Make your own dog ice cream - recipes, ingredients & tips
Summertime is ice cream time! It's not just us humans who enjoy a frozen dessert when the temperatures are high. Dogs are also happy to enjoy a delicious cooling treat!
Can dogs have ice cream?
Most owners are probably aware that we can't simply treat our dogs to the sweet temptation from the nearest ice cream parlor. Sugar and other ingredients can make dogs ill. However, with the right ingredients, our four-legged friends don't have to miss out on the pleasure of ice cream.
The important thing is not to feed too much ice cream at once! Some dogs react to frozen delicacies with stomach upsets and abdominal pain. It is therefore better to feed small portions several times a day.
Also note: include the ice cream portions in the ration calculation so that the dog does not put on weight!
The advantages of homemade dog ice cream
Making your own ice cream for your dog has several advantages:
- Choose your own ingredients: One of the most important reasons to make your own dog ice cream is to have the power to decide on the ingredients. Especially with sensitive dogs, you can then consciously choose the foods that your dog can really tolerate.
- Prepare your favorite flavor: If you prepare the ice cream yourself, you can tailor it to your dog's individual preferences.
- Small effort - big effect: it's quick and easy to make and you're doing something good for your dog!
Dog ice cream made quickly - it's that easy:
With these three quick tips, you can conjure up the perfect refreshment for your dog in no time at all.
- Pour the dog smoothie into ice molds and put them in the freezer.
- Mix wet food with a little water, puree if necessary, pour into ice molds and pop into the freezer.
- Fill dog toys (e.g. Kong or Toppl) with natural yogurt or curd cheese, freeze and serve frozen to the dog. This guarantees an activity with a cooling effect.
When time is of the essence: Italian dog ice cream
At PERRO, we were absolutely convinced by FidOVet's ready-made dog ice cream mix, which is Italian "Dolce Vita" for dogs in 6 different flavours. With the ready-made ice cream mix, you can conjure up a wholesome cooling treat for your dog in no time at all. Simply add water to the mixture, shake, freeze and after 3 hours you can serve your pet the perfect gelato.
Ingredients for dog ice cream - what you can put in it
There are no limits to your imagination when preparing dog ice cream. You can add anything that your dog tolerates and likes to eat to your homemade ice cream: Meat, fruit, vegetables, herbs or wet food. Here are some ingredients that are suitable for dog ice cream and should serve as inspiration:
Ingredients | Ingredients Details |
Fruit |
Apples
Bananas Strawberries Raspberries Blueberries Cranberries Watermelon |
Vegetables |
Carrots
Beetroot Courgettes Cooked only: Broccoli Potatoes Peas |
Dairy products |
Natural yoghurt
Curd cheese Cottage cheese Alternative: lactose-free products if the dog does not tolerate lactose |
Flakes | Oat flakes Curd cheese Cottage cheese Alternative: lactose-free products if the dog does not tolerate lactose |
Other products |
Oils (e.g. salmon oil, linseed oil or safflower oil)
Homemade soup/broth Herbs (e.g. basil, garden cress, chives, fennel, dill, mint, lemon balm) |
Fruity dog ice cream
- 1 apple
- 1 banana
- 1 handful of berries (e.g. blueberries)
- 2 tablespoons of natural yoghurt or curd cheese
- 1 tablespoon of oil (e.g. salmon oil or linseed oil)
- Add a little more water if required.
Puree all the ingredients and divide the mixture into small moulds.
Tip: For dogs that do not tolerate lactose, replace the yoghurt/curd cheese with water or use lactose-free products!
Frozen dog yoghurt
- 3 tablespoons natural yoghurt
- 1 teaspoon of honey (liquid)
- 1 handful of berries (e.g. strawberries)
Simply mix all the ingredients together and pour into moulds. You can mash the berries a little with a fork or, alternatively, puree everything finely.
Flakes of ice cream
- 3 tablespoons of rolled oats (or other flakes of your choice)
- 1 carrot, 1/2 cucumber or other vegetables of your choice
- 3 tablespoons curd cheese
- 1 tablespoon of oil
Finely grate the vegetables and mix well with the other ingredients. Pour into suitable moulds and place in the freezer.
Tip: A few blobs of wet food or some meat can also be incorporated into this ice cream.
TIPS FOR MAKING DOG ICE CREAM
Easily digestible and delicious
Ingredients for dog ice cream are best pureed or finely grated. This makes the ingredients easier to digest and more fun to eat. Your four-legged friend is guaranteed to enjoy the homemade ice cream.
Caution: unpalatable
There are a number of ingredients that are healthy from a human perspective but are unsuitable or even poisonous for dogs. These include onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, elderberries, grapes and many more.
Increase fluid intake
If you want to make sure that your dog is drinking enough liquid, especially in summer, you can add water to your homemade dog ice cream.
Soup ice cream
Homemade and frozen broth is also ideal as a cool snack between meals and provides your dog with additional liquid.
- Simply simmer 1.5 litres of water and the desired ingredients (vegetables, chicken or beef) for approx. 1.5 hours.
- Allow the soup to cool, pour into moulds and freeze.
Tip: Add finely grated carrots to the moulds and soup on top for extra flavour and is also healthy.
Caution: Do not use any spices, onions or garlic for the dog soups!