Below is information on where to buy, how to make, and general information on dog friendly cake, ice cream, peanut butter and chocolate.
Let’s take a look!
(NOTE: this is a general informational and educational guide only. It is not professional advice. See a qualified expert for professional advice.)
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Dog Safe Cake, Dog Safe Peanut Butter, Dog Safe Chocolate, & Dog Safe Ice Cream
In case you wanted to go straight to viewing a few of the products we mention in this guide, you can do so here:
Cakes
- Puppy Cake Cake Mix, Peanut Butter Flavored (on Amazon)
- Puppy Cake Cake Mix, Pumpkin Flavored (on Amazon)
- Puppy Cake Cake Mix, Banana Flavored (on Amazon)
- Puppy Cake Cake Mix, Carob Flavored (on Amazon)
- Puppy Cake Cake Mix, Red Velvet Flavored (on Amazon)
Ice Cream
- Puppy Cake Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix, Peanut Butter (on Amazon)
- Puppy Cake Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix, Maple Bacon (on Amazon)
- Puppy Cake Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix, Carob (on Amazon)
- Puppy Cake Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix, Vanilla (on Amazon)
- Puppy Cake Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix, Candy Cane (on Amazon)
Onto the guide …
Dog Safe Cake Ingredients, Icings, Mixes & Recipes
Below we discuss making a dog safe cake – from ingredients, to icing, mixes and overall recipes.
We’ve outlined some of the most toxic or dangerous ingredients and foods for dogs to stay clear of, as well healthy and beneficial substitute ingredients.
We’ve included how you might buy a dog safe cake pre-mix if you want an easy and time efficient dog cake, and how you might bake a dog safe cake at home yourself with the right ingredients and recipe.
Toxic Cake Ingredients For Dogs
From our guide on how to make homemade dog ice cream, ingredients that can be toxic for your dog in cakes are:
Dairy & Lactose
Most dogs find it hard to process lactose and so it’s best to stay away from dairy products for this reason. Whole milk containing lactose contains the most lactose per serving among dairy products, while many cheese contain very little lactose.
Chocolate
Most chocolates are derived from roasted cacao seeds, which means most chocolates contain caffeine and theobromine. These ingredients are toxic for dogs so stay away from chocolate, in particular milk chocolate, semi sweet chocolate and baking chocolate.
Steer clear of chocolate flavor for your dog cakes.
Raisins & Grapes
Grapes and dried raisins have a high toxicity level to dogs.
Refined Sugar, Sweeteners, Artificial Preservatives
Lots of sugar and artificial preservatives are not great for dogs in general (especially for their teeth), but diabetic dogs will find sugar harmful.
Also stay away from ingredients with artificial sweeteners as they may contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets.
Any Other Toxic Foods Or Ingredients For Dogs
You can check out bigger lists of toxic ingredients and foods for dogs here and here.
Dog Safe Cake Ingredients
Also from our guide on how to make homemade dog ice cream, some safe dog cake ingredients might be:
Lactose Free, or Low Lactose Dairy
You can get lactose free or low lactose dairy products which might make them easier for your dog to digest.
Most Fruits Except Grapes and Raisins
Fruits like banana, apples without the seeds, watermelon, blueberries, oranges. They can be a good source of fiber and healthy vitamins.
Yogurt
High in calcium and protein.
The healthy bacteria cultures in yogurt are good for your dog’s gut, and they also eat most of the lactose in the yogurt in fermentation (breaking it down into glucose and galactose).
Use low fat, low sugar yogurt (plain yogurt) that doesn’t have artificial sweeteners. Greek yogurt can be a good option.
Peanut Butter
Good source of protein, but it also contains heart healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. Make sure to use unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter.
Other Good Foods and Ingredients For Dogs – You can find a list of good foods and ingredients for dogs here and here.
What About Flour, Oil and Milk?
Soy, wheat and grain based flours can be hard for dogs to digest, and may bring about allergies or skin irritation for some dogs.
