It is no secret that dogs love eating ice cream. But, should you give your dog ice cream and is ice cream bad for dogs? Unfortunately, dogs should not eat vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream. Yes, your dog may want a piece of your ice cream cone, and you might be tempted to give your dog some as a treat, but we highly recommend you avoid ice cream for dogs all together.
Contrary to what many people believe, dairy products may not be good for dogs because many dogs are lactose intolerant. Therefore, it only stands to reason that ice cream wouldn’t be very good for dogs either, especially considering the fact that it is loaded with sugar and additives. Read on to learn more about why ice cream is not a good dietary choice for your dog and included is our own recipe for ice cream for dogs.
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Why Ice Cream Is Bad For Dogs
Because dogs are generally lactose intolerant, eating products that contain milk, such as ice cream, can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and vomiting. Too much ice cream can lead to some pretty serious gastrointestinal issues, which may involve veterinary treatment. But, lactose intolerance isn’t the only reason why dogs shouldn’t eat ice cream.
Most ice cream is very high in sugar, which is not good for dogs. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, and eventually obesity which, in turn, can lead to a host of other health issues. There are also ice creams that are sugar-free but they often contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol which may be toxic to dogs.
Another reason to avoid giving your dog ice cream is that there are flavorings that can be extremely dangerous to dogs. For example, chocolate is toxic to dogs because it contains theobromine. Other additives can include sugar and other substances that dogs are unable to eat including certain types of fruit and nuts.
Ice Cream Alternatives
There are a number of alternatives to ice cream that are perfectly healthy for dogs to eat allowing them to enjoy a frozen treat once in a while. For instance, you can freeze plain, unsweetened yogurt and give that to your dog in place of ice cream. Another option is to give your dog a treat made simply by mashing up bananas and freezing them. Cottage cheese is also a great ice cream alternative because it is low in lactose and high in essential nutrients that dogs need to remain healthy.
Frozen Banana Dog Treats
Instead of giving your dog ice cream, here’s a great substitute that offers the same creamy texture and loads of flavor that dogs LOVE! And it’s actually HEALTHY for dogs too!
Ingredients
- 4 C plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp. smooth peanut butter
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled and smashed
Directions
- Place all ingredients together in a blender and puree until smooth
- Pour pureed mixture into ice cube trays
- Freeze until firm
- Serve frozen. These treats can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks
No, Dogs Should Not Have Ice Cream
Even though ice cream is delicious and dogs seem to love it, you should avoid giving it to your dog. Instead, try one of the alternatives mentioned above in this article. They are healthier and your dog won’t be able to tell the difference!
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