Applesauce and Cinnamon Frozen Dog Treats
(Because scrolling Pinterest for dog‑treat inspo shouldn’t feel like a full‑time job—trust me, Monty the Westie and I have been there.)
Raise your hand if you’ve ever opened Pinterest looking for simple dog‑treat ideas. Forty‑five minutes later, you’re drowning in overly complicated recipes that call for a sous‑vide machine and a tiny mortgage on specialty dog supplies. 🙋♀️
Same. Monty gives me the side‑eye when I start melting carob chips at 10 p.m.—and honestly I don’t blame him.
That content overwhelm? It’s real. You want trustworthy, cute‑but‑practical dog ideas without the chaos.
FYI, I’m right there with you—coffee in hand, Westie at my feet (probably plotting a frosting heist).
So let’s skip the wild‑goose chase and whip up these Applesauce and Cinnamon Frozen Dog Treats that’s actually doable: no fancy gadgets, no weird ingredients, just three pantry staples and a freezer.
Ready to make tails wag? Grab your silicone molds (or plain‑ol’ ice cube tray) and follow me. 🙃
Table of Contents
- Why These Frozen Treats Work for Dogs (and Their Humans)
- Ingredients You Probably Already Have
- Step‑by‑Step: It’s So Easy, Even My Westie Could Do It (Kind Of)
- Tips to Level It Up or Customize
- When (and Why) to Offer Frozen Treats
- Budgeting for Dogs: Cost Breakdown
- Caring for Your Dog: Safety First
- Quick Recap (Because We All Skim)
- Your Pup Will Thank You Later 🐾
- FAQs About Applesauce and Cinnamon Frozen Dog Treats
Why These Frozen Treats Work for Dogs (and Their Humans)
Ever tried keeping a Westie out of a treat jar? Spoiler: you’ll lose.
But these applesauce‑and‑cinnamon frozen treats solve more than snack‑time standoffs:
- Cooling comfort in hot weather. Dogs don’t sweat like we do. A chilly pupsicle helps regulate temperature during backyard zoomies.
- Digestive‑friendly ingredients. Unsweetened applesauce = fiber plus natural sweetness. Plain yogurt = probiotics for happy tummies. A dash of cinnamon = antioxidant goodness.
- Budget‑approved. Three ingredients you probably already have—chef’s kiss for anyone budgeting for dogs without compromising quality.
- Behavior enrichment. Licking a frozen treat occupies a dog’s brain (hello, dog‑behavior win!). Monty licks longer than he chases squirrels, and that’s saying something.
And yes, you benefit too: less guilt over “people” ice cream sneaked under the table and more control over what goes into your pup’s belly. That’s caring for your dog 101.
Ingredients You Probably Already Have
“Oh but wait, do I need a fancy apple peeler or imported Ceylon cinnamon powder?” 🤔 Nope.
| Ingredient | Why It’s Paw‑some |
|---|---|
| ½ cup unsweetened applesauce | Natural sweetness plus vitamins A & C. Dog‑safe and delicious. |
| ½ cup plain yogurt | Calcium and probiotics—think “best dog food” vibe but in treat form. |
| Dash of cinnamon | Adds flavor, antioxidants, and an aroma that’ll have noses twitching. |
Pro Tip: If your pup struggles with dairy, swap in lactose‑free or coconut yogurt for the same creamy texture—minus the bellyaches. Whatever yogurt you use, make sure it’s plain, unsweetened, and xylitol‑free (xylitol is toxic to dogs).
Got these in the fridge? High five! If not, pop over to your favorite online store (cheers to U.S. conveniences) and add them to cart. Two‑day shipping saves the day again.
Step‑by‑Step: It’s So Easy, Even My Westie Could Do It (Kind Of)
(Okay, maybe Monty can’t exactly measure half a cup, but his enthusiasm is unmatched.)
1. Mix It Up
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, ½ cup plain yogurt, and a dash of cinnamon. Stir until smooth.
2. Pour Like You Mean It
Grab silicone molds shaped like paws or bones—cute factor, check! If you don’t have molds, an ice cube tray works. Pour the mixture in, leaving a smidge of space for expansion.
3. Freeze & Forget
Place molds flat in the freezer for at least 4 hours (overnight if you’re patient). Resist those puppy‑dog eyes begging for an early taste test.
4. Pop & Serve
Once solid, pop out the treats and hand one to your furry taste tester. Watch instant joy unfold—zoomies optional.
Must‑Know Tip: Keep servings to one or two pupsicles a day, depending on pup size and overall diet. Treats shouldn’t exceed 10 percent of daily calories—most vets and training pros agree.
Tips to Level It Up or Customize
Wanna get fancy without the fuss? Here’s how:
- Swap the base. Pumpkin purée instead of applesauce = fall vibes, same fiber boost.