Some people prefer to use a whole grain flour, or cook with a substitute non grain flour such as pea flour, chickpea flour, coconut flour, lentil flour or tapioca.
Read more about the benefits of using coconut based products in cooking for your dog here.
Super Food Ingredients For Dog Cakes
These ingredients are considered super foods for dogs, which you might like to use in cake mixes for your dog:
Goji Berries/Wolfberries
Contains antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamins A/C/E, amino acids, zinc, iron and phosphorus. They reduce inflammation, improve heart health, prevent eye disease and may even improve brain function.
Use is moderation, particularly for dogs who have problems with higher amounts of sugar.
Eggs
Contains digestible protein, vitamins and minerals.
Coconut Oil
Lauric acid in coconut oil boosts dogs’ natural immunity against bacterial, fungal and viral infections, and it can help with a healthy coat.
Watch the calorie content in coconut though.
Yogurt
Already explained above. But, choose a plain (not vanilla or sweetened), fat free, unsweetened, whole-milk yogurt.
Dog Safe Cake Icings & Decorations
For regular human cakes, a common and simple way to make icing is with icing sugar, milk and vanilla essence.
For dog cake icing and decorations, instead you might use:
Carob powder, and coconut milk or water
Carob choc chips
Peanut butter
Chopped carrots
Chopped fruit
Plain Yogurt
You can read more about the benefits of carob chocolate for dogs in this guide.
Dog Safe Cake Pre Mixes
A popular and dog safe range of cake pre mix is the Puppy Cake Mix range with Frosting.
There are various flavors such as Peanut Butter, Pumpkin, Carob, Banana, Red Velvet, Cheesecake.
You can use it to make a 6 inch round cake, or up to 8 standard size cupcakes for your puppy or dog.
The ingredients are all natural, wheat free, and made in the USA. They are human grade ingredients, with the frosting being yohgurt frosting that you just need to add water to.
Taking the peanut butter dog cake mix for example, the stated ingredients list is:
Cake Mix – Rice flour, evaporated cane juice, peanuts, baking powder and salt
Frosting Mix – tapioca starch and unflavored yogurt powder
You can check out the range of Puppy Cake Mixes online.
Homemade Dog Safe Cake Recipe
Note that this is a general recipe and mix only.
Your vet is the best person to confirm the safety of new foods and amounts in recipes for your dog:
Step 1 – Combine and Mix The Cake Mix In A Bowl
A few cups of Dog Safe Flour – coconut flour or rice flour for example
Teaspoon or small amount Baking powder
A small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil
A teaspoon of unsweetened honey
Pinch of salt
One or two Eggs
Your choice of dog safe flavoring – banana, peanut butter, strawberry, carob etc.
Add some water to bring the mix to the right consistency
Taste the mix to make sure it isn’t too sweet or too bitter. You may have to experiment with different ingredients and amounts to get a mix that tastes right and is the right consistency
Step 2 – Pour The Mix Into A Cake Pan For The Oven, Cook, Remove and Let Sit
Make sure the mix is of a smooth consistency and isn’t too runny or too thick/lumpy
Line a cake pan with baking paper, and spray with a non stick coconut oil or spray
Pour the cake mix into the pan
Cook on mid to high heat for half an hour to 40 minutes – roughly 350°F (180°C)
Take the cake out when it has risen, and cooked through, but still slightly moist
Let the cake sit and cool to room temperature
Step 3 – Apply Frosting, and Serve To Your Dog
Apply your choice of dog safe frosting or icing to the cake with a cake icing applicator, or with a spoon, or by sprinkling over the cake
Serve To Your Dog!
Dog Cake Supplies You Might Use
You can check out dog cake pans like the Wilton Paw Print pan (on Amazon). They come in different shapes and patterns like dog bones, paws and more.
Make sure they are heat rated to the right temperature for your oven, or microwave proof, depending on how you intend to use them.
Best Pre Made Dog Cake Mix
Puppy Cake Cake Mix
Features
An all natural dog cake mix with icing included
The ingredients are wheat free
You can bake it, or use your microwave
The mix will make 1 x 6 inch round cake, or 8 cupcakes, or 24 mini cupcakes
The only extra ingredients you need to add are an egg, oil & water
You’ll also need a mixing bowl and a cake tray
Made in the USA
The ingredients vary from flavor to flavor
The peanut butter cake mix for example includes these ingredients – rice flour, evaporated cane juice, peanuts, baking powder and salt. Frosting mix: tapioca starch and unflavored yogurt powder
Drawbacks
A little bit expensive for what you get, but you pay for the ease and convenience of the pre mix
There could be more icing mix provided (you may need to add your own dog safe icing if there’s not enough for your liking)
Overall
Overall, the cake mix is simple, easy to make, and dogs seem to love it. The only thing some people may not like is the price
How Do You Make This Dog Cake?
You can either use an oven or a microwave. Read the instructions on the cake mix packet, but in general, the Puppy Cake directions are:
Add 1 egg, 3/4 cup of water and 3 tbs of vegetable oil, mix until well blended.
Pour batter into greased pan or cupcake pan.
Bake for 20-24 minutes at 350 degrees.
If using a microwave, then microwave batter in microwave safe coffee cups or casserole dishes for 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
Add 2 tablespoons of water to the frosting mix and top the cooled cake immediately.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Is The Cake Mix Safe For Dogs?
The cake mix is specifically made for dogs with human grade ingredients.
The cake mix was approved by the Department of Agriculture and not the Department of Health. Ingredients are human grade, but only approved for dog consumption (not human consumption).
If you think your dog might have any specific allergies or intolerances to the ingredients used, speak to a vet first.
How To Make A Cake (With Icing) For A Dog To Eat: In 5 Simple Steps
Maybe it’s your dog’s birthday coming up, or maybe you just want to give them a special treat for being your furry friend, but you want to know how to make a cake for a dog.
In this guide, we will run through how you can make a cake for your dog with minimal time and effort – quickly, simply and effortlessly.
You can even make the cake into the shape of a cute bone or paw, or even cupcakes! And, it can be done in 5 easy steps!
What You’ll Need To Make The Cake, or Cupcakes
Your choice of a flavor of Puppy Cake Mix with Frosting – Peanut Butter, Pumpkin, Carob, Banana, Red Velvet, Cheesecake – check out Puppy Cake Mix Flavors and Mixes (with Icing) on Amazon
Egg, Oil & Water
A microwave, stovetop or oven
Heat proof and/or microwave proof cake pan to pour mix into and bake or microwave with (check to make sure what temperature the cake pans or cupcake pans are rated for, or if using a microwave, that the pan is microwave safe) – check out non-stick baking Dog shape cake and cupcake pans and molds like the Wilton Paw Print pan (on Amazon)
What Is Puppy Cake Mix, and Is It Safe For My Dog or Puppy?
Puppy cake mix is a dog cake, or cupcake pre-mix with icing.
You can use it to make a 6 inch round cake, or up to 8 standard size cupcakes for your puppy or dog.
The ingredients are all natural, wheat free, and made in the USA. They are human grade ingredients, with the frosting being yohgurt frosting that you just need to add water to.
Taking the peanut butter dog cake mix for example, the stated ingredients list is:
Cake Mix – Rice flour, evaporated cane juice, peanuts, baking powder and salt
Frosting Mix – tapioca starch and unflavored yogurt powder
Although the mix and ingredients are formulated to be safe for dogs, the only person who is qualified to tell you for sure whether it is safe for your individual dog is your vet (individual dogs can have allergies or health conditions for example which may cause certain foods to make them sick). Speak to your vet for all health decisions regarding your dog.
How Do You Make The Cake, or Cupcakes?
General directions to bake the cake are (make sure you read and follow the instructions on the packet yourself as they may differ slightly to below) (steps from first to last):
Add 1 egg, 3/4 cup of water and 3 tbs of vegetable oil into a bowl and mix until well blended or until the mix looks smooth
Pour batter into greased cake pan or cupcake pan.
