Homemade Dog Ice Cream: PB, Banana & Yogurt Recipe

Summer is here, and while you're enjoying a cold treat by the pool, your furry best friend is likely giving you those puppy-dog eyes. You want to spoil them, but store-bought doggy desserts can be pricey and filled with unpronounceable ingredients.

Here is the good news: You can make a Frosty Paws copycat right in your own kitchen. It is cheaper, healthier, and surprisingly fast. Based on data from top-rated recipes (boasting 4.9-star ratings from dozens of votes), this guide synthesizes everything you need to know to create the perfect frozen treat.

Below is the ultimate skyscraper recipe—better than any single source—combining the best prep tips, safety warnings, and ingredient ratios to keep your pup cool this season.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You might be wondering if making dog treats from scratch is worth the effort. The answer is a resounding yes. When we analyze the top-performing recipes online, three distinct benefits stand out:

• It is a Money Saver: Store-bought dog ice cream is expensive. Research shows that a box of 4 store-bought cups often costs over $4.00. By making this recipe at home, you can produce a batch of 12 to 20 servings for the same price as just 6 store-bought cups.
• It is Fast: You don't need to be a chef. The preparation time is consistently clocked at just 5 to 10 minutes across multiple sources.
• It is Healthy: You control exactly what goes in. No preservatives, no weird gums—just whole foods.

⚠️ Safety First: The "No Xylitol" Rule

Before you open the pantry, we need to have a serious conversation about ingredients. While this recipe is incredibly safe, there is one ingredient found in many human kitchens that is deadly to dogs.

The Peanut Butter Warning

You must check your peanut butter label for Xylitol. Xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar) is a sugar substitute used in many low-sugar or "diet" peanut butter brands. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, causing hypoglycemia and liver failure.

Safe Bet: Always use natural peanut butter where the only ingredients are peanuts (and maybe a little salt).

Why Greek Yogurt?

While some sources mention plain yogurt, Plain Greek Yogurt is the superior choice for your dog.

• Lower Lactose: As noted in expert nutritional breakdowns, Greek yogurt is strained, which removes much of the whey and lactose. Since many dogs are lactose intolerant, this makes it easier on their digestion.
• Higher Protein: It provides a better nutritional boost than standard sugary yogurts.
• Avoid Flavors: Never use vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurts, as they often contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

The Master Recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana "Frosty Paws"

This recipe synthesizes the best ratios from various top-rated versions (including the popular 4-ingredient variation with honey).

Prep Time:

5–10 minutes

Freeze Time:

3 hours

Yields:

12–20 treats (depending on mold size)

Calories:

Approx. 80 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 32 oz (approx. 3-4 cups) Plain Greek Yogurt: Non-fat or low-fat is best to keep the calories down.
• 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter: XYLITOL-FREE. Organic is preferred.
• 2 Ripe Bananas: The riper they are, the naturally sweeter the treat will be for your pup.
• (Optional) 1 tbsp Honey: For a little extra sweetness if your bananas aren't very ripe.
• (Optional Toppings): Medium Milk-Bone dog biscuits, crumbled bacon, or frozen blueberries.

Equipment

• Blender or Food Processor
• Silicone molds (paw prints, bones), ice cube trays, or mini muffin tins.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blend the Base

Peel your bananas and toss them into your blender. Add the peanut butter and the Greek yogurt. If you are using honey, add it now. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth. You are looking for a milkshake consistency.

2. Pour and Portions

Pour the mixture into your chosen molds.

• Pro Tip: If you use a mini muffin tin, silicone molds work best for easy removal. If you are using a standard metal tin, you might want to use paper liners or lightly spray with coconut oil.

3. Add the "Handle" (Optional)

For a cute, "popsicle" look that doubles as a treat, stick a small dog biscuit (like a Milk-Bone) halfway into the mixture before freezing. This gives your dog something crunchy to finish with.

4. The Freeze

Place the trays in the freezer.

• Timeline: While prep is fast, patience is key here. It takes approximately 3 hours for the treats to freeze solid.
• Texture: Unlike human ice cream which is churned to be airy, this will freeze hard (like an ice cube). This is actually good—it takes your dog longer to eat it, keeping them occupied!

Storage and Shelf Life

Once the treats are frozen solid, you don't have to leave them in the trays. Pop them out and store them in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or airtight container.

• How long does it last? According to food safety guidelines for these ingredients, these treats maintain peak quality for one month.
• Maximum Storage: Some sources suggest they are safe for up to two months, but for the freshest taste and to avoid freezer burn, aim to use them within 30 days.

Nutritional Breakdown

If you are watching your dog's weight, portion control is important. Based on the aggregate data from competitors, here is what you are looking at per serving (assuming a standard ice-cube size serving):

Calories:

~80 kcal

Fat:

Moderate (from the Peanut Butter)

Dietary Info:

Gluten-Free, Vegetarian.

Note: If you have a small dog, half a "cup" or using smaller silicone molds is recommended to avoid overfeeding.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you master the base recipe, you can get creative. Here are some safe, research-backed mix-ins to spice up your dog's summer:

1. The "Berry Blast": Blend in a handful of frozen blueberries or strawberries. They are packed with antioxidants and safe for dogs.
2. The "Veggie Crunch": Add small chunks of carrots or celery to the mold before pouring the liquid. This adds texture and fiber.
3. The "Pumpkin Patch": Swap the banana for pure canned pumpkin (not pie filling!) for a digestion-friendly version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ready to be the coolest owner on the block? Grab that blender and make this summer one your dog will never forget!