If your furry friend is craving a frosty treat on a sunny day, these Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks will make their tail wag with delight! Packed with naturally sweet strawberries and wholesome oats, these chewy, cooling snacks are perfect for pups and so easy to whip up — you might just sneak one for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of kitchen staples come together to make a treat you’ll feel great about feeding your pup.
- Perfect Warm Weather Relief: These Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks are chilly, chewy, and cooling – ideal for summertime snacks or after walks.
- Customizable & Allergy-Friendly: Easy to adapt for different flavors or sensitivities, so every dog can get in on snack time.
- Make Ahead Convenience: Whip up a batch, stash in the freezer, and you’ll always have a healthy treat on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised how effortless these Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks are to make, and the simplicity of the ingredients means each one really shines. Every component was chosen for its fresh taste, chewy texture, and wholesome nutrition for your pup!
- Fresh Strawberries (hulled and chopped): Bursting with natural sweetness, vitamin C, and a gorgeous, cheerful color your dog will love!
- Plain Greek Yogurt (unsweetened, no xylitol): Adds creamy tang and protein, plus helps hold the sticks together — just make sure it’s dog-safe, with no added sugars or sweeteners.
- Rolled Oats: For that nostalgic chewy bite and a dose of fiber, oats make these treats substantial and satisfying.
- Flaxseed Meal (optional): A sprinkle of flax brings extra omega-3s and a gentle crunch; it’s a bonus boost but totally optional.
- Honey (optional): Just a drizzle enhances the sweetness without overpowering the fruit — skip it for sugar-sensitive pups.
- Water or Unsweetened Coconut Water (as needed): For blending and adjusting the dough’s consistency; coconut water adds a tropical hint!
Variations
Feel free to treat this recipe as a blank canvas for your dog’s favorite flavors or dietary needs! Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks are endlessly adaptable and welcome all kinds of creative (or practical) swaps.
- Swap the Fruit: Try blueberries, banana, or even pumpkin puree instead of strawberries for a brand-new treat every time.
- Dairy-Free Delight: If your pup can’t do dairy, sub in unsweetened coconut yogurt for a creamy, tummy-friendly twist.
- Add-In Boosts: Stir in a spoonful of diced apples, finely shredded carrot, or a dash of cinnamon for extra nutrition and taste.
- Shape Matters: Use silicone molds, ice cube trays, or roll into balls — whatever shape feels fun (and fits your dog’s size!).
How to Make Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks
Step 1: Blend the Strawberries
Start by tossing your chopped, hulled strawberries into a blender or food processor. Blend until juicy and smooth, adding a splash of water or coconut water if the mixture needs a little help coming together. The fresher the berries, the more vibrant your sticks will be!
Step 2: Add the Creamy Base
Scoop in the Greek yogurt and add honey if you’re using it. Blend everything together until you’ve got a creamy, pale-pink swirl—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 3: Fold in the Oats and Flaxseed
Next, add your rolled oats and flaxseed meal. Just pulse until the mixture comes together into a soft dough. You want a little texture left so the finished sticks have that classic oat chew!
Step 4: Chill (if Needed) and Shape
If your dough seems too soft to work with, a quick chill in the fridge (20–30 minutes) helps firm things up. Shape your dough into ½-inch thick sticks, or press it into your favorite silicone molds for playful shapes.
Step 5: Freeze Until Solid
Arrange your sticks on a parchment-lined tray and pop them into the freezer for at least 3 hours, or until they’re completely solid and ready to chew. This is the hardest part — waiting!
Step 6: Store and Serve
Once frozen, transfer your Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Keep them tucked away for on-demand treats that last for weeks (if your dog lets them!).
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks
- Fruit Freshness Matters: For the brightest flavor and color, use super-ripe strawberries—or slightly thawed frozen berries in a pinch.
- Perfect Oat Texture: Pulse the oats just enough to break them down, but leave plenty of bigger pieces for irresistible chewiness.
- Mold Magic: Silicone molds make these treats so easy to pop out and can turn each batch into adorable paw shapes or mini bones.