Bake mix for 20-24 minutes at 350 degrees in an oven, OR Microwave batter in microwave safe pan for 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
Once the cake is removed from the microwave or oven and cooled, add 2 tablespoons of water to the frosting mix and top the cooled cake with frosting.
Cake is ready to serve to your dog – you can store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Peanut Butter Dog Cake Recipe For Your Dog With Frosting/Icing: 5 Easy Steps
It seems that many owners look for a peanut butter dog cake recipe for their dog, because peanut butter is a popular taste and food for dogs.
(Side note – there’s nothing cuter than seeing a dog patiently lick peanut butter off a spoon!)
With this in mind, we went out and found an easy to make peanut butter dog cake recipe/mix with frosting/icing.
It only takes 5 steps, and can be done by even the most novice of bakers or food makers.
Is Peanut Butter Good For Dogs?
Peanuts and peanut butter are okay for healthy dogs in moderation and smaller amounts
Peanut butter is calorie-dense and shouldn’t be overused
Peanut butters with the artificial sweetener xylitol should also be avoided due to the chance of liver failure and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
According to the ASPCA, high fat content in nuts can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs – but the risk is low. Be wary of this in peanuts
To be 100% sure that peanut butter or peanuts are safe for your dog, always check with your vet before feeding them to your dog.
Allergies and dog specific health conditions can make some dogs sick when having peanut butter or peanuts.
What You’ll Need For The Peanut Butter Dog Cake
Puppy Cake Peanut Butter Cake Mix With Frosting (on Amazon)
Egg, Oil & Water
A microwave, stovetop or oven
Heat proof and/or microwave proof cake pan to pour mix into and bake or microwave with (check to make sure what temperature the cake pans or cupcake pans are rated for, or if using a microwave, that the pan is microwave safe) – check out some dog themed pans like the Wilton Paw Print Cake pan (on Amazon)
Who Is Puppy Cake, and Is Their Cake Mix Safe For My Dog?
Puppy cake mix is a dog cake, or cupcake pre-mix with icing.
You can use it to make a 6 inch round cake, or up to 8 standard size cupcakes for your puppy or dog.
The ingredients are all natural, wheat free, and made in the USA. They are human grade ingredients, with the frosting being yohgurt frosting that you just need to add water to.
The stated ingredients list in the Peanut Butter cake mix is:
Cake Mix – Rice flour, evaporated cane juice, peanuts, baking powder and salt
Frosting Mix – tapioca starch and unflavored yogurt powder
Although the mix and ingredients are formulated to be safe for dogs, the only person who is qualified to tell you for sure whether it is safe for your individual dog is your vet.
Directions For Baking and Making The Cake
General directions to bake the cake are (make sure you read and follow the instructions on the packet yourself as they may differ slightly to below) (steps from first to last):
Add 1 egg, 3/4 cup of water and 3 tbs of vegetable oil into a bowl and mix until well blended or until the mix looks smooth
Pour batter into greased cake pan or cupcake pan.
Bake mix for 20-24 minutes at 350 degrees in an oven, OR Microwave batter in microwave safe pan for 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
Once the cake is removed from the microwave or oven and cooled, add 2 tablespoons of water to the frosting mix and top the cooled cake with frosting.
Cake is ready to serve to your dog – you can store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Dog Safe ‘Chocolate’: Carob For Dogs
Carob is similar to chocolate, but not quite.
If you haven’t looked into carob for dogs before, you might be surprised as just how much of a good substitute it can be for the normal cocoa based chocolate you are used to seeing.
The seeds and plants that carob is derived from differ greatly from regular cocoa seeds and plants, with none of the toxic stimulants, but still possessing a sweet flavor.
Below we explain what carob is, why it’s safe for healthy dogs, and how you can use it as a chocolate substitute treat for your dog either in pre-made food, or for homemade dog treat cooking and baking.
Why Is Chocolate Toxic For Dogs?
Most chocolates are derived from the roasted seeds of the Theobroma cacao (cocoa tree), which contain theobromine or caffeine – both of which are toxic for dogs.
