When the temperatures start to rise and the days get longer, we all scream for ice cream and your canine companion can enjoy a refreshing treat as well.
Dog ice cream is a delicious and nutritious way to keep your pooch cool in the summer heat. Most of these are made with ingredients that are safe for dogs, such as peanut butter, bananas, and yogurt. These ingredients are not only tasty, but they also provide important nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy.
If you’re looking for a special treat for your furry friend, you can even make homemade dog ice cream. There are many recipes online that use simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Or, if you’re short on time, there are many brands of commercially-available dog ice cream that will make your pup’s tail wag with delight.
Is It Okay for Dogs to Eat Ice Cream?
Ice cream is okay for dogs as long as it’s given to them in moderation. Just like with people, too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health problems in dogs and luckily, there are many sugar-free and low-sugar options available for dogs who want to enjoy a cool treat without the guilt. The best thing is that there are many brands of commercially-available dog ice cream that are made especially for dogs and are safe for them to eat.
As a Treat
Generally, ice cream is safe to be given to your dog as a treat. Dogs love treats because they are a sign of affection and appreciation. When we give them a treat, it tells them that we are happy with what they have done. This reinforces their good behavior and makes them want to keep doing it. While it’s true that ice cream is not the healthiest food for dogs, there’s no need to feel guilty about letting them indulge on occasion. Just be sure to choose an option that is made specifically for dogs.
It Is Safe
While the regular ice cream for humans found in grocery stores might have ingredients that are harmful to dogs, there is already a wide array of dog-safe ice cream available in the market. You can find them in pet stores or online, and they come in different flavors too.
Ice cream is a delicious and safe treat that you can give to your furry friend on those hot summer days. In fact, ice cream can actually be good for dogs in small amounts. The cool temperature can help to soothe a dog’s throat on a hot day, and the dairy can provide them with a much-needed source of calcium. As long as you don’t overdo it, giving your dog a little ice cream now and then is perfectly fine and safe.
Home-Made
If you want to give your dog a special treat, you can even make homemade dog ice cream. There are many recipes online that use simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. When you make your own ice cream at home, you can control what goes into it and make sure that it’s healthy and safe for your dog to eat.
The Best Dog Ice Cream Products: Our Top Picks
When choosing ice cream for your dog, look for one that is made with simple ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners or added sugars. We’ve made a list of some of the best dog ice cream products on the market to help your adorable pet.
1) Hoggin’ Dogs Ice Cream Mix Variety 4 Pack
Hoggin’ Dogs Ice Cream Mix Variety 4 Pack is the perfect way to enjoy delicious, lactose-free ice cream without any hassle. The mix is made with whole milk, so it’s healthy and natural, and it’s easy to prepare. Simply add water, stir, and freeze. The ice cream will be ready to enjoy in just a few minutes.
Pros
- Convenient and easy-to-prepare
- Safe and lactose-free
- Long-lasting
- Worth the purchase
- For all breed sizes
Cons
- None
2) Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix for Dogs
Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix for Dogs is an all-natural, healthy way to give your furry friend a special treat. The mix is easy to make. It has simple ingredients that are safe for dogs to consume.
Pros
- Easy to make
- Healthy and safe
- All-natural and simple ingredients
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Only for small breeds
3) Smart Scoops Ice Cream Mix for Dog
Smart Scoops Ice Cream Mix for Dogs is incredibly made with goat’s milk and is so easy to make. Just add water, freeze, and enjoy! It is highly recommended by dog owners everywhere as this ice cream is safe and tasty for your furry friend.
Pros
- naturally made with goat’s milk
- easy to make
- highly recommended
- safe and tasty
Cons
- may smell a bit because of the goat’s milk
4) Hoggin’ Dogs Ice Cream Mix for Dogs (Peanut Butter)
Hoggin’ Dogs Ice Cream Mix for Dogs might not look like much but its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions make it a hit. This mix is a healthy and affordable way to give your dog a delicious treat that they’re sure to love. The lactose-free milk is perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs, and the peanut butter flavor is a hit with dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Pros
- tasty flavor
- easy to make
- simple but healthy ingredients
- affordable
- for all breed sizes
Cons
- freezes rock hard
Spoil Your Dogs with These Ice Cream Recipes
It is convenient to just buy dog ice cream from the nearest supermarket but you can actually make your own dog ice cream at home and play with different ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen.
