Nothing says summer like a great big ice cream to cool you down. Just like us, our canine companions enjoy a nice frosty treat in the summer heat. Here are 5 easy do-it-yourself dog ice cream recipes that will have your pooch howling with joy.
Dog Ice Cream Recipes
Though there are commercially-available ice creams for dogs, there has been some controversy over whether such dietary items are healthy for dogs or not. Much like in human ice cream, these treats have large amounts of soy, refined sugars, and cellulose.
Not only is homemade ice cream a much cheaper option, but you know exactly what ingredients your dog is consuming.
1. Peanut Butter & Banana Dog Ice Cream
What you need:
- Ice cube tray or other container
- Blender or food processor
- 1 ripe banana
- 16 oz plain yogurt
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in blender or food processor, blend until smooth.
- Pour mixture into the desired container.
- Freeze until hardened.
- Feed to your furbaby and enjoy their elation.
Variations: Add 4 tablespoons pumpkin or ⅓ cup (cooked) sweet potato puree for a different flavor. All variations can also add 2 tbsps honey for additional sweetness.
What we love: This recipe only has 3 readily-available ingredients that most people have in their home already. The instructions are quick and easy, dogs love the taste, and the recipe can be altered easily to provide a different flavor.
2. Strawberry Dog Ice Cream
What you need:
- Ice cube tray or other container
- Potato masher
- 1 cup strawberries
- 3 cups plain yogurt
Instructions:
- Mash strawberries with a potato masher (or a fork, spoon, etc).
- Mix mashed strawberries together with the yogurt.
- Freeze overnight
What we love: That’s it! Though this recipe takes a bit longer to “set,” requiring overnight freezing, it only requires 2 simple ingredients and minimal time and effort.
3. Carob Chip Dog Ice Cream
What you need:
- Ice cube tray or other container
- 12 oz plain yogurt
- ⅓ cup carob chips
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Pour into container.
- Freeze until hardened.
What we love: Though this recipe uses less readily-available ingredients, you will love how your dog enjoys this chocolate chip lookalike and, who knows, you may come to enjoy the carob chip taste too!
4. Carrot Ice Cream
What you need:
- Ice cube tray or other container
- 32 oz plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp honey
- 5 oz pureed carrot
Instructions:
- Mix together all ingredients.
- Pour into container.
- Freeze until hardened.
Variations: Substitute any dog-safe fruit or dog-safe vegetable puree, or use a 5 oz jar of baby food.
What we love: Another super simple recipe, the possible variations are almost endless.
5. Sweet Potato Ice Cream
What you need:
- Ice cube tray or other container
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- ⅓ cup molasses
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 2 egg yolks
Instructions:
- Steam or boil sweet potatoes until soft.
- Remove peel and puree with a food processor.
- Add all other ingredients and blend well.
- Place mixture into ice cube tray and freeze until hard.
What we love: Each ingredient is great for your pooch. Sweet potatoes are packed with essential nutrients including potassium, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, B6, B12, and C. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and eggs are chock full of nutritional importance.
Safe Toppings For Your Dog Ice Cream
What ice cream treat is complete without sprinkles? Even your pup can enjoy toppings on their ice cream with these dog-safe topping options.
- Applesauce
- Honey
- Bacon bits
- Rice Crispies
- Sesame Seeds
Not only are dog ice cream treats highly enjoyed by our pets, but these icy delights can also help cool our dogs down when temperatures soar in the summer months. Having dog ice cream treats on hand are convenient options after a long walk, training session or romp in the yard to give your dog some relief from the heat outside. Plus, nothing beats the happy tail wags and puppy eyes aimed your way when you break out the dog ice cream!