When the temperatures rise, there’s nothing better than a cool, refreshing treat – and your pup agrees! These homemade watermelon popsicles for dogs are the perfect way to help your furry friend beat the heat.
Made with juicy watermelon, creamy coconut milk, and finished with a chewy dog treat “stick,” they’re not just cute, they’re totally pup-approved. Easy to blend up and freeze, these pupsicles are a fun and nutritious way to keep your dog cool all summer long.
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Why This is the Best Watermelon Dog Popsicle Recipe
There are plenty of frozen treat recipes out there, but this one stands out from the pack. These aren’t just frozen cubes or blended fruit in a mold, they are actual popsicles made just for dogs! Here’s why you (and your pup) will love them:
They’re real popsicles, not just frozen treats. Most of the watermelon dog popsicle recipes skip the stick, but this one includes a dog chew stick right in the center so it looks and feels like a true popsicle!
You can customize the stick. Whether you use a long dog chew, bully stick, jerky, or even a veggie like a green bean or carrot, there are lots of fun and tasty options.
They’re super easy to make. With just three ingredients and a blender, these treats come together in minutes. Just blend, pour, stick, and freeze!
They’re naturally sweet and hydrating. Watermelon is full of water and gentle on your dog’s tummy, making these pops a great way to help your pup stay cool and hydrated on hot days.
They’re dairy-free and dog-safe. Using lite coconut milk instead of yogurt or dairy keeps the recipe gentle and easy to digest for dogs who are sensitive to lactose.
They’re just plain fun. Let’s be honest, watching your dog chomp down on a little watermelon pupsicle is adorable. They make a great summertime treat, dog birthday surprise, or anytime snack that feels extra special.
Recipe Ingredients
You only need 3 simple ingredients to make these dog-friendly popsicles. Each one plays a role in keeping things cool, hydrating, and safe for dogs. Plus, they’re easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Watermelon – The star flavor of the popsicles!
- Lite Coconut Milk – Makes them creamy without dairy.
- Dog Chew Sticks – For the popsicle sticks.
Ingredient Substitutions and Recipe Variations
There are a few ways you can change this easy recipe:
Low Fat Greek Yogurt – This will make the popsicles much creamier and thicker than with coconut milk. The texture will be rich and almost like a frozen smoothie. However, they will no longer be dairy-free.
Goat Milk – It’s thinner than coconut milk but still has a bit of natural creaminess. The popsicles will have a slightly softer, more milky texture – somewhere between icy and creamy. It’s also naturally lower in lactose than cow’s milk, which makes it easier for most dogs to digest.
Almond Milk – Unsweetened almond milk is thinner than lite coconut milk, so the popsicles will be a little more icy and less creamy. They’ll still freeze well but the texture will be more like a fruity ice pop.
Oat Milk – Unsweetened oat milk is a bit creamier so it’s a closer match to lite coconut milk in texture. Your popsicles will have a slightly smoother consistency but they still might not be quite as rich as with coconut milk.
Substitute any dog-safe fruit for watermelon. See below for some more dog popsicle recipes.
Add a few fresh mint leaves for a breath-freshening treat.
Other Edible Popsicle Sticks for Dogs
I used Purina Dentalife treat sticks. If you don’t want to use them, here are some other options:
- Bully Sticks
- Chicken Jerky
- Small Dog Biscuits
- Other Dog Chew Sticks (but not rawhide because it’s not good for dogs).
- Dog Friendly Vegetables – Carrots, Green Beans, Celery, or Parsnips
Equipment Needed
You probably have most of the kitchen items you need to make these dog popsicles. The key ones are a blender and ice cube trays. But, instead of an ice cube tray, you can use:
- Mini silicone muffin pan to make round ones.
- Mini popsicle molds to make larger ones for big dogs.
- Small disposable paper or plastic cups.
How to Make Watermelon Popsicles for Dogs
These watermelon popsicles couldn’t be easier to make. Here’s what to do:
- Remove any seeds from the watermelon and cut it into chunks.
- Place the watermelon chunks in a blender.
- Pour in the coconut milk.
- Blend thoroughly until it has a smoothie consistency.
- Pour mixture into an ice cube tray, filling each cube 3/4 full.
- Place a dog treat in the middle of each cube.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until frozen solid.
- Remove the frozen dog popsicles from the tray.
It’s okay if the chew stick won’t stay upright because your dog won’t mind. But if you want them to stick up straight, try freezing the popsicles until they’re partially set, then insert the stick – it’ll stand up much better that way.
Serving Size
How many popsicles should you give your dog? That depends on their size, activity level, and daily diet. Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
If you use chew sticks for the popsicle sticks, only give the recommended daily amount on the package.
Also, start with one to ensure your dog doesn’t have any adverse reactions to new ingredients. Always consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about portion sizes.
How to Store the Popsicles and How Long they Last
Store the popsicles in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Can people eat these popsicles?
Oh yes, they sure can – depending on the stick! The popsicle mixture itself is made with simple ingredients that are fine for people to eat. However, not all dog chew sticks are safe (or appetizing!) for human consumption. So if you plan to share, just pour a few into separate molds and use a wooden or reusable popsicle stick instead. That way, both you and your pup can enjoy a cool treat.
Great Frozen Dog Treat and Popsicle Recipes
Want to make more popsicles or frozen treats for your dog? Check out these recipes:
- Blueberry Popsicles
- Frozen Berry Dog Treats
- Frozen Peach Dog Treats
- Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats
- Mixed Berry Popsicles
- Peanut Butter Popsicles
- Strawberry Pupsicles
Find lots of easy recipes for frozen dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Watermelon Popsicles for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1½ cups watermelon without seeds
- 2/3 cup lite coconut milk
- 14 dog chew sticks
Instructions
- In a blender, combine watermelon and coconut milk.
- Blend for 1 to 2 minutes or until a smoothie like consistency is reached.
- Pour the mixture into an empty ice cube tray, filling each whole ¾ full.
- Add a dog treat to each cube.
- Freeze a minimum of 4 hours, until frozen solid.
- Remove the popsicles from the ice cube tray and place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or plastic freezer bag. Store them in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Notes
- Dog Chicken Jerky Strips
- Other Safe Dog Chew Sticks (not rawhide)
- Bully Sticks
- Small Dog Biscuits
- Vegetables – Green Beans, Carrots, or Parsnips
Nutrition
Benefits of Watermelon for Dogs
Watermelon has essential vitamins for the immune system, including vitamin A, B6, and C, along with antioxidants that support a healthy immune system. It also has important minerals like potassium, which supports healthy muscles and nerves, and magnesium, which helps regulate energy and supports bone health. This delicious fruit has high water content (92 percent water) and a low calorie density. The natural sugar in it is better than processed sugar.
Thank you for sharing you safe food recipes for my two German Shepherd dogs. They loved them!