How to make dog ice cream

Summer heat is tough for our dogs! Regulating their body temperature and making sure they’re hydrated are top priorities when the weather starts to warm. One of our favourite ways to cool down as humans is to eat an ice cream or lolly – now your dog can too!

Now, we don’t want you sharing your tub of Ben and Jerry’s with your pup. Not only is it pricey, but many human ice creams use ingredients that may harm your dog (such as xylitol – an artificial sweetener that’s highly toxic to dogs).

Here are some dog-friendly recipes you can make at home to help them to feel refreshed and chilled during those hot summer days...

How to make dog ice creams

The method for making dog ice cream and ‘pup-sicles’ is pretty simple. You’ll need a blender and moulds, or an ice cube tray for smaller dogs, as well as the ingredients you want to use. Below are some step-by-step instructions to follow:

Instructions:
• Put your ingredients in a blