August 14, 2020

How to Make Ice Cream for Dogs

Table Contents

Having some ice cream is an incredibly enjoyable way to cool off, even for your pup. The problem is store-bought ice cream could 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.

How to Make Dog-Safe Ice Cream

Making ice cream for your dog is incredibly simple. All you need to do is follow these three easy steps:

Step 1: Choose 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. All you’d need to do is 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 end up icy rather than creamy, but your dog definitely won’t mind.

Step 3: Freeze

Freezing your dog’s ice cream is the easiest part, but there are several ways to do it. 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 by hand every time 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 Ice Cream Recipes for Dogs

There are unlimited ways to make ice cream for your dogs at home. You basically make a mixture out of the ingredients you choose and then run it through an ice cream machine or food processor before freezing. Here are some time-tested recipes to inspire you:

Peanut Butter & Banana Ice Cream for Dogs

4 cups Plain Yogurt, low-fat
1 cup Peanut Butter, unsalted & unsweetened
4 Bananas, ripe & peeled

Tropical Dog 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 too appealing, but dogs actually love them. Plus, they’re generally better for dogs than their sweet counterparts. 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:

Chicken Dog Ice Cream

1 Chicken Breast, steamed, diced, & frozen
1 cup Chicken Stock, unsalted & onion-free

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. But, nothing can guarantee their health and safety like your own homemade frozen treat.