- Add crunch. Sprinkle crushed dog biscuits on top before freezing for texture (Monty‑approved upgrade).
- Kong‑ify it. Fill a Kong toy with the mixture and freeze—built‑in mental stimulation for training sessions.
- Match mold to breed size. Teeny Chihuahuas: mini molds. Big Labs: larger treat cups.
- Boost nutrients. Blend in a teaspoon of ground flaxseed or chia for omega‑3s—but keep portions modest so you don’t upset that best‑dog‑food balance.
Bold Reminder: Introduce new ingredients slowly to avoid tummy troubles.
When (and Why) to Offer Frozen Treats
1. Hot‑summer afternoons
Nothing beats the heat like a chilled snack. Just as we reach for iced coffee, dogs appreciate a frosty nibble during midday walks.
2. Post‑training rewards
Positive reinforcement + cool pupsicle = next‑level motivation for sit, stay, and “please don’t dig up my begonias.”
3. After‑adoption adjustments
Newly adopted dogs may feel anxious; licking is naturally soothing. Offer a frozen treat to create positive associations in their new home—a gentle step toward smoother dog‑adoption transitions.
4. Boredom busters
Stuck on a work call? Hand over a pupsicle. It buys you five blissful minutes of silence while supporting healthy dog behavior.
Budgeting for Dogs: Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient (Walmart) | Cost per Batch | Notes |
| ½ cup unsweetened applesauce | $0.29 | Great Value brand |
| ½ cup plain Greek yogurt | $0.46 | Great Value, plain, non‑fat |
| Dash ground cinnamon | ≈ $0.02 | From 70 g jar at $1.30 (cost per dash is pennies) |
| Total per batch (~16 treats) | ≈ $0.77 | About $0.05 per pupsicle |
Trying to stretch your pet budget? At roughly five cents per treat, these pupsicles beat any $7 boutique snack. One batch fills a 16‑cavity medium paw mold); if your molds differ, adjust the math—the savings still blow store‑bought goodies out of the water.
Caring for Your Dog: Safety First
- Moderation matters. Even healthy foods can upset balance. Keep portion sizes small.
- Allergy check. If your dog’s new to dairy, start with a tiny taste and watch for reactions.
- Storage smarts. Store extras in a zip‑top freezer bag for up to two months. Label with recipe and date—future you will thank you.
- Consult the vet. Especially for senior dogs, puppies, or pups with medical conditions.
Remember, every dog is different. What works for Monty may need tweaks for your Goldendoodle.
Quick Recap (Because We All Skim)
- Three ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Five‑minute prep plus freezer time.
- Behavior enrichment meets hot‑weather relief.
- Budget friendly—about five cents a pop.
- Monty gives these pupsicles two paws up (and a nose boop).
Your Pup Will Thank You Later 🐾
That’s it, friend!
Simple, healthy, and ridiculously satisfying—like the TikTok recipe hacks that actually work.
Head to the kitchen, mix up a batch, then kick back while your dog enjoys gourmet‑level chill vibes.
P.S. Hungry for more frozen treat inspo? Check out my full roundup: Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats Recipes Your Pup Will Love for more fun ideas using yogurt, banana, blueberry, and beyond!
Check out my Pinterest page for more dog inspiration!
Applesauce and Cinnamon Frozen Dog Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup Applesauce Unsweetened
- ½ cup Plain Yogurt
Instructions
- Mix ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, ½ cup plain yogurt, and a dash of ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Fill silicone paw molds or an ice cube tray, leaving a little space for expansion.
- Freeze flat for 4 hours (or overnight) until completely solid.
- Pop & Serve 1–2 pupsicles as a cool, healthy treat—store extras in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
FAQs About Applesauce and Cinnamon Frozen Dog Treats
1. Can dogs eat cinnamon?
Yes, in small amounts. A light dash is perfectly safe and brings antioxidant perks. Avoid cinnamon essential oils and stick to ground powder.
2. Is dairy okay for all dogs?
Many pups digest plain yogurt just fine, but start with a small serving. If you see gas, diarrhea, or itching, switch to goat’s‑milk or coconut yogurt.
3. How long do homemade frozen dog treats last?
Up to two months when stored in an airtight freezer bag—though Monty usually ensures they disappear sooner!
4. My dog is on a specialized diet from the vet; can I still offer these?
Check with your veterinarian first. They’ll consider your dog’s medical needs and advise any tweaks.
5. How many frozen treats can I give my dog per day?
Treats should stay under 10 percent of daily calories. For most pups, that’s one or two pupsicles; toy breeds may need just half, while large breeds can enjoy up to two. Monitor weight and adjust with your vet’s guidance.
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