What it does for your dog
- Long, calm licking and chewing, which many dogs find settling.
- Can make departures easier for some dogs by pairing your leaving with something good.
- Cooling on hot days.
- Works well for dogs on wet or raw diets.
Which dogs and situations it suits
Most dogs enjoy frozen food toys. Choose a toy sized and rated for your dog's chewing strength.
Take care with dogs that have dental problems (frozen food is hard), dogs that guard food, dogs with sensitive stomachs, and dogs that destroy toys. Ice cubes and very hard frozen items aren't suitable for every dog's teeth.
What you need
- A stuffable rubber toy, sized for your dog (or a lick mat)
- Fillings from the daily ration: soaked kibble, wet dog food, plain unsweetened yoghurt, mashed pumpkin
- A freezer
How to do it
Preparation
- Soak dry kibble in warm water until soft, if using.
- Check every product label for xylitol (also called birch sugar).
- Take fillings from your dog's daily food allowance.
Step by step
- 1Plug the small hole of the toy with a dab of wet food.
- 2Pack the toy with soaked kibble or wet food, pressing it down firmly.
- 3Seal the top with a smear of yoghurt or pumpkin.
- 4Freeze for several hours or overnight. Stand the toy upright in a cup.
- 5Give it to your dog in a calm spot, and check on them while they work at it.
- 6Wash the toy thoroughly afterwards with a bottle brush.
Make it easier or harder
Beginner version
- Don't freeze the first few, and pack loosely so food comes out easily.
- Leave a little food at the opening as a starter.
Advanced variations
- Freeze in layers for a longer challenge.
- Pack more tightly.
- Use a toy with a smaller opening.
- Make an "ice block" by freezing low-salt broth (no onion or garlic) with a few kibble pieces in a container, and offer it outside on a hot day.
For puppies
Use puppy-sized toys and soft fillings. Frozen toys can soothe teething gums, but don't freeze them rock-hard for young puppies, and supervise.
For senior dogs and dogs with mobility issues
Partly freeze, or don't freeze at all, if your dog has dental issues or sensitive teeth. A lick mat may be easier.
Supervision and safety
- Never use xylitol, which can appear in some peanut butters and yoghurts. It is highly toxic to dogs. See NC State University's guidance.
- Avoid toxic foods: grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chocolate, macadamias and cooked bones. RSPCA Australia has a list of pet dangers to avoid.
- Choose a toy too large to swallow and replace it when it shows wear.
- Very hard frozen items and ice cubes can be risky for some dogs' teeth. Check with your vet if your dog has dental problems.
- Use part of the daily food ration so frozen treats don't lead to weight gain.
- Give frozen toys separately if you have more than one dog.
- Before leaving a frozen toy with an unsupervised dog, make sure the toy is designed for that and that your dog won't chew it apart.
Common mistakes
- Using peanut butter without checking for xylitol.
- Overfilling with rich, fatty foods.
- Not cleaning the toy properly, so food goes mouldy inside.
- Using a toy that's too small.
Frequently asked questions
What can I freeze in a dog toy?+
Soaked kibble, wet dog food, plain unsweetened yoghurt and mashed pumpkin are common choices. Check labels for xylitol and use your dog's daily food allowance.
How long does a frozen stuffed toy last?+
It depends on the dog and the toy, but 15 to 40 minutes is common for a well-packed, frozen toy.
Are frozen toys good for separation anxiety?+
A frozen toy can make departures more pleasant for some dogs, but it does not treat separation anxiety. If your dog is distressed when alone, talk to your vet or a qualified behaviour professional. See enrichment for dogs home alone.
Can I give my dog ice cubes?+
Some dogs enjoy them, but hard ice can damage some dogs' teeth. Softer frozen treats, like a frozen lick mat, are a gentler option.