Milk chocolate, semi sweet chocolate, and most of all dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain toxic concentrations of either theobromine or caffeine.
It’s likely a very small amount of chocolate may only give your dog a slightly upset stomach. But, theobromine in particular, if it builds up in your dog’s digestive system, can cause serious effects.
What Is Carob?
Unlike normal chocolate that is derived from the cocoa tree seeds, carob derives from the carob seeds on a carob tree.
Carob doesn’t taste like normal chocolate, but it does have it’s own sweet taste.
Many health conscious humans, or people that want to eat natural, gluten free, vegan and even kosher substitute cocoa for carob in their diet.
Is Carob Safe For Dogs, and Why?
Yes, it is generally safe for healthy dogs (but, always confirm with your vet).
Unlike regular chocolate, carob doesn’t contain toxic stimulants such as caffeine, theobromine, phenylethylamine, or fromamide.
It does contain it’s own safe flavanols though – which give it it’s own sweet taste.
Are There Any Health Benefits To Carob?
Yes. Carob is said to contain vitamins A, B, and D as well as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and protein.
Additionally, it’s also a good source of fiber for dogs as well as pectin, a substance that helps to flush toxins from the body.
How Can You Use Carob For Your Dog To Eat?
Carob mainly comes in two main forms – carob powder, and carob chips (like choc chips).
Carob powder can substitute cocoa powder in cake, brownie, dog treats and ice cream mixes (plus more). You can even use it in an icing on cake.
Carob chips are great to sprinkle on on through baked doggy treats. They work great to sprinkle on top of doggy ice cream, or crush and mix it through.
We wrote a guide on how to make your own homemade doggy ice cream. You might consider the following carob products in your homemade cooking and baking for your dog:
Alternatively, if you want something pre-mixed where you don’t have to buy the ingredients or do much preparation, you can check out these carob pre-mix dog safe cake and ice cream mixes:
- Puppy Cake Carob Cake Mix and Frosting For Dogs (on Amazon)
- Puppy Scoops Carob Ice Cream Mix For Dogs (on Amazon)
Dog Safe Ice Cream: What To Look For, & Dog Safe Options
Below, we’ve outlined some of the reasons regular ice cream ingredients can be harmful for dogs, so you know what to look out for in the doggy ice cream options.
What Makes Regular Ice Cream Unsafe or Harmful For Dogs?
1. Lactose and Dairy
Most dogs find it hard to reliably digest the lactose in dairy type products such as milk found in ice cream.
The more lactose a dairy product contains, the greater risk it might pose to a dog – whole milk for example contains the most lactose (in grams) per serving.
A good sign a dog is lactose intolerant or finds it hard to digest lactose is if they get gassy or get diarrhea after consuming dairy.
2. Flavors Like Chocolate or Raisin
An ice cream flavor like chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine – both of which are toxic to a dog’s digestive system.
Three particular types of chocolate to be aware of are are milk chocolate, semi sweet chocolate, and the most toxic one which is baking chocolate.
You can read more about chocolate poisoning and treatment here.
Raisin flavor is another flavor which can be toxic for dogs.
3. Artificial Sweeteners, Preservatives and Sugar
High levels of sugar, salt and artificial sweeteners or preservatives can also be bad for dogs.
Not only will they rot a dog’s teeth over time, but they are simply not as healthy or easy for your dog’s body to digest and deal with as natural sugars or natural preservatives for example.
Particularly if a dog is a diabetic, ice cream with high sugar levels can be dangerous.
What Makes Dog Safe Ice Cream Safe For Healthy Dogs?
We say healthy dogs because there are things like allergies or health conditions that are specific to some dogs that still might make some foods harmful for these dogs.
For this reason, your vet is always to best person to tell you whether or not a new food is safe for your individual dog or pet.
But, if we take a dog safe ice cream like Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix (on Amazon) for example, we can see:
It is formulated specifically for dogs and their digestive needs
It has flavors such as peanut butter, maple bacon, Carob (dog safe chocolate), and vanilla – no flavors like chocolate that might contain ingredients like caffeine or theobromine that can be toxic for dogs
Peanut butter for example is safe for most dogs in moderation. It is a good source of protein for dogs. It contains heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option because it doesn’t contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs
Similarly, unsalted peanuts contain good fats and proteins that can benefit your dog in moderation.
