A simple frozen treat that takes about five minutes of active work. Good for keeping a dog busy, cooling them down on a warm day, or as a small reward. The yogurt adds a hint of probiotic benefit; the banana adds natural sweetness so you don't need to add anything else.
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter — use only peanut butter with no added xylitol or sweeteners; check the label every time
- 1 ripe banana — mashed; the spottier the better
- ½ cup plain, unsweetened yogurt — full-fat or low-fat; no flavorings, no fruit on the bottom
Instructions
- Read the peanut butter label. Confirm the ingredients are just peanuts (and possibly salt). No "sugar-free," no xylitol, no birch sugar.
- Mash the banana in a bowl with a fork until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and yogurt to the mashed banana. Stir until evenly combined.
- Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. Mini muffin tins also work for larger dogs.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Pop out the frozen bites and store in a freezer bag. Use within 1 month.
Portion guidance
Approximate portion guidance by size:
- Small dogs (under 25 lbs): ½ a small cube per day
- Medium dogs (25–50 lbs): 1 small cube per day
- Large dogs (50–90 lbs): 1–2 small cubes per day
Peanut butter is calorie-dense — even one tablespoon is roughly 100 calories. For a small dog, that's a meaningful chunk of the daily calorie budget.
Frequency guidance
A few times per week is plenty. Combined with all other treats and toppers, these should not exceed roughly 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Dogs prone to pancreatitis or with weight issues should have peanut-butter treats sparingly — the fat content is high.
Allergen notes
Contains peanuts, dairy (yogurt), and banana. Skip this recipe if your dog has a known peanut, dairy, or banana sensitivity. Lactose intolerance is common in dogs — if your dog hasn't had yogurt before, start with a tiny amount and watch for digestive upset.
A note on positioning
This recipe is a healthy addition to your pet's regular diet — not a complete meal replacement. Always ensure your pet's primary diet is a nutritionally complete commercial food.
A safety note
If your pet has any diagnosed health conditions — particularly pancreatitis, diabetes, or food allergies — consult your veterinarian before introducing this treat. Peanut butter is rich and fatty, which is especially relevant for pancreatitis-prone dogs.