Neapolitan yoghurt frozen dog treats

Neapolitan ice cream has been a beloved dessert for generations with its irresistible combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavours. Why not take inspiration from this classic treat and create homemade frozen dog treats for your pup?

In this blog, I'll show you a simple Neapolitan-inspired frozen dog treat recipe that your dog will love. But before we dive into the recipe, let's take a little look at the ingredients that this recipe uses. If you prefer to get straight to the recipe, you can do so below.

Table of Contents
Can dogs have yoghurt?
Can dogs have carob?
Can dogs have strawberries?
Neapolitan frozen dog treat recipe

This recipe uses plain, unsweetened yoghurt, carob powder and strawberries. Let's take a closer look at these ingredients.

Can dogs have yoghurt?

Yes, most dogs can have yoghurt in moderation and with a few considerations. Ensure the yoghurt is plain and unsweetened, and it's also important to check the label to ensure that the yoghurt does not contain any artificial sweeteners or added sugars. Additionally, some dogs may be lactose intolerant, so if you're introducing yoghurt to your pup for the first time, start with small amounts and monitor for any adverse reactions.

Can dogs have carob?

Carob is a dog-friendly substitute for chocolate, which dogs cannot have.

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs when ingested. Keeping all chocolate and chocolate-containing products out of your dog's reach is crucial to ensure their safety.

Unlike chocolate, carob is safe for dogs and can be a tasty alternative. Carob can be found in various forms, including powder or chips, and can be used in moderation to add flavour to your dog's treats. However, it's essential to check the ingredients and ensure that the carob product does not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are harmful to dogs.

Can dogs have strawberries?

Strawberries are a delicious and healthy fruit for humans, and the good news is that they can also be a safe treat for dogs in moderation. However, it's important to feed strawberries in small quantities and remove the stems and leaves. Remember, moderation is key, and always introduce new foods gradually to watch for any allergies or sensitivities.

Now that we've looked at our ingredients let's dive into the recipe for Neapolitan frozen dog treats.

Neapolitan frozen dog treat recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain, unsweetened yoghurt (I use St. Helen’s Farm goat’s milk yoghurt)
• ½ cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon carob powder (I use Indigo Herbs organic carob powder [affiliate link])

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the strawberries (fresh or frozen) - If you have fresh strawberries, start by washing them thoroughly. Then, chop them into smaller pieces, ready to be blended. Alternatively, if you have frozen strawberries, you can use them instead. Just ensure they're thawed and chopped before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Blend the strawberries - Place the strawberries into a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth, puree consistency.

Step 3: Divide the yoghurt and make the Neapolitan layers - Divide the yoghurt into three separate bowls - in 2 bowls, put ½ cup of yoghurt in each, and the remaining 1 cup of yoghurt in the third bowl. Follow the instructions below to make your layers representing Neapolitan ice cream's chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavours.

• Add the carob powder to the yoghurt in the first bowl containing ½ cup yoghurt and mix until the colour is uniform, creating the "chocolate" layer.
• Add the strawberry puree to the yoghurt in the second bowl containing ½ cup yoghurt and mix well, creating the strawberry layer.
• In the third bowl, keep the yoghurt plain, creating the "vanilla" layer.

Step 4: Fill the moulds - Using silicone moulds or ice cube trays, layer each flavour by adding a small spoonful of each mixture at a time. If you're using a silicone mould, placing it on a baking sheet will make handling much easier.

For my specific mould, I found it easiest to add the plain yoghurt mixture in the middle first, followed by the carob mixture on the left side and then the strawberry mixture on the right side. I gradually added a little of each at a time until I had filled the mould.

After filling, gently tap the silicone moulds or ice cube trays on the counter to eliminate air bubbles and help the layers fuse together.

Feel free to get creative with the layering process. You can place the mixtures side by side in the mould like I did. Alternatively, you can stack the layers on top of each other. To maintain a clean separation between the flavours, you can freeze each layer before adding the next one. This way, you'll ensure the flavours don't bleed into each other.

Step 5: Freeze the treats - Place the filled moulds or trays in the freezer and let the treats set until completely frozen.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy! - After freezing, remove the treats from the moulds or trays. Offer one to your eagerly awaiting dog, and store the remaining treats in an airtight container in the freezer.

So there you have it - an easy step-by-step recipe for yoghurt frozen dog treats inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream dessert. These dog treats are not only a great way to keep your pup cool in warm weather but also the perfect treat for enjoying all year round.

For this recipe, it's important to use plain, unsweetened yoghurt, and as much as dogs love strawberries, remember to offer them in moderation. To create a safe chocolate-like flavour, opt for carob as a substitute, and never use real chocolate, as it is harmful to dogs.

I hope you have fun making these as much as I did - enjoy!

If you liked this post, you might enjoy Tropical mango and coconut frozen dog treats or Essential tips to keep your dog cool in hot weather.

[ POSTED 28 JULY 2023 ]