ByThese easy watermelon dog treats take 10 minutes of work and 4 hours in the freezer. You blend seedless watermelon with plain yogurt and freeze it in a tray. The AKC says dogs can eat watermelon once the seeds and rind are removed.
Hot days are hard on dogs. A cold cube feels good, and it is simple to make. There is no oven.
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Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Freeze time: 4 hours
- Total time: About 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 20 standard ice cube bites (more with mini molds)
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Storage life: Up to 2 months in the freezer
Is watermelon safe for dogs?
Yes, as long as you prepare it. The AKC says to remove the seeds because they can cause intestinal blockage, and to discard the tough rind because it can upset the stomach. You use only the pink flesh here.
Choose seedless melon to make this easier. Even then, pick out any black seeds you see.
What do I need to make frozen watermelon dog treats?
Here is the recipe card.
Ingredients
- 3 cups seedless watermelon, rind removed, in cubes
- ¾ cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt (about one 7-ounce container)
Steps
- Cut the rind off the watermelon.
- Cube the pink flesh.
- Pick out any black seeds.
- Blend the watermelon until smooth.
- Add the yogurt and blend again.
- Pour the mix into a silicone mold or ice cube tray.
- Tap the tray on the counter to pop air bubbles.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Let the tray sit on the counter for 2 minutes, then pop the bites out.
- Move them to an airtight freezer container.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Seedless, no rind. Both are flagged by the AKC as the parts to remove.
- Plain yogurt only. Avoid flavored, sweetened, or “sugar-free” yogurt. Some sugar-free products contain xylitol, which can drop a dog’s blood sugar and damage the liver. Check the whole label. (NC State College of Veterinary Medicine)
- Dairy note. The AKC says plain yogurt is fine for most dogs unless they are lactose intolerant. Try the banana swap below if your dog is not.
Pro Tip: Skip the honey you see in some recipes. Ripe watermelon is already sweet.
How many watermelon bites can my dog have?
One to three, depending on size. The AKC says to keep treats under 10% of your dog’s diet. Fresh melon is low in calories, but the yogurt adds some.
- Small dogs: One bite.
- Medium dogs: Two bites.
- Large dogs: Up to three bites.
See how many treats a dog should have a day for a full guide.
Frozen cubes can be a choking risk for tiny dogs. Use mini molds, stay nearby, and let the cube soften for a minute.
Vet Tip: Frozen treats are a snack, not a cooling method. If your dog is panting hard or seems overheated, call your vet.
Can frozen watermelon replace my dog’s water?
No. These add a little water, but the bowl still matters. Learn more in how long a dog can go without water. A dog water fountain can keep fresh water flowing all day.
If you leave a cube with your dog while you are out, a dog camera lets you check in on the fun.
Can I swap ingredients?
Yes. Here are the swaps I would try.
- Dairy-free: Replace the yogurt with ½ cup mashed ripe banana. See can dogs eat banana.
- No yogurt: Freeze the plain watermelon puree on its own.
- Extra fruit: Mix in a few blueberries. See blueberry dog treats.
- Bigger dogs: Use a large silicone mold.
- Small dogs: Use mini molds for bite-sized cubes.
- Big batch: Double the recipe. Two cups of puree fill about 14 cubes, so scale the mold size to match.
- Grain-free: This recipe has no grain.
Want a baked option instead? Try coconut dog treats or strawberry dog treats. If you would rather not make anything, browse these dog treats.
How do I store frozen watermelon dog treats?
Keep them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Stack them with parchment between layers. Toss any bites that look icy and shrunken.
Are watermelon treats safe for puppies?
Often, in small amounts and with a vet’s OK. Give a small, soft piece and stay with them.
FAQ
Q: Can dogs eat watermelon seeds? A: Remove them. The AKC says seeds can cause an intestinal blockage.
Q: Can dogs eat watermelon rind? A: No. The AKC says the tough rind can upset the stomach.
Q: Can dogs have watermelon every day? A: A small treat now and then is better. Keep all treats under 10% of daily calories.
Q: Is frozen watermelon safe for dogs? A: The AKC says seedless, rind-free frozen watermelon chunks can be a safe and refreshing treat. Cut the pieces small for little dogs.
