Watermelon dog treats are one of the easiest frozen snacks you can make: seedless watermelon, a blender and a silicone mold. This guide gives you two recipes, creamy watermelon-yogurt pupsicles and dairy-free watermelon-cucumber cubes, plus how to prep the fruit safely, calories per treat and how many your dog can have.
Watermelon pupsicles: 10 min prep, 4 hours freeze, about 20 small treats, ~8 kcal each. Watermelon-cucumber cubes: 10 min prep, 3 hours freeze, 16 cubes, ~5 kcal each. Difficulty: Easy. Storage: freezer up to 2 months.
Table of Contents
Prep the Watermelon Safely
Watermelon is safe for dogs, but two parts need to go before it hits the blender. Our watermelon guide explains why in more detail:
- Remove the rind: it's tough and can upset the stomach or cause a blockage.
- Remove the seeds: even “seedless” melons have a few pale seeds. A large number of black seeds can cause problems, especially in small dogs.
- Use plain fruit: no salt, sugar, lime or tajin.
Watermelon is over 90% water and has about 30 calories per 100 g, according to USDA FoodData Central, which is why these treats are so light.
Recipe 1: Watermelon Yogurt Pupsicles
Watermelon Yogurt Dog Pupsicles
Ingredients
Method
- Blend the watermelon until smooth.
- Add the yogurt and blend a few seconds more.
- Pour into a silicone mold or ice cube tray.
- Freeze at least 4 hours, then pop out and store in a sealed freezer bag.
Notes
Ingredient notes
- Plain yogurt only: check for xylitol, which the FDA warns is dangerous for dogs. Flavored yogurts add sugar. See our yogurt guide.
- Dairy-sensitive dog? Skip the yogurt and use all watermelon, or try Recipe 2.
Recipe 2: Watermelon-Cucumber Ice Cubes
Watermelon Cucumber Dog Ice Cubes
Ingredients
Method
- Blend the watermelon, cucumber and water until smooth.
- Pour into an ice cube tray or silicone mold.
- Freeze at least 3 hours.
- Store in a sealed freezer bag.
Notes
Cucumber adds crunch and extra water with almost no calories. Our cucumbers guide covers serving tips. A small sprig of fresh mint leaves is fine for most dogs, but skip peppermint oil or extract.
How Many Watermelon Treats per Day?
These treats are so light that calories rarely limit them. The bigger issue is a cold, full stomach or loose stool from too much fruit at once:
| Dog's weight | Pupsicles (~8 kcal) | Or cucumber cubes (~5 kcal) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 lb | 1 to 2 | 2 |
| 15 to 40 lb | 2 to 3 | 3 to 4 |
| 40 to 70 lb | 3 to 4 | 4 to 5 |
| Over 70 lb | 4 to 5 | 5 to 6 |
Our estimates, well below the 10% treat budget suggested by WSAVA. Watermelon contains natural sugar, so dogs with diabetes should check with a vet first.
Serving Tips for Hot Days
- Let small dogs have their treat slightly softened so they don't crunch hard ice.
- Serve outside or on a washable mat; pink juice stains.
- Pop a cube into a puzzle toy for a longer-lasting chew.
- Frozen treats aren't a fix for overheating. Signs like heavy panting, drooling, weakness or vomiting need cool water, shade and a call to your vet.
Keep these out of watermelon treats: xylitol, sugar or syrup, chocolate, grapes or raisins, alcohol-based flavorings, peppermint oil and salt-based seasonings. Watermelon candy and “watermelon flavor” snacks are not the same as fruit. See our veterinary disclaimer and ask your vet if your dog has diabetes or a sensitive stomach.
Storage
Keep treats in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Label the date. Once thawed, they turn mushy and should be eaten the same day.
Are frozen watermelon treats safe for small dogs? Yes, if the rind and seeds are removed and the treat is slightly softened so it isn't a hard chunk of ice.
Can frozen treats help a dog that's overheating? They're a nice snack, but not a treatment. Heavy panting, weakness or vomiting in the heat needs cooling and a call to your vet.
— Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM
Watermelon Dog Treats: Quick Guide
✓ Do
- Remove rind and seeds first
- Use plain, unsweetened yogurt
- Serve a few at a time
- Soften treats for small dogs
✕ Don't
- Add sugar, syrup or xylitol
- Use watermelon candy or juice drinks
- Include grapes or raisins
- Use frozen treats to treat heatstroke
Dogs with diabetes or a sensitive stomach should get a vet OK first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat frozen watermelon?
Yes, plain frozen watermelon without rind or seeds is safe. Cut cubes small for small dogs.
Can I add other fruit?
Yes, a few blueberries or strawberries work well. Avoid grapes, raisins and cherries with pits.
Are watermelon treats good for puppies?
A small, slightly softened piece is fine for puppies on solid food. Keep it to one or two.
Can I use watermelon juice from the store?
It's better to blend fresh fruit. Bottled juices often have added sugar or other fruits.
Do I need a special mold?
No. An ice cube tray works. Paw and bone shaped silicone molds just make them easier to pop out.
Looking for another recipe? Browse all our homemade dog treats by type.
The Bottom Line
Watermelon dog treats are quick, cheap and very light: blend seedless watermelon with plain yogurt for pupsicles, or with cucumber for dairy-free cubes. Remove rind and seeds, skip sweeteners, and serve a few at a time. More cool ideas in our frozen dog treats guide and the Homemade Treats collection.
References & Sources
Written by CPD Nutrition Desk using the sources below. We are not affiliated with these organizations, and this guide is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Paws xylitol its dangerous dogs
- WSAVA — WSAVA guidetotreats dogs 251107