How to Make Homemade Ice Cream for Dogs
Eating ice cream is an incredibly enjoyable way to cool off, even for your furry friend. The problem is store-bought ice cream can either have too much fat and sugar or could contain toxic ingredients like chocolate and xylitol. The safest way to delight your dog with frozen treats is to make them yourself.
But before we learn how to make homemade doggie ice cream, let’s first learn …
Why Do Dogs Love Ice Cream?
Ice cream is high in sugar, salt, and fat. All these ingredients combined make it very palatable, even for dogs. They’re smart and respond to social cues as they adapt to the human world.
So, when they see you enjoying a delicious treat and smiling, it gives them the idea that it’s delicious. They want to taste it too. But can dogs eat ice cream?
Is Ice Cream Safe for Dogs?
While traditional dairy-based ice cream (the ones we humans eat) isn’t toxic or seriously harmful for dogs, it’s not recommended. Especially when consumed in a significant amount.
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and traditional ice cream can likely cause diarrhea and indigestion. It is also high in sugar, which may cause vomiting, gas, and discomfort.
Fortunately, you can make a dog-friendly ice cream that’s easier to portion and softer than other frozen treats. Here are the steps to do it with the super simple recipes you can try at home.
How to Make Dog-Friendly Ice Cream
Making a healthy dog ice cream is incredibly simple. All you need to do is follow these three easy steps:
Step 1: Choose The Right Ingredients
Generally, you need a base and a flavor. The base is typically milk, cream, or yogurt.
No matter what you choose, try to stick with a low-fat option to minimize stomachaches and the risk of pancreatitis. As for the flavor, this would depend on what your dog likes. You can experiment with a variety of ingredients. Just make sure to double-check that they’re safe for your dog to consume.
Step 2: Process The Ingredients
The easiest way to make ice cream for dogs is to use an ice cream maker. You’d need to pour your mixture into the machine and then churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you don’t have an ice cream machine, there are other ways to make ice cream for your dog. You can whip up your mixture in a food processor or even mix it by hand. The texture might be icy rather than creamy, but your dog won’t mind.
Step 3: Freeze
There are several ways to freeze your dog’s ice cream. If it’s churned properly using an ice cream maker, you can pour it into a large container, store it in the freezer, and scoop it by hand whenever your pooch deserves a special treat.
If your mixture was stirred by hand or a food processor, it might become too hard to scoop when it freezes. In this case, pour it into single-serving containers. You can also use ice cube trays or even silicone chocolate molds to make servings more manageable.
Homemade Dog Ice Cream Recipes
Here are some time-tested recipes to inspire you:
Homemade Dog Ice Cream Recipe No. 1: Peanut Butter & Banana
- 4 cups Plain Yogurt, low-fat
- 1 cup Peanut Butter, unsalted & unsweetened
- 4 Bananas, ripe & peeled
Homemade Dog Ice Cream Recipe No. 2: Tropical Ice Cream
- 1 Banana, ripe & peeled
- 1/2 cup Pineapple, unsweetened
- 2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
Savory Dog Ice Cream Recipes
Savory ice cream might not sound appealing, but dogs love them. Moreover, they’re generally better for dogs than other sweet dog treats.
Making savory ice cream is no different. You process all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth and thick before freezing or running through an ice cream machine. Here are some recipes you can follow:
Homemade Dog Ice Cream Recipe No. 3: Chicken Dog Ice Cream
- 1 Chicken Breast, steamed, diced, & frozen
- 1 cup Chicken Stock, unsalted & onion-free
Homemade Dog Ice Cream Recipe No. 4: Pumpkin Pupsicles
- 1 can Pumpkin Puree, plain
- 1 cup Milk, fat-free
- 1 ounce Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Making ice cream for your dog is just another way for you to express your love.
Sure, it might be easier to buy them a cone of soft serve or share a serving of your own pint of vanilla ice cream. But nothing can guarantee their health and safety like your own homemade frozen treat.
Looking for other ideas to pamper your precious canine friend safely? Check out our post on the Indulgent Gifts for the Pampered Pup.