It contains whole milk that is lactose free
It has ingredients like evaporated cane juice, gelatin and salt with no or little artificial sweeteners and preservatives
Best Pre-Made Dog Ice Cream Mix
Puppy Cake Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix
Features
Comes in several different flavors such as peanut butter, maple bacon, carob, vanilla and candy cane
To make the ice cream, you add water and freeze it
Is grain free, all natural, and lactose free
One pint makes 12 oz of ice cream for dogs
Serving Suggestions: 1 scoop for small dogs, 1-2 scoops for medium dogs, up to half the pint for large dogs
Made in the USA
Drawbacks
Slightly expensive for what you get
Ingredient, And Guaranteed Analysis
Ingredients can vary between the flavors, but generally they are:
Ingredients – Lactose free whole milk, evaporated cane juice, gelatin, natural flavor and salt
Guaranteed Analysis – Crude Protein (min.) 21.3%, Crude Fat (min.) 13.5%, Crude Fiber (max.) 1.9%, Moisture (max.) 3.5%
Directions For Dog Ice Cream
Add 2/3 cup of very hot tap water to the ice cream pint.
Mix for 1-2 minutes until all of the powder in our natural dog treats is dissolved.
Place lid back on pint container and put in the freezer for at least 5 hours.
Storage: Keep ice cream in freezer with lid secured for up to 2 months.
Unmixed Shelf Life – 9 months
Is Dog Ice Cream Safe For My Dog?
This ice cream should be as it’s made specifically for dogs.
But, if your dog has specific allergies or health conditions, it may be worth checking with your vet first.
As always, check the ingredient list before buying if you have any concerns.
How To Make Ice Cream For Dogs To Eat: 4 Easy Steps
If you want to know the easy way for how to make ice cream for your dog to eat, you’ve come to the right guide.
We run through how you can make tasty ice cream for dogs in a number of flavors quickly, simply and easily. This particular ice cream is lactose free.
You don’t need any food skills or previous knowledge – just an ability to follow some basic directions.
Dog safe ice cream makes a great idea for summer, a birthday or just as a treat for your dog. They are certain to have fun licking out the bottom of an ice cream container or packet at the very least!
What You’ll Need To Make The Ice Cream
Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix (on Amazon) – choose from different flavors including peanut butter, maple bacon, Carob (dog safe chocolate), and vanilla
Hot Water
A freezer
All you need to do is add water to the ice cream mix and freeze it.
What Is Puppy Scoops Ice Cream, and Is It Safe For My Dog?
Puppy Scoops Ice Cream powdered mix is formulated for your dog’s digestion and made in the USA.
In the peanut butter flavored ice cream for example you will find:
Ingredients: whole milk (lactose free) that provides natural protein, peanut, evaporated cane juice, gelatin, salt
Guaranteed analysis: Crude Protein (min.) 21.3%, Crude Fat (min.) 19.5%, Crude Fiber (max.) 1.9%, Moisture (max.) 3.5%
You can keep the ice cream in the freezer with lid secured for up to 2 months. The unmixed powder shelf life is 9 months.
The ice cream is made to be safe for healthy dogs, but in terms of whether any type of food is definitely safe for your dog, the best person to answer that is your vet.
Allergies and health conditions specific to one dog can impact how they react to new foods.
How Do I Make and Prepare The Ice Cream?
Always follow the directions on the ice cream packaging that you get, but the following are general directions for preparing the ice cream (from first, to last):
Add 2/3 of a cup of very hot tap water to the ice cream pint.
Mix contents of the pint for 1-2 minutes until all of the powder is dissolved
Place the lid back on the pint container and put it in the freezer for at least 5 hours.
