Every time summer rolls around, it means trips to the beach, picnics in the park, matching sunnies for you and your dog, and, of course, plenty of delicious ice cream cones!
But wait….can your dog partake in the age-old tradition of ice cream on a hot day? Are there dog ice cream alternatives that are actually as tasty as the real thing? Or should you cast the idea of doggy ice cream out the window once and for all?
Start packing your summer adventure bag (don’t forget the sunscreen!), and we’ll give you the scoop on ice cream for dogs.
Can dogs eat ice cream?
Unfortunately, whether a dog can eat ice cream is not a simple yes or no question.
Just as we mentioned in our previous articles on milk and cheese, dairy products fall into a grey area. For some dogs, even small amounts of dairy can lead to stomach upset. Others can gobble up an ice cream cone that fell to the floor without a trace of tummy distress.
But no matter how your dog reacts to ice cream, there are a few reasons why this summer treat is a less than ideal doggy snack:
- Lactose levels
Milk-based ice cream tends to be quite high in lactose, which many dogs lose the ability to break down once they reach adulthood. This can lead to discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, which will definitely hamper your dog’s summer plans! Now, ice creams made with Greek yoghurt can be a pretty good fix for this problem, as they are more easily digested by puppers with a lactose intolerance.
- High fat content
To be sure, fat plays an important part in a dog’s diet, promoting coat health and cognitive functioning. But your pupper should already be getting the perfect amount of healthy fats from their diet! Studies show that a diet plan with too much fat can lead to weight gain, pancreatic inflammation, and circulatory problems. And most ice creams, even those made with milk alternatives like almond milk, are quite high in fat.
- Added sugars
What would ice cream be if it weren’t so deliciously sweet? Unfortunately, the added sugar that makes us savour an ice cream cone on a hot day is the same thing that makes them unhealthy for dogs. Meanwhile, sugar-free alternatives sometimes use xylitol, which is toxic for dogs.
- Flavours and toppings
As you probably guessed, chocolate flavoured and chocolate-chip ice cream is a no-no for dogs, but there are many other flavours and toppings with their own health concerns. Raisins, hazelnuts, maraschino cherries, syrups, and salted caramel swirls may also pose their own risks to your pup.
Can you give your dog ice cream flavours that aren’t dairy-based?
Nowadays, most ice cream shops have plenty of non-dairy ice creams to choose from, so can your pupper have a sorbet or fruit-based scoop?
Certainly, these non-dairy options solve the issue of lactose intolerance which is great. And, because they’re fruit-based, they will be naturally lower in fat than creamy flavours.
But, as we mentioned, the high levels of sugar in ice creams mean that even sorbets should be served in extreme moderation. Share a small taste, but don’t overdo it.
How about specially-made for dog ice cream options?
As you can see, most ice cream intended for humans is, well, just that – intended for humans. So, why not seek out dog ice cream, intended for dogs?
A quick Google search can point you in the direction of local ice cream companies who offer dog ice cream, with flavours like peanut butter, vanilla or chicken (sounds gross, but your doggo will love it!)
Or, if you’re looking for a DIY option, you can easily make dog pupsicles right at home with nothing more than an ice cube tray, some fresh fruit, peanut butter, and low-sodium chicken broth. Take a look at our article, Frozen Treats for Dogs, to learn how to whip up these easy dog ice cream alternatives!
Want your pup to enjoy their DIY ice cream on the go? You can use their favourite Kong or other treat stuffer as your dog’s ice cream cone. Simply fill the Kong with your dog ice cream and freeze it overnight. Then throw the whole thing in an esky with some ice so it stays nice and cold until the entire family has an ice cream cone in hand!
What are your thoughts on dog ice cream?
As you can see, whether or not dogs can eat ice cream will depend on the doggo, the type of ice cream, and how much you’re willing to share with your pup. At the end of the day, you always want to make the best choices for your dog’s health. But, with some creativity, you can be sure that your dog isn’t missing out on the summer ice cream fun.
Feel bad leaving your pup out during the family outing to the ice cream parlour? You might consider setting up an equally exciting adventure for your pooch with their favourite Pet Sitter!
What does your dog think of dog ice cream?