Strawberry and Cucumber Dog Ice Cream
Surprisingly, strawberries and cucumbers have several benefits for your dog’s dental health. Strawberry has an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth while the cucumber can prevent tooth decay.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
- 1 medium-sized cucumber
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Method
- Chop the strawberries.
- Peel the cucumber and slice.
- Combine the strawberries, cucumber, and plain yogurt in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe mold and freeze for at least 4 to 5 hours.
- Serve immediately or store in the freezer for later.
Banana and Strawberry Dog Ice Cream
Bananas and strawberries combined are not only delicious but also healthy for your dog. This combination will surely satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth while giving them the nutrients they need.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized ripe banana
- 10 strawberries
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Method
- Chop the strawberries and mash them using a masher.
- Add the banana and mash with the strawberries.
- Put the yogurt and mix the ingredients altogether.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe mold and freeze for a good 4 to 5 hours.
- Serve it once frozen.
Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Ice Cream
This recipe is for all the peanut butter lovers out there. Peanut butter is not only delicious but also packed with protein, which is essential for your dog’s diet.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (choose a dog-safe brand)
- 3 medium-sized ripe bananas
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Method
- Chop the bananas and put in the freezer for a couple of hours.
- In a blender, mix the frozen banana slices, peanut butter, and plain yogurt. Blend until completely smooth.
- Serve and top with a slice of banana.
Watermelon Mint Dog Ice Cream
Watermelon has high water content and is perfect for hot summer days. The mint will help cool your dog down but just make sure that you use fresh mint leaves instead of artificial ones as they may be toxic to your dogs.
Ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- fresh peppermint/spearmint leaf to garnish
Method
- Chop the watermelon into small dice.
- Put in the freezer for a couple of hours.
- In a blender, mix the watermelon and plain yogurt.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Serve immediately and garnish with peppermint/spearmint.
Oatmeal, Banana, and Cinnamon Dog Ice Cream
Oatmeal can be a great addition to your dog’s diet while cinnamon is not only delicious but also has health benefits for your dog. It can help with their digestion and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cooked oatmeal
- 1 small-sized ripe banana
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Method
- Slice the banana and mash them with a fork or a masher.
- Combine mashed banana, oatmeal, yogurt, and cinnamon in a bowl and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe mold and let it freeze for at least 4 to 5 hours.
- Serve once frozen. You can top it with a slice of banana and a dash of cinnamon.
Very Berry Dog Ice Cream
Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are low in sugar and calories but high in fiber and Vitamin C. These fruits contain antioxidants that are great for dogs and can help boost their immune system.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Method
- Wash the blueberries and slice the strawberries and raspberries. Set them aside.
- In a blender, mix the berries and yogurt until smooth. You can add more or less yogurt depending on your desired consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe mold and let it freeze for at least 4 to 5 hours.
- Serve once frozen and top with a slice of strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry.
Peanut Butter & Bacon Dog Ice Cream
Sweet and savory will definitely hit the spot. This flavor combination is not only delicious but also nutritious for your dog. Peanut butter is a good source of protein while bacon is a good source of fat.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of cooked bacon
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (choose a dog-safe brand)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Method
- Cook bacon in a pan and use paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Slice and chop the bacon into bits.
- In a blender, put the bacon bits, peanut butter, and yogurt.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe mold and let it freeze for at least 4 to 5 hours before serving.
- Serve once frozen and top with some chopped bacon bits.
Tropical Dog Ice Cream
Tropical fruits such as pineapples and mangoes are the perfect ingredients to make your dog ice cream even more refreshing. These fruits are also a good source of vitamins and minerals that can help boost your dog’s health.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 medium-sized ripe mango
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Method
- Chop the mango into small dice.
- In a blender, mix the pineapple chunks, chopped mango, coconut milk, and yogurt until smooth. You may use more or less yogurt to achieve your desired consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe mold and let it freeze for at least 4 to 5 hours.
- Serve immediately or store in the freezer for later.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dog ice cream is a delicious and safe way to beat the heat and show your pet some extra love. Ice cream can actually be good for dogs in small amounts and it is important to choose an option that is made specifically for dogs in order to ensure their safety. There is a wide variety of safe dog ice cream in the market so you can definitely find one that your dog will love. You can also make your own recipe at home and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. So, the next time you reach for a scoop of ice cream, don’t forget about your four-legged friend.
