Last updated: June 24, 2026 · 7-minute read
How Do You Make Frozen Dog Treats With Chicken Broth? The Short Answer
Freeze low-sodium or homemade chicken broth in silicone molds for 4–6 hours and you have a hydrating, single-ingredient-friendly summer treat your dog will love. Use a broth with no onion, garlic, or heavy seasoning, and pair these frozen cubes with a single-ingredient, fully digestible, no-rawhide chew for longer-lasting enrichment. At Bully Sticks Central our chews are 100% real meat, ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms — the same standard we'd want behind anything our own dogs put in their mouths.
Key takeaways
- Plain, low-sodium chicken broth (no onion, garlic, or salt-heavy seasoning) is safe and hydrating for most dogs.
- Freeze in silicone molds or ice cube trays for 4–6 hours; portion to your dog's size.
- Add dog-safe extras like carrots, apples, or blueberries for crunch and nutrients.
- Frozen broth treats are a cool-down snack — not a meal replacement or a substitute for fresh water.
- Pair with a single-ingredient, fully digestible chew like a bully stick for longer enrichment.
Is Chicken Broth Actually Good For Dogs?
Yes, in moderation. Plain chicken broth adds moisture, is easy on the stomach, and can tempt picky or under-the-weather dogs to take in more fluids. Bone-based broths also carry small amounts of naturally occurring collagen and glucosamine that support joint health. The non-negotiable rule: the broth must be free of onion and garlic (both toxic to dogs) and low in sodium. Store-bought broths labeled for humans are often loaded with salt and aromatics, so read labels or make your own.
How Do You Make Frozen Chicken Broth Dog Treats Step By Step?
This recipe takes five minutes of hands-on time. Pour, freeze, serve.
Ingredients: 4 cups low-sodium or homemade chicken broth (no onion, garlic, or heavy seasoning), 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots, 1/2 cup finely chopped apple (no seeds or core), silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Prepare the broth. Use a low-sodium store broth, or simmer chicken bones in water for several hours, skim the fat, and strain out every bone fragment.
- Mix in the extras. Stir the chopped carrots and apple into the broth for added crunch and nutrients.
- Pour into molds. Fill silicone molds or ice cube trays — bone and paw shapes make it fun.
- Freeze. Place in the freezer until fully solid, about 4–6 hours or overnight.
- Serve. Pop out a cube and offer it on a hot day or after exercise. Refrigerate leftovers and use within a week.
How Much Frozen Broth Treat Can My Dog Have?
Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. Frozen broth cubes are low-calorie, but portion by size so they stay an extra and not a meal. Use the guide below as a starting point.
| Dog size | Treat portion | Suggested mold | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lb) | 1 standard ice cube | Small silicone mold | Up to 1/day |
| Medium (20–50 lb) | 1–2 cubes | Standard ice cube tray | 1–2/day |
| Large (50–90 lb) | 2–3 cubes | Large/bone mold | 1–2/day |
| Giant (90 lb+) | 3–4 cubes | Large/bone mold | 2/day |
What Pairs Well With Frozen Broth Treats?
Frozen cubes cool a dog down fast but disappear just as quickly. For lasting enrichment on a hot afternoon, pair them with a long-lasting, single-ingredient, fully digestible chew. Our most popular options are 6-inch standard bully sticks and 12-inch monster bully sticks for heavy chewers. Variety-seekers love beef cheek rolls, cow ears, beef trachea tubes, beef tendons, and tripe twist sticks. Browse them all in our natural dog treats and chews collection or the bully sticks collection.
How Do You Keep Treat Time Exciting?
Dogs' tastes shift, so rotate to keep things interesting. Vary the add-ins with dog-safe fruits and vegetables like blueberries or spinach. Use a frozen cube as a meal topper. Or swap the base — beef or plain vegetable broth works just as well as chicken for variety.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat store-bought chicken broth?
Only if it's low-sodium and free of onion and garlic. Many human broths contain those aromatics and high salt, which aren't safe for dogs. Read the label or make your own.
Is chicken broth safe for puppies?
Plain, low-sodium chicken broth is generally fine for puppies in small amounts, but introduce it gradually and check with your vet if your puppy has a sensitive stomach.
How long do frozen broth treats last?
Kept frozen, they last several weeks. Once thawed, treat them like fresh food and use within a couple of days.
Can I use bone broth instead?
Yes. Plain bone broth (no onion, garlic, or added salt) works well and adds naturally occurring collagen. Strain out all bone fragments first.
Are frozen treats bad for a dog's teeth?
Soft frozen cubes are fine for most dogs. Avoid them for dogs with known dental sensitivity, and never give large rock-hard ice blocks that could crack a tooth.
Can frozen broth treats replace water?
No. They're a supplement to fresh water and hydration, not a replacement. Always keep clean water available.
What else can I freeze for my dog?
Plain yogurt, mashed pumpkin, or low-sodium beef broth all freeze well. Keep ingredients single and simple, and avoid xylitol, chocolate, grapes, onion, and garlic.
How is this different from a long-lasting chew?
Frozen treats cool and hydrate but are gone in minutes. A single-ingredient bully stick or beef cheek roll provides extended chewing enrichment and dental benefit.
Preston Smith is the co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. He started BSC because he couldn't find single-ingredient, fully digestible chews he trusted to give his own dogs — no rawhide, no chemicals, no mystery ingredients. He writes about dog nutrition, safe chews, and the practical side of feeding dogs well. Read more about Preston →
This post was last updated at June 25, 2026 01:08
