I’ll never forget the first time I made Peanut Butter & Banana Frosty Bones for my dog, Max. His tail went into overdrive the second he caught a whiff of that peanut butter and banana mash-up. That’s when I knew I’d struck gold with this simple, healthy frozen treat. Now, every time I pull out the silicone molds, he does his little happy dance by the freezer.
What I love most about this recipe? It takes three ingredients I always have on hand and turns them into something special for my pup. No fancy equipment, no weird ingredients – just real food that makes dogs lose their minds with joy. After years of testing different combinations, this remains Max’s all-time favorite summer snack (though let’s be honest – he’d eat these in a snowstorm too!).
Why Your Dog Will Love Peanut Butter & Banana Frosty Bones
You know that look your dog gives you when you’re eating something delicious? With these frosty bones, you can finally share the joy without the guilt. Here’s why your pup will go crazy for them:
- Peanut butter magic – Dogs go nuts for that rich, salty-sweet flavor. I’ve yet to meet a pup who can resist it!
- Banana bonus – The natural sweetness makes these extra tasty while adding potassium and fiber.
- Cool relief – On hot days, these frozen treats help keep your dog hydrated and refreshed.
- Happy tummy – The yogurt adds probiotics that support digestion (plus Max loves the creamy texture).
- No-bake easy – Just mix, pour, and freeze. Even my 8-year-old niece can make them without help.
Seriously, the hardest part is waiting for them to freeze! But that tail-wagging excitement when you pull one out? Absolutely worth it.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter & Banana Frosty Bones
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need three simple ingredients to make your dog’s new favorite treat. But let me tell you, not all peanut butters or yogurts are created equal when it comes to our furry friends. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed) – The spottier, the better! Those brown-speckled bananas are sweeter and mash up beautifully. I like to use a fork to get it nice and smooth – no chunks for my picky pup.
- 1/4 cup unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter – This is non-negotiable. Always check the label twice – some “natural” brands sneak in xylitol, which is toxic for dogs. I keep a jar of dog-safe peanut butter in my pantry just for treats.
- 1/2 cup plain unsweetened yogurt – Full-fat or low-fat both work, but skip the flavored kinds. The sugar in fruit yogurts isn’t great for dogs. Greek yogurt makes it extra creamy if you’ve got it!
That’s it! Three ingredients, one happy dog. If you’re out of something, here’s what I’ve successfully swapped before: mashed sweet potato instead of banana (use a bit less since it’s thicker), or cottage cheese in place of yogurt (just blend it smooth first). But honestly? The original trio is magic.
How to Make Peanut Butter & Banana Frosty Bones
Okay, let’s get into the fun part – making these frosty bones! Trust me, it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought treats. Here’s how it’s done:
- Mash the banana – Grab a medium bowl and a fork (or a potato masher if you’re fancy) and smash that banana until it’s smooth. A few tiny lumps are fine, but you want it mostly creamy. This is where those spotty bananas shine!
- Mix in the peanut butter and yogurt – Add the peanut butter and yogurt to the bowl. Stir everything together until it’s completely combined. I like to use a whisk to make it extra smooth, but a spoon works just as well. You’ll end up with a creamy, dreamy mixture that smells amazing (to your dog, at least).
- Pour into molds – Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. I use bone-shaped molds because Max thinks they’re extra special, but any shape works. Just fill them about 3/4 full – they’ll expand a little as they freeze.
- Freeze – Pop the molds into the freezer for at least 4 hours. I usually make a batch before bed, and they’re ready by morning. Patience is key here – no sneaking one out early!
- Serve – Pop the treats out of the molds and watch your dog go wild. If they’re stubborn, run the bottom of the mold under warm water for a few seconds to loosen them up.
That’s it! Seriously, it’s that simple. The hardest part is waiting for them to freeze, but trust me, your dog will thank you.
Tips for Perfect Frosty Bones
Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years to make these treats foolproof:
- Use silicone molds – They’re flexible, so the treats pop out easily. If you don’t have molds, ice cube trays work too, but silicone is my go-to.
- Cut for small dogs – If you’ve got a tiny pup, break the treats into smaller pieces. A whole frosty bone might be too much for a Chihuahua!
- Double-check peanut butter labels – Always, always make sure it’s xylitol-free. I keep a jar labeled “dog treats only” to avoid mix-ups.
- Freeze on a flat surface – This keeps the mixture from spilling over the edges of the molds. A baking sheet works great for stability.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfect frosty bones every time. Your dog will be over the moon!
Storing and Serving Peanut Butter & Banana Frosty Bones
Here’s the best part about these frosty bones – they keep beautifully in the freezer! I always make a double batch because they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. Just pop them in a freezer bag or Tupperware between layers of parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
When it’s treat time, I give Max one whole bone (he’s a medium-sized lab mix), but for smaller dogs, I break them in half or quarters. As a general rule, these should be occasional treats – maybe one or two a day depending on your dog’s size. Watch those tails go crazy when they hear the freezer open!
Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter & Banana Frosty Bones
Each frosty bone treat packs about 40 calories, with 3g of natural sugar from the banana and 1g of protein from the peanut butter and yogurt. Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I can tell you these numbers might shift slightly depending on your exact ingredients. The full-fat yogurt I use bumps up the calories a bit, while the natural peanut butter keeps sodium low. Just remember – these are treats, not meals! I give Max one or two a day max, depending on how many extra walks we’ve taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flavored yogurt?
Nope! Stick to plain, unsweetened yogurt. Flavored kinds often have added sugars or artificial sweeteners that aren’t good for pups. Trust me – your dog won’t miss the strawberry swirl when there’s peanut butter involved!
How many treats can my dog have daily?
This depends on your dog’s size, but I follow the 10% rule – treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their daily calories. For Max (60 lbs), that’s about 2 frosty bones. Smaller dogs? Maybe half of one. When in doubt, ask your vet!
Can I substitute almond butter?
While peanut butter is dog-safe (as long as it’s xylitol-free), I’d skip almond butter. Some dogs have trouble digesting it, and honestly, most pups prefer that classic PB taste anyway.
My dog scarfed one down too fast – should I worry?
They might get brain freeze! Next time, try holding the treat while they lick it, or smash it into smaller pieces. The cold won’t hurt them, but slowing down prevents messy bellyaches.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your dog reacts to these frosty bones—does their tail go into turbo mode like Max’s? Drop a comment below or share a photo of your pup enjoying their treat. Let’s make this a virtual doggy party! I can’t wait to see those happy faces. You can find more fun dog treat ideas here.
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3-Ingredient Peanut Butter & Banana Frosty Bones for Happy Dogs
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 6-8 treats
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy frozen treat for your dog made with peanut butter and banana.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (unsalted, xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened)
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a bowl.
- Mix in peanut butter and yogurt until smooth.
- Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Serve frozen to your dog.
Notes
- Use xylitol-free peanut butter.
- Store in freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Cut into smaller pieces for small dogs.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Pet Food