Introduction
Last summer was brutal. Our AC struggled to keep up, and Luna spent most of July sprawled on the tile floor panting. I started making frozen treats to help cool her down, and it turned into one of our favorite routines.
Dog ice cream recipes are all over the internet, but most of them either use ingredients I don't trust or produce something my dogs sniff once and walk away from. After testing probably a dozen versions, these five are the ones that actually get eaten.
All of them use ingredients you probably already have. Nothing fancy, nothing expensive.
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter Banana (The Classic)
This is the one I make most often. Every dog I've met loves it.
Mash the bananas. Mix in peanut butter and yogurt. Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays. Freeze 4+ hours.
Licking time: about 15 minutes per piece for a German Shepherd.
Recipe 2: Berry Blast
- 1 cup blueberries or strawberries (fresh or frozen both work)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, skip for overweight dogs)
Blend berries with yogurt until smooth. Pour into molds. Freeze.
Luna loves this one. The berries give it a nice color and the antioxidants are a bonus.
Recipe 3: Pumpkin Pie (Fall Favorite)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (pure, not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
Mix everything together. Pour into molds. Freeze.
This one is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs because pumpkin is easy on digestion.
Recipe 4: Bone Broth Cubes (Most Nutritious)
- 2 cups homemade bone broth (no onion, no salt)
- Sprinkle of parsley (optional, freshens breath)
Just pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Simple. These are more of a hydration treat than a dessert, but all three of mine crunch through them happily.
Great for after long walks or play sessions on hot days.
Recipe 5: Watermelon Sorbet
- 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1/2 cup coconut water (no added sugar)
Blend until smooth. Pour into molds. Freeze.
This one is the most hydrating. Watermelon is 92% water and dogs love the sweetness. Remove all seeds since they can cause intestinal issues.
Serving Tips
- Serve frozen treats on a lick mat for extended engagement.
- Give one treat per day maximum. These are treats, not meals.
- Supervise chewing. Some dogs try to crunch frozen treats whole and can hurt their teeth.
- Store in freezer for up to 2 months. Label them so you don't accidentally eat dog food (it's happened).
What to NEVER Put in Dog Ice Cream
| Ingredient | Why It's Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Chocolate or cocoa | Toxic to dogs |
| Xylitol (artificial sweetener) | Can be lethal even in small amounts |
| Grapes or raisins | Kidney failure risk |
| Macadamia nuts | Toxic, causes weakness and vomiting |
| Dairy with lactose (regular ice cream) | Many dogs are lactose intolerant |
One of the best things about making dog ice cream at home is knowing exactly what goes in it.
These dog ice cream recipes take 10 minutes to prep and use ingredients you already have.
