Homemade Dog Treats with Greek Yogurt
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Time to read 5 min
Why I Started Making Homemade Dog Treats with Greek Yogurt 🐾
Hi friend! I’m Helena, and this recipe was totally inspired by my dog Joe — a goofy, sweet Golden Retriever with a serious love for snacks.
Last summer, during one of those lazy, hot afternoons, I caught Joe staring longingly at my frozen Greek yogurt cup. It hit me — why not make something cool and healthy just for him? After all, I’m always scanning ingredient labels at pet stores and worrying about hidden junk like xylitol, preservatives, or mystery “flavors.”
So I got to work with a few safe, pup-approved ingredients, and boom — Joe had a tail-wagging obsession.
This Greek yogurt treat has now become a weekly ritual. I love watching his ears perk up when he hears the freezer door open 🧊🐶
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what I use for our go-to Greek yogurt dog treats. Each ingredient is not only safe but packed with benefits:
Plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, xylitol-free): High in protein and probiotics, great for digestion
Peanut butter (natural, unsalted, xylitol-free): Healthy fats and protein — dogs love it!
Mashed banana or pumpkin purée (optional): Adds natural sweetness and fiber
Finely shredded carrots (optional): For crunch and vitamins
Silicone mold or ice cube tray: Bone or paw shapes are adorable, but any will do!
🐕 Note: Always double-check that your peanut butter is xylitol-free . Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Joe’s Favorite Frozen Yogurt Bites
🕒 Prep time: 10 minutes
🧊 Freeze time: 3–4 hours
📦 Yields: About 12–16 small treats
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In a medium bowl , mix:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp peanut butter
½ mashed banana or 2 tbsp pumpkin purée (optional)
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Optional Add-ins:
2 tbsp finely grated carrot for texture and color
Spoon or pour the mixture into a silicone mold (Paw or bone shapes—or any fun shape you like!).
Tap the mold gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Freeze for 3–4 hours or until solid.
Pop them out and store in an airtight container in the freezer.
That’s it! They look like little creamy snacks, and Joe literally dances when I grab one. 🍌🥕
💪 Nutritional Benefits
Each little bite is packed with love and nutrients:
Greek yogurt helps support gut health with probiotics.
Peanut butter provides energy and flavor.
Banana/pumpkin offer potassium and fiber for healthy digestion.
Carrots sneak in beta-carotene and a satisfying crunch.
No added sugar, no fillers, no nonsense — just clean ingredients you can pronounce.
🎨 Customizing the Recipe
Want to mix it up? Here are some dog-friendly swaps:
Blueberries or strawberries (chopped) instead of banana
Coconut oil for a shiny coat boost (1 tsp per batch)
Chia seeds for extra fiber (½ tsp max)
Keep the base of Greek yogurt + peanut butter, and the rest is totally flexible!
🐶 Bonding with My Dog During Prep
Making these treats has honestly become one of our favorite activities. Joe sits by my feet the entire time, watching every stir like I’m Gordon Ramsay. 🧑🍳
Sometimes I let him lick the spoon (after I’ve portioned out the mix, of course). It’s silly, but these little moments remind me how much joy dogs bring just by being there.
If you’ve got kids at home too — this is a super fun, safe recipe to make with them!
❄️ Storing and Serving Tips
Storage: Keep treats in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Shelf life: Up to 2 months frozen!
Serving: Give 1–2 bites per day for medium dogs (less for small pups).
Hot tip: Let them sit for 1 minute before serving to soften slightly.
They also work great inside a Kong toy for a longer, slower treat experience. days! cracked open after turning it off for 1–2 hours.
🛠️ Common Issues & Fixes
Too hard? Try blending with a bit of water or goat milk before freezing for a softer bite.
Not freezing well? Use silicone molds — they pop out so much easier than hard trays!
Refusing the treat? Try adding a tiny bit of crumbled bacon on top before freezing for extra scent/flavor.
💗 Final Thoughts
Sometimes I wonder if Joe knows just how much I love him. These small rituals — like making a homemade treat — are my way of saying thank you for the loyalty, cuddles, and unconditional love.
Making these Greek yogurt treats turned into a tradition I didn’t know I needed. It’s become a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and nourish not just his tummy, but our bond too.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how your pup liked it. Tag me on Pinterest or share it with a fellow dog parent 💬
🥣 Nutrition (Per Treat – Approximate)
Calories: 28 kcal
Protein: 1.8g
Fat: 1.6g
Carbohydrates: 2.2g
Fiber: 0.3g
Sugar (natural): 1.2g
Calcium: 20mg
Probiotics: ✔️ (from Greek yogurt)
🐕 These treats are low-calorie and packed with protein and digestive support — perfect for 1–2 treats per day depending on your dog’s size.
❓Can dogs eat Greek yogurt?
Yes! Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is safe for most dogs in moderation. It’s rich in protein and probiotics, which can help support your dog’s digestion. Just make sure it contains no added sugar, flavors, or xylitol , which is toxic to dogs.
❓What kind of peanut butter is safe for dogs?
Use natural, unsalted peanut butter that’s 100% xylitol-free. Xylitol is a common sugar substitute in human peanut butters but is extremely dangerous for dogs. Always read the label!
❓Can I make this recipe without peanut butter?
Absolutely! If your dog has a peanut allergy or you want a variation, try using:
Mashed banana
Pumpkin purée
Plain unsweetened applesauce
These still give the treats sweetness and stickiness without compromising flavor.
❓How long do these treats last in the freezer?
These treats can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months . Just pop one out and let it sit for a minute before serving.
❓My dog is lactose intolerant. Can they still have these?
Some dogs with sensitive stomachs may not tolerate dairy. You can try:
Lactose-free plain yogurt
Non-dairy coconut yogurt (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
Always introduce slowly and monitor your pup for any signs of discomfort.
❓Can I use store-bought molds?
Yes! Silicone molds (especially bone or paw-shaped) are perfect for this recipe. You can also use ice cube trays or mini muffin pans if that’s what you have on hand.
❓How many treats can I give my dog?
These are low-calorie snacks , so 1–2 treats per day is great for medium dogs. Adjust based on your dog’s size and daily calorie intake. Remember — treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake .
💛 Save this recipe on Pinterest, bake it with love, and don’t forget to tag me with your pup’s happy face! We’re all in this dog mom life together — one treat at a time. 🐾
