Pet owners know the joys and benefits of feeding their furry friends a tasty treat. Just like people, dogs enjoy a special treat every now and then too. Treats can be used to reward good behavior. They can also teach a dog when he is doing something correctly. But sometimes it’s nice to feed your good boy or girl a yummy treat just because.
And what better tasty snack is there to perk up your canine pal than dog ice cream?
DIY doggy ice cream is a fun and easy frozen treat to make right at home. Continue reading to learn a simple recipe and easy-to-use ingredients for dogs ice cream that your pet will love.
Is Eating Ice Cream Safe For Dogs?
According to the American Kennel Club, it is not a good idea to feed your pet ice cream intended for humans.1 However, dogs ice cream, if made with pet-friendly products and ingredients that are safe for dogs, can be a tasty and healthy frozen treat.
Why Human Ice Cream Is Not A Good Treat For Your Pet
Here are three reasons why feeding your pup some of your own vanilla ice cream or letting them lick your chocolate cone is a bad idea.
1. Sugar Is A No-No
Ice cream and frozen yogurt are loaded with sugar, which is troublesome for dogs. An excess of sugar can cause your pet to gain weight. This can be the start of other health concerns. And while some flavors or brands of ice cream may advertise as sugar-free, the sweetener known as xylitol is very dangerous and toxic to dogs.2
2. Dogs Are Not Able To Digest Milk
The milk found in ice cream could give your pup digestion issues. This could lead to vomiting and diarrhea in addition to bloating and gas.3
3. Certain Ingredients Are Toxic To Dogs
Some flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. From chocolate to raisins, some ingredients in the ice cream shop are better human food than dog food.4,5
Know When To See Your Dog’s Veterinarian
If you think your dog may have eaten some of these ingredients, it is a good idea to contact your vet. Your vet will be able to advise you on whether you need to seek immediate veterinary care.
A Delicious DIY Doggy Banana Ice Cream Recipe With Only Three Ingredients
This recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare and only four hours until it’s ready to eat. When it’s all said and done, you’ll have one cup of yummy frozen dog ice cream for your good boy or girl. And best of all, you only need three simple ingredients and a blender.
Ingredients
- One ripe banana
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (choose a low-sugar peanut butter)
- 1 cup coconut yogurt or coconut milk
Steps
- Take the banana and dice it finely with a knife.
- Place the diced banana in a freezer and let sit for four hours.
- Remove the banana and place it in a blender along with the peanut butter and coconut yogurt.
- Blend the concoction until smooth. No chunks should remain.
Voila, frozen banana ice cream, ready to serve to your pet.6
Bonus Fruit Recipe: DIY Strawberry Doggy Ice Cream
This recipe is even more simple than the banana ice cream: it has only two ingredients. Your dog will be in heaven.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh strawberries
- 3 or 4 cups of coconut yogurt
Steps
- Using a mashing instrument, mash the strawberries into a pulp.
- Mix the coconut yogurt with the freshly mashed strawberries.
- Place in the freezer, and allow the mix to freeze overnight.
- Serve to your pet.7
A Pup Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe
This pumpkin doggie ice cream recipe is not complicated but it will make your pup go wild. Fall is a great season for using pumpkin as an ingredient but this simple recipe is delicious year-round. This recipe will only take a few minutes to prep and a few hours to finish. It should yield about two cups of yummy pumpkin ice cream for your furry friend.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pureed pumpkin
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup coconut yogurt
Steps
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- As you approach the preferred consistency, you can add more yogurt or even some water to help.
- Using a spoon, fill an ice cube tray with the pumpkin concoction and place in the freezer.
- Once frozen (about three to five hours) you’re ready to serve the treat to your pup.8
Treat Your Pup
Just as humans love ice cream as a special treat, dogs also enjoy a special frozen snack. Since frozen dog treats aren’t as fun, treat your pooch to some yummy doggy ice cream. Dogs ice cream can be a treat for your pet on a hot summer day or any time of year. Social media will go crazy for photos of your pup chowing down on a scoop of dogs ice cream. I scream, you scream, dogs scream for dog ice cream.
Learn More:
Can Dogs Eat Grapes? The Answer Is Truly Life-Saving
Tips For Selecting The Right Dog Food Bowl
Great Gadgets And Gifts For Dog Lovers
Sources
1 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-ice-cream/
2 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs
3 https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-drink-milk
4 https://www.thesprucepets.com/can-dogs-eat-ice-cream-4684033
5 https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/digestive/e_dg_grape_raisin_toxicity
6 https://www.rover.com/blog/peanut-butter-banana-ice-cream-for-dogs/
7 https://www.dogingtonpost.com/recipes-for-dog-safe-homemade-ice-cream/
8 https://www.rover.com/blog/ice-cream-for-dogs-in/#Pumpkin
