If your dog loves a cold snack on a warm day, these Frozen Kiwi Coconut Dog Treat Cubes are exactly what you need.
They are simple to make, use just a few dog-safe ingredients, and come together in minutes.
Your pup will get a tasty, hydrating reward that is much healthier than store-bought treats.
Ingredients
You will need the following dog-safe ingredients:
- 1 ripe kiwi, peeled and sliced. Avoid the fuzzy skin as it can be tough for dogs to digest.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk. Use a brand with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Avoid xylitol at all costs.
- 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt. Greek yogurt works well, but avoid any yogurt with fruit chunks or added flavors.
- 1 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut (optional, for texture).
Double check that all ingredients are plain and free of xylitol or other toxic additives.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps for perfect treat cubes every time.
- Prepare the kiwi. Peel the kiwi and slice it into small, bite sized pieces. Big chunks could be a choking hazard for smaller dogs.
- Blend the base. In a small blender or food processor, combine the kiwi pieces, coconut milk, and plain yogurt. Blend until smooth.
- Add the shredded coconut. If you are using shredded coconut, stir it in by hand.
This gives the treat a little extra crunch.
- Pour into molds. Pour the mixture into silicone ice cube trays or small dog treat molds. Leave a tiny space at the top for expansion.
- Freeze solid. Place the trays in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the cubes are completely frozen.
- Pop and serve. Remove the cubes from the molds. Give your dog one cube as a treat, especially on a hot day.
How to Store
Store the frozen cubes in a sealed container or zip top bag in the freezer.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. For portioning, keep individual cubes in a bag so you can grab one at a time. A single cube is a good serving size for a medium sized dog.
For very small dogs, break a cube in half. Always let the cube sit for a minute before serving to make it slightly softer.
Health Benefits
These treats offer gentle nutrition for your dog. Kiwi is a good source of vitamin C and fiber, which can support digestion in small amounts.
Coconut milk provides healthy fats that can help with a shiny coat and provide energy.
The yogurt adds probiotics, which aid in gut health. These cubes are also mostly water, so they help with hydration.
Remember, treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. They are a supplement to a balanced meal, not a replacement.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Avoid these common mistakes to keep your dog safe.
- Too much kiwi. Kiwi is acidic. Feeding too many cubes can upset your dog’s stomach.
Stick to one cube per day.
- Sugar and additives. Always use unsweetened coconut milk and yogurt. Added sugars or artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, are dangerous for dogs.
- Large chunks. If you do not blend the kiwi well, larger pieces can be a choking risk. Blend until smooth.
- Overfeeding. These are treats, not a meal.
Giving too many cubes can lead to weight gain or digestive issues.
- Ice cube size. If you use standard ice cube trays, the cubes might be too big for toy breeds. Use mini molds for safety.
Recipe Variations
You can easily change this recipe to suit your dog’s preferences.
- Berry swap. Replace the kiwi with a handful of fresh blueberries or strawberries. Both are dog safe and low in sugar.
- Protein boost. Add a tablespoon of unsalted, plain peanut butter (xylitol free) or a spoonful of pure pumpkin puree for extra fiber.
- Meaty alternative. For a savory twist, replace the fruit with a small amount of cooked, plain chicken or beef broth (low sodium, no onions or garlic).
- Creamy texture. Use full fat coconut milk for a richer treat, or substitute with plain kefir for more probiotics.
Always introduce new ingredients slowly and watch for any allergic reaction.
FAQ
How many cubes can I give my dog per day?
A good rule of thumb is one cube per 20 pounds of body weight.
For a 40 pound dog, one cube is perfect. For a 10 pound dog, give half a cube. Adjust based on your dog’s size and activity level.
Can I use coconut water instead of coconut milk?
Yes, you can.
Coconut water is lower in fat and still hydrating. Just make sure it is unsweetened and has no added flavors. It will make the cubes less creamy but still delicious.
Is kiwi safe for dogs?
Yes, kiwi is safe for dogs in small amounts.
The skin can be tough to digest, so always peel it. The fruit contains fiber and vitamin C, but too much can cause stomach upset because of its acidity.
How long do these treats last in the freezer?
Properly stored in a sealed container, these cubes last up to 3 months. For best texture and taste, use them within 2 months.
Can I give these cubes to a puppy?
Yes, but wait until your puppy is at least 8 weeks old.
Start with a tiny piece to see how they handle it. Always supervise your puppy when giving frozen treats to prevent choking.
