Peanut Butter Banana Dog Ice Cream Cups

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Hot days call for cool treats, and your dog deserves a safe, tasty option that feels special.

These Peanut Butter Banana Dog Ice Cream Cups are made for dogs, not people, and use simple, dog-safe ingredients you probably already have.

They freeze into easy, portioned cups that make treats or meal toppers simple.

What You’ll Need

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt (use plain cow, goat, or lactose-free yogurt if your dog is sensitive)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter with no xylitol or added salt
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth (optional, for thinning)
• 2 teaspoons honey (optional, small amount is fine for most dogs)
• Ice cube tray or silicone muffin tray for freezing single servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Peel and mash the bananas in a bowl until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.
2. Add the plain yogurt and natural peanut butter to the mashed banana. Stir to combine into a thick, even mixture.
3. If the mix is too thick to scoop, add the low-sodium broth one tablespoon at a time until you reach a scoopable consistency.
4. Taste with a quick sniff to confirm it smells fresh. Avoid giving any to yourself if you use honey sparingly but it is optional.
5. Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone muffin cups. Fill each cavity about three quarters full to allow for expansion when freezing.
6. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
7. Pop the frozen cups out and transfer them to a labeled freezer-safe bag for long-term storage.
8. Serve one cup as a treat or break a larger cup into smaller pieces for small dogs or puppies.

How to Store

Keep the cups in the freezer in a sealed container or freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months, but use within one month for best flavor.

Thaw a single cup in the refrigerator for 1 hour for a softer texture or let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Portioning guidance: for small dogs, give half a cup or less.

For medium to large dogs, one whole cup makes a nice treat. Use these as occasional treats or meal toppers, not daily full meals.

Health Benefits

This treat provides a balance of carbs from banana, healthy fats and protein from peanut butter, and calcium and probiotics from yogurt.

The combination supports energy and can aid digestion when you use yogurt with live cultures.

The frozen texture helps soothe gums for teething puppies and gives older dogs a refreshing, low-activity snack.

Keep servings reasonable. These cups are treats and should fit within your dog’s overall daily calorie allowance to avoid weight gain.

What Not to Do

• Do not use peanut butter that contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Check labels carefully.
• Do not add salt, onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, or raisins. These ingredients are unsafe for dogs.
• Do not give too many treats in one day. Excess calories lead to weight gain and stomach upset.
• Do not freeze in glass containers that can crack. Use silicone or plastic trays safe for freezing.

Variations You Can Try

• Protein swap: replace yogurt with unsweetened cottage cheese for a higher protein option.
• Fruit swap: use mashed cooked pumpkin or apple puree instead of banana for variety.
• Texture change: fold in small pieces of cooked chicken or carrot for a chunkier cup that doubles as a meal topper.
• Dairy-free: use plain unsweetened coconut yogurt if your dog is dairy sensitive, but introduce slowly.

FAQ

How many cups can I give my dog at once?

Serve treats based on size.

Small dogs: half a cup or less. Medium dogs: up to one cup. Large dogs: one to two cups as an occasional treat.

Adjust for calorie needs and activity level and consider reducing regular meal portions when giving as a topper.

Is peanut butter safe for dogs?

Yes, plain natural peanut butter is safe for most dogs in moderation. Always choose peanut butter with no xylitol and low or no added salt. If your dog has a known peanut allergy, avoid peanuts and use a substitute like pumpkin or cottage cheese.

Can I use Greek yogurt?

Yes.

Plain Greek yogurt works well and has more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt. Choose plain, unsweetened varieties and introduce in small amounts if your dog is not used to dairy.

How long do frozen cups last?

Frozen cups keep for about three months in the freezer, though the best flavor and texture are within the first month. Store in a sealed, labeled freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.