Take the pint out the freezer and let ice cream sit for 15-20 minutes before serving
Serving Suggestions: 1 scoop for small dogs, 1-2 scoops for medium dogs, up to half the pint for large dogs.
1 Pint of ice cream powder makes roughly 12 oz of ice cream.
How To Make Homemade Ice Cream For Dogs: Recipes & Tips
Homemade ice cream for dogs is not as difficult or time consuming as you think.
You really can make some dog safe ice cream treats at home with a few simple ingredients.
Of course, if you find you don’t want to go the homemade option, there are always the pre mixed options like Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix (on Amazon).
Below, we discuss what to stay away from, and a few recipes for dog safe ice cream if you want to do it yourself.
Is Ice Cream Good For Dogs?
Dog safe ice cream can be OK in moderation, as a treat for most dogs.
It shouldn’t replace a balanced and nutritional diet for your dog, and it’s wise to watch the calorie intake of your dog for that day if you are feeding them ice cream.
Your vet is the best person to confirm whether bringing in new foods to your dog’s diet is going to be safe for your individual pet.
Always consider variables like allergies and health conditions specific to each dog (like diabetes or digestive issues) when feeding them new foods.
What To Stay Away From In Dog Ice Cream Ingredients
Dairy & Lactose
Most dogs find it hard to process lactose and so it’s best to stay away from dairy products for this reason.
Whole milk containing lactose contains the most lactose per serving among dairy products, while many cheese contain very little lactose.
Chocolate
Most chocolates are derived from roasted cacao seeds, which means most chocolates contain caffeine and theobromine.
These ingredients are toxic for dogs so stay away from chocolate, in particular milk chocolate, semi sweet chocolate and baking chocolate.
Raisins & Grapes
Grapes and dried raisins have a high toxicity level to dogs.
Refined Sugar, Sweeteners, Artificial Preservatives
Lots of sugar and artificial preservatives are not great for dogs in general (especially for their teeth), but diabetic dogs will find sugar harmful.
Also stay away from ingredients with artificial sweeteners as they may contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets.
Any Other Toxic Foods Or Ingredients For Dogs
You can check out bigger lists of toxic ingredients and foods for dogs here and here.
What Are Some Good Dog Ice Cream Ingredients
Lactose Free, or Low Lactose Dairy
You can get lactose free or low lactose dairy products which might make them easier for your dog to digest.
Most Fruits Except Grapes and Raisins
Fruits like banana, apples without the seeds, watermelon, blueberries, oranges. They can be a good source of fiber and healthy vitamins.
Yogurt
High in calcium and protein.
The healthy bacteria cultures in yogurt are good for your dog’s gut, and they also eat most of the lactose in the yogurt in fermentation (breaking it down into glucose and galactose).
Use low fat, low sugar that doesn’t have artificial sweeteners. Greek yogurt can be a good option.
Peanut Butter
Good source of protein, but it also contains heart healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. Make sure to use unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter.
Other Good Foods and Ingredients For Dogs – You can find a list of good foods and ingredients for dogs here and here.
Easy Dog Safe Ice Cream Recipes
NOTE: these recipes are a general guide only. Always check with your vet to OK each ingredient and serving size for your dog.
1. Strawberry, Watermelon, Banana or Watermelon Ice Cream
What You’ll Need:
1 handful of dog safe fruit from above
3 or 4 cups of low/non-fat and unsweetened plain yogurt, or greek yogurt
How To Make It (in order from first to last):
Mash the fruit up
Mix the fruit with the yogurt
Freeze for 4 to 5 hours, take out and serve after 15-20 minutes of allowing to thaw at room temperature
2. Chocolate Chip (Carob Chip) Ice Cream
What You’ll Need:
1 handful of dog safe carob chips
3 or 4 cups of low/non-fat and unsweetened plain yogurt, or greek yogurt
How To Make It (in order from first to last):
Crush the carob chips up into fine smaller pieces
Mix the crushed carob chips with the yogurt
Freeze for 4 to 5 hours, take out and serve after 15-20 minutes of allowing to thaw at room temperature
3. Peanut Butter and Honey Ice Cream
What You’ll Need:
Natural or unsweetened honey
Unsalted and unsweetened peanut butter.
