Nothing makes my golden retriever Max happier than licking his way through a frozen homemade dog ice cream treat on a hot summer afternoon. Watching his tail wag furiously as he gets his first lick reminds me why simple homemade treats beat store-bought any day. Dog ice cream isn’t just refreshing – it’s packed with ingredients I can actually pronounce, unlike those mystery “meat flavored” store options.
Last August during that brutal heatwave, Max would pant by his bowl waiting for his daily frozen snack. The way his ears perk up when he hears the freezer open? Pure joy. Now I keep batches ready all season long – it’s become our special summer ritual.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Homemade Dog Ice Cream
Trust me, your pup will go nuts for this frozen treat – and you’ll feel good about giving it to them! Here’s why this recipe beats anything from the store:
- Instant refreshment: That first cold lick on a hot day? Pure doggy bliss watching them smack their lips
- Wholesome ingredients: Just bananas, yogurt, and peanut butter – no weird additives or mystery “meat flavor”
- Super simple: Takes 10 minutes to whip up (plus freezing time for maximum tail-wagging anticipation)
- Wallet-friendly: Costs less than those fancy packaged dog ice creams, especially when making big batches
Really though, the best part is watching your dog’s reaction when they get that first frosty bite!
Ingredients for Dog Ice Cream
You only need four simple ingredients to make your pup’s tail wag like crazy:
- 2 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better – they blend easier)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (must be unsweetened – no flavored varieties!)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (critical: xylitol-free – this sweetener is toxic for dogs)
- 1/4 cup water (to get that perfect scoopable texture)
That’s it! No fancy equipment or hard-to-find items – just stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Not all ingredients are created equal when it comes to dog treats. Here’s what you need to know:
Peanut butter: Always check the label for xylitol – it’s in some “sugar-free” brands and can be deadly for dogs. Natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt) is ideal.
For sensitive pups: Swap yogurt for lactose-free plain yogurt or unsweetened coconut yogurt. Some dogs do better with goat milk yogurt too.
Banana alternatives: Try pumpkin puree (not pie filling!) or mashed sweet potato for dogs who turn up their noses at banana.
Never use: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, or artificial sweeteners – all toxic to dogs. When in doubt, Google it before adding anything new!
How to Make Dog Ice Cream
Making this dog ice cream couldn’t be easier – even my 8-year-old nephew helps me whip up batches for Max! Here’s how we do it:
- Blend it smooth: Toss the bananas, yogurt, and peanut butter into your blender (I use my trusty old Oster). Pulse until creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Add water gradually until it reaches milkshake consistency.
- Pour with care: Use a spouted measuring cup to fill ice cube trays or silicone molds. Pro tip: Silicone popsicle molds make perfect pup-sized portions!
- Freeze solid: Pop them in the freezer for at least 4 hours – overnight works best if you can resist those puppy-dog eyes that long.
- Serve safely: Always supervise your dog (no leaving treats unattended!) and consider holding the treat for small dogs to prevent brain freeze.
See? Even easier than making human ice cream – and way more rewarding when you see that happy tail wag!
Freezing and Serving Tips
After years of making dog ice cream, I’ve learned these tricks:
Mold matters: Standard ice cube trays make perfect single-serve portions for medium dogs. For big pups? Try muffin tins! For tiny breeds? Mini cupcake liners work great.
Timing varies: My freezer takes 4 hours, but deep freezers may need longer. Check for firmness – it should hold its shape when popped out.
Serve slightly softened: Let it sit 2 minutes before serving – frozen-solid treats can hurt sensitive teeth. Always watch for enthusiastic chewers who might bite off more than they can lick!
Dog Ice Cream Storage Instructions
Here’s how to keep your pup’s frozen treats fresh and safe:
Freezer life: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks – though ours never last that long! Label the date so you don’t forget.
Portion control: I limit Max to one ice cube per day (adjust for your dog’s size). Too much cold treat = upset tummy!
Thawing tip: Never microwave – just leave at room temp for 5 minutes if your dog prefers softer textures.
Dog Ice Cream Nutritional Information
While I’m no canine nutritionist, here’s a rough estimate of what’s in each serving of this homemade dog ice cream (per ice cube):
- Calories: 45
- Fat: 2.5g
- Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 3g (natural from bananas)
Remember – these are estimates! Actual values may vary based on your exact ingredients. The most important thing? Moderation! Even healthy treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Max gets one cube as an afternoon snack – perfect for cooling down without overdoing it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Ice Cream
I get tons of questions about homemade dog ice cream from fellow pet parents! Here are the most common ones answered:
Can puppies eat this?
Absolutely! Puppies as young as 8 weeks can enjoy small amounts (think half an ice cube). Just introduce new foods slowly and watch for tummy upset. The soft texture makes it perfect for those little teeth!
How often should I serve dog ice cream?
Once daily is plenty – it’s a treat, not a meal replacement! I stick to the “10% rule” – treats should only make up about a tenth of their daily calories to maintain a balanced diet.
What are signs of lactose intolerance?
Watch for diarrhea, gas, or vomiting after eating. If you notice these, switch to lactose-free yogurt or coconut yogurt. Some dogs develop intolerance as they age, so even if they tolerated dairy before, things can change!
How long does homemade dog ice cream last?
About 2 weeks in the freezer if stored properly. Any longer and freezer burn sets in. I date my batches with masking tape so I don’t forget when I made them!
What are some alternative flavors?
Get creative with dog-safe ingredients! Try pumpkin puree instead of banana, or mix in a bit of unsweetened applesauce. For protein-packed versions, blend in cooked chicken or beef broth (cooled first). Always avoid toxic foods like chocolate or grapes!
Share Your Dog’s Reaction
Nothing makes me happier than seeing dogs go crazy for these frozen treats! Snap a photo of your pup’s first lick (those silly yogurt mustaches kill me every time!) and tag me on Instagram @DogTreatsWithLove. Let’s start a gallery of happy, ice-cream-covered pups!
Print
Homemade Dog Ice Cream Recipe Your Pup Will Go Wild For
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A refreshing homemade dog ice cream recipe perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Blend bananas, yogurt, and peanut butter until smooth
- Add water gradually to thin the mixture
- Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds
- Freeze for at least 4 hours
- Serve frozen to your dog
Notes
- Use xylitol-free peanut butter as xylitol is toxic to dogs
- Supervise your dog while eating
- Store leftovers in freezer for up to 2 weeks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Pet Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ice cube
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
Keywords: dog ice cream, homemade dog treats, summer dog snacks