alright, let’s get down to business—this is so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought treats. First, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the yogurt, peanut butter, and mashed banana until it’s smooth and creamy. No fancy mixer needed—just a good ol’ spoon and some elbow grease. (Pro tip: If your peanut butter is stubbornly thick, microwave it for 10 seconds to loosen it up.)
Next, spoon the mixture into silicone bone molds or an ice cube tray. I swear by silicone molds—they’re flexible, so the puffs pop right out later. Fill ’em almost to the top, but leave a tiny gap so they don’t overflow when freezing. No molds? No problem! Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined tray for freeform blobs—Max doesn’t judge shapes.
Now, the hardest part: freeze for at least 4 hours, or until rock solid. I usually make a batch before bed and let them chill overnight. When you’re ready to serve, just pop one out and watch your dog’s eyes light up. Serve straight from the freezer—these melt fast in eager mouths!
Tips for Perfect Frozen Yogurt Puff Bones for Dogs
Listen, I’ve made enough batches of these puff bones to know a few tricks—here’s how to nail them every time. First, silicone molds are your best friend. The flexible sides let you pop those frozen treats out in one piece without the wrestling match. (Trust me, I’ve lost a few to regular ice cube trays—RIP.) If you’re making these for a tiny pup or a giant breed, adjust the portion size—mini ice cube trays work great for Chihuahuas, while muffin tins suit bigger dogs. Just break larger puffs into chunks if needed.
And let’s talk peanut butter safety again—double-check that label for xylitol. I keep a sharpie in my pantry to circle “XYLITOL-FREE” on my jar because one slip-up isn’t worth the risk. Lastly, if your dog’s a messy eater (looking at you, Max), serve these outside or on a towel—melty yogurt puffs + carpet = regrets. Bonus tip: Freeze the mixture in a Kong for an extra-challenging, lickable puzzle toy!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These frozen yogurt puff bones keep beautifully in the freezer—just toss them in an airtight container or zip-top bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks (though let’s be honest, they’ll disappear way faster). I like to layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together in one giant treat block—Max has no patience for chiseling apart frozen snacks.
As for serving, one puff is perfect for most medium-sized dogs, but adjust based on your pup’s size (half for tiny breeds, two for big guys). They’re ideal as a cool-down treat after a summer walk or a high-value training reward—nothing motivates like peanut butter! Just supervise your dog while they enjoy them, especially fast eaters. And if you’re feeling fancy, crumble a puff over their kibble for a “frosty bowl” surprise. Max gives that one five enthusiastic tail wags.
Frozen Yogurt Puff Bones for Dogs FAQ
Got questions? I’ve got answers—here are the most common ones that pop up when I share this recipe with fellow dog lovers:
Can I use flavored yogurt? Nope! Stick to plain, unsweetened yogurt. Flavored versions often contain sugar, artificial sweeteners (like xylitol—dangerous for dogs), or additives that can upset your pup’s tummy. Greek yogurt is fine, as long as it’s unflavored.
Are these safe for puppies? Absolutely! Just adjust the portion size—tiny puppy mouths do better with smaller bites. I’ll sometimes freeze the mix in a lick mat for teething pups. Always check with your vet if your puppy has food sensitivities.
Can I add other ingredients? In moderation! A dash of cinnamon or pure pumpkin purée (not pie filling) is fine, but avoid chocolate, grapes, or anything salty. Max loves a teaspoon of blueberries mashed in—just know added fruits mean extra sugar, so keep it light.
What if my dog is lactose intolerant? Try lactose-free yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt (check for no added sugars). Some dogs handle goat’s milk yogurt better, too.
How often can I give these to my dog? Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories—one or two puffs a day max for most dogs. Max gets them as special rewards, not every meal!
Nutritional Information
Let’s be honest—we’re not counting calories for our pups, but it’s still good to know what’s in these frozen yogurt puff bones! These numbers are estimates (your exact brands of yogurt and peanut butter will change things slightly). Here’s the breakdown per puff, assuming you make about 8 from this recipe:
- Calories: ~50
- Fat: 3g (mostly from peanut butter—the good kind!)
- Protein: 2g (thanks to yogurt and PB)
- Carbs: 5g (mostly natural sugars from banana)
Important note: Nutrition varies by brand—especially with peanut butter. Some natural brands have more oil, while Greek yogurt packs extra protein. I always check labels to avoid sneaky additives. And remember, treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily intake—Max gets these as special rewards, not a full meal replacement!
Share Your Experience
Nothing makes me happier than hearing about other dogs going bonkers for these frozen yogurt puff bones—I want to see those tails wagging! Did your pup do the “happy dance” like Max does? Maybe you tweaked the recipe with a fun add-in (blueberries? pumpkin?). Drop a comment below and tell me all about it—I read every one! Better yet, snap a pic of your dog mid-lick or with a yogurt-sticky muzzle and share it. Let’s make this a virtual dog treat party—because every pup deserves a little frosty joy in their bowl. You can also find more dog treat inspiration on Pinterest!
Delicious Frozen Yogurt Puff Bones for Happy Dogs
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 puffs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy frozen yogurt puff bones for dogs, perfect for a refreshing treat on hot days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 banana, mashed
Instructions
- Mix yogurt, peanut butter, and mashed banana in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into silicone bone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
- Pop out and serve to your dog as a cool treat.
Notes
- Use only dog-safe peanut butter without xylitol.
- Adjust the size of the treats based on your dog’s size.
- Store leftovers in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Pet Food