3 or 4 cups of low/non-fat and unsweetened plain yogurt, or greek yogurt
How To Make It (in order from first to last):
Put one teaspoon (for smaller dogs), or one table spoon (for larger dogs) of honey into a small BPA free plastic ice cream container
Put one teaspoon (for smaller dogs), or one table spoon (for larger dogs) of peanut butter into a small BPA free plastic ice cream container
Mix the honey and peanut butter with the yogurt
Freeze for 4 to 5 hours, take out and serve after 15-20 minutes of allowing to thaw at room temperature
What Is A Good Alternative To Homemade Dog Safe Ice Cream?
A good alternative might be Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix (on Amazon), which is a pre-mix dog formulated ice cream powder you simply mix with hot water.
It’s simple and quick to make without you having to buy the ingredients, or measure out and worry about portions of ingredients.
Where To Buy Dog Ice Cream? 4 Places & Options To Consider
Below we’ve listed 4 places and options for purchasing dog safe ice cream, and what you might consider when buying dog ice cream.
Something to keep in mind about dog ice cream is that it is a treat (given in moderation), and shouldn’t replace your dog’s existing balanced diet.
1. Online
The easiest and quickest option to buy dog safe ice cream which you can store away as treats for your dog.
Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix (on Amazon) is a popular choice. It comes in dog safe flavors such as peanut butter, maple bacon, Carob (dog safe chocolate), and vanilla.
One of the big benefits is that the whole milk used to make the ice cream is lactose free – most dogs find it hard to process lactose.
All you do to prepare the ice cream is add hot water to the powder, and freeze it.
You can keep the ice cream in the freezer with lid secured for up to 2 months. The unmixed powder shelf life is 9 months.
1 Pint of ice cream powder makes roughly 12 oz of ice cream.
The full list of ingredients for the Peanut Butter flavored Puppy Scoops Ice Cream mix is whole milk (lactose free) that provides natural protein, peanut, evaporated cane juice, gelatin, salt.
The mineral breakdowns are Crude Protein (min.) 21.3%, Crude Fat (min.) 19.5%, Crude Fiber (max.) 1.9%, Moisture (max.) 3.5%.
2. Pet Friendly Cafes and Eateries
In countries like Australia, cafes and eateries are starting to offer dog friendly treats such as ice cream for owners stopping by.
Owners are using it as an opportunity on dog walks to stop by and get a coffee for themselves, and something for their dog.
The treats are supposed to be just that – treats. They are not intended to replace a balanced diet of what your dog is already eating.
It would be worth looking up what eateries in your area offer doggy dining areas and doggy treats so you can get something for yourself and something for your dog.
3. Local Food and Grocery Stores
Ask your local food store or grocery store if they stock pet safe treats like dog safe ice cream.
In America, one of the more popular doggy ice creams that might be found in a local food store is Purina Frosty Paws.
Frosty Paws has no added sugar, no artificial flavors or colors, and is especially formulated for dogs.
The full list of ingredients for their Peanut Butter Flavored Dog Treats (Ice Cream) are:
Water, Whey, Soy Flour, Coconut Oil, Polydextrose, Peanut Butter Syrup (Peanuts, Corn Oil, Salt), Maltodextrin, Sorbitol, Monoglycerides, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Dipotassium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ferrous Fumarate, Natural Flavor, Salt, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin.
The mineral breakdowns are 6% crude protein, 6.5% crude fat, 5.5% crude fiber, 68% moisture content.
4. Make Homemade Dog Ice Cream
To make homemade dog safe ice cream, you can simply buy the ingredients yourself from a food store, and make it quickly at home.
Commonly, owners have mashed up some strawberries, and combined it with low fat plain, or lactose free yogurt, frozen it and served it to their dogs.
Carob chips, bananas, unsalted peanut butter and unsweetened honey are other popular dog safe ingredients people might use.
Always ask you vet about dog safe ingredients to put in your dog’s ice cream.
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