- Senior Dog Softening: Let the stick rest for 5–10 minutes at room temp before serving so it softens — perfect for older pups who need a gentler chew.
How to Serve Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks
Garnishes
While dogs don’t require much in the way of fancy garnishes, a tiny sprinkle of extra flaxseed or a dot of mashed strawberry topping right before serving makes these treats look extra special—like a doggy version of strawberries-and-cream!
Side Dishes
Pair a Strawberry Oat Smoothie Stick with a bowl of cool water or alongside a bit of fresh apple or carrot for a balanced snack that hydrates and satisfies on a hot day. They’re also the perfect reward mid-adventure or after a backyard play session.
Creative Ways to Present
Pop the sticks upright in a small mason jar, serve them in fun ice cube shapes, or gift a few in a ribbon-tied bag to a fellow dog parent. At dog birthday parties, display the smoothie sticks in a “frozen treat bar!”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks in an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They’ll stay fresh and frosty for up to one month — just grab and go whenever snack time calls!
Freezing
These treats are designed to be stored in the freezer, so feel free to make a big batch. For best texture, freeze in a single layer first before transferring them to a bag, which keeps them from sticking together.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat, but if you want a softer bite (especially for smaller or senior dogs), let a stick sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving. It’ll be the perfect not-too-hard, not-too-soft treat.
FAQs
-
Are Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks safe for all dogs?
Most dogs can safely enjoy these treats, but always check with your vet if your dog has allergies or specific dietary restrictions. Skip honey or dairy if your dog is sensitive, and make sure to use unsweetened, xylitol-free yogurt.
-
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen strawberries slightly before blending. This makes them easier to puree and keeps the mixture from being too icy or difficult to mix.
-
How long do Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks last in the freezer?
Stored in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, these treats will last up to one month while maintaining their flavor and texture. Always check for freezer burn before serving if they’ve been stored for a while.
-
What if my dog is sensitive to oats or yogurt?
You can swap oats for cooked, cooled quinoa or rice, and replace Greek yogurt with unsweetened coconut yogurt for a gentle, grain- and dairy-free option. Always introduce new ingredients slowly, especially for pups with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Give your pup the gift of Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks and watch their excitement every time you reach for the freezer! Whether you’re treating a playful puppy or spoiling a senior, these healthy, homemade goodies are a heartwarming way to celebrate sunny days together. Enjoy every moment and every wag!
Print
Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 sticks 1x
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: Blending
Description
These Strawberry Oat Smoothie Sticks are a delightful and refreshing treat perfect for sunny days. Made with fresh strawberries, Greek yogurt, oats, and a hint of honey, these chewy sticks are sure to please your furry friend.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberry Blend:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- A splash of water or unsweetened coconut water (as needed)
Greek Yogurt Mixture:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, no xylitol)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Oat and Flaxseed Dough:
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal (optional)
Instructions
- Fresh Strawberry Blend: Add chopped strawberries to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add a splash of water or coconut water if needed to help blend.
- Greek Yogurt Mixture: Add Greek yogurt and optional honey to the blender. Blend until creamy and combined.
- Oat and Flaxseed Dough: Add oats and flaxseed meal to the mixture. Pulse until a soft dough forms, with some texture remaining.
- If the dough is too soft to shape, chill it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.
- Shape the dough into 1/2-inch thick sticks or use silicone molds for uniform shapes.
- Place shaped sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 3 hours.
- Transfer frozen sticks to a freezer-safe container or bag for storage, and serve chilled as needed.
Notes
- You can use frozen strawberries; thaw slightly before blending.
- Replace strawberries with blueberries, banana, or pumpkin for variety.
- If your dog is dairy-sensitive, use unsweetened coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
- Let the stick sit out for 5–10 minutes before serving to senior dogs for a softer texture.
- Double the recipe and store extras in the freezer for up to one month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: Approx. 50
- Sugar: Approx. 2g
- Sodium: Approx. 10mg
- Fat: Approx. 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 7g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 2g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 1mg
