Treats and chews
Are frozen treats good for dogs in summer?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes, frozen treats made from broth, plain yogurt, or dog safe purees give a dog a cooling, hydrating activity that also provides mental engagement during hot weather, and they last longer than a regular treat since the dog has to work through the ice, which is useful for keeping a dog occupied during the warmest part of the day.
The cooling and hydration benefit
A frozen broth based treat provides a small amount of extra fluid as it melts and is licked away, which contributes modestly to hydration alongside a dog's regular water intake, and the cold temperature itself offers welcome relief during hot afternoons, similar to why dogs often seek out cool tile floors in summer.
Timing and offering frozen treats safely
Offering a frozen treat outdoors on a mat or in a shaded area lets any melting liquid drip somewhere easy to clean, and giving it during the hottest part of the day, rather than right before a walk or exercise, uses the cooling effect at the time it is most useful.
Keeping calories in check during frequent summer use
Because frozen treats can become a daily habit during warm months, using mostly water or broth based mixtures with only small amounts of higher calorie ingredients like yogurt keeps the overall calorie contribution low, even with more frequent summer use than the treat might get during cooler seasons.
Key takeaways
- Frozen broth or yogurt based treats offer both cooling relief and mild hydration in hot weather.
- Offering them outdoors or in a shaded, easy to clean spot avoids mess as they melt.
- The cold temperature helps during the hottest part of the day, similar to seeking cool tile floors.
- Use mostly water or broth based mixtures to keep calories low during frequent summer use.