Watermelon Coconut Cubes

Ingredients

• 300 g (2 cups)seedless watermelon, rind removed
• 120 ml (1/2 cup)unsweetened coconut milk

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend the ingredients

   Blend the watermelon and coconut milk until smooth.

2. 2

   Fill the mould

   Pour the mixture into an ice-cube tray or mould.

3. 3

   Freeze until firm

   Freeze for at least 4 hours.

4. 4

   Serve outdoors

   Serve the cubes frozen, outdoors.

What are watermelon coconut cubes?

These are small frozen dog treats made from blended watermelon and coconut milk. They are a straightforward homemade take on frozen fruit treats, with no cooking involved.

This recipe relies on ripe watermelon for sweetness and coconut milk for a creamier texture. Freezing the mixture in small portions makes it easy to serve one cube at a time.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 18 calories, 0g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat.

Watermelon provides most of the carbohydrate, while coconut milk contributes most of the fat; both ingredients provide only a little protein per cube. Treat these as an occasional extra alongside your dog's usual complete food, and adjust the amount to suit your dog's size and needs.

Choosing the ingredients

Watermelon: Remove all the rind and use seedless fruit so the mixture blends smoothly. A ripe melon gives the cubes their natural sweetness.

Coconut milk: Choose an unsweetened product and check its ingredients for additions that are unsuitable for dogs. Canned coconut milk and carton coconut drinks can differ greatly in richness, so the cubes may set differently depending on which you use.

Getting a smooth blend

Blending: Mix until no large pieces of watermelon remain, scraping down the blender if needed. The mixture should be pourable enough to fill the mould without spilling.

Filling: Pour slowly into the tray or mould, leaving a little space at the top. A jug can make this easier and help prevent drips.

Freezing and serving

Setting: Freeze the cubes for at least 4 hours, as directed, until firm throughout. Larger moulds may take longer to freeze solid.

Serving: Offer them frozen outdoors and supervise your dog while they eat. Start with a small amount, especially if your dog has not tried these ingredients before.

Portioning and storing

Mould size: The recipe makes 16 portions, but the actual size depends on your ice-cube tray or mould. Smaller moulds are handy if you want to offer a modest treat.

Storage: Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a sealed freezer-safe container so they do not pick up other freezer flavours. Keep them frozen between servings.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the watermelon before blending for a colder mixture to pour.
• Use a silicone mould if you want the frozen cubes to release easily.
• Set the filled mould on a flat tray before moving it to the freezer.
• Check that the coconut milk is unsweetened before blending.
• Freeze any mixture that does not fit in the mould in a separate small container.

Variations

• Smaller cubes: Use a mini mould to make smaller portions.
• More watermelon: Increase the fruit and reduce the coconut milk for a fruitier cube.
• Thicker texture: Use a richer unsweetened coconut milk for creamier cubes.
• Layered cubes: Freeze a little watermelon mixture first, then top up with the rest for a subtle two-tone effect.
• Different moulds: Use paw-shaped or other small moulds, keeping the portion size appropriate for your dog.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving rind on: Remove it before blending so the mixture is smooth.
• Using sweetened coconut milk: Check the label and choose an unsweetened product.
• Overfilling the tray: Leave a little room at the top to allow for expansion as the mixture freezes.
• Freezing for too little time: Give the cubes at least 4 hours to set firmly.
• Serving unsupervised: Stay nearby while your dog eats the frozen treat.

How to store

Keep the cubes in a sealed freezer-safe container and use them within about 1 month for best quality. Serve straight from the freezer; do not refreeze cubes that have thawed.

Frequently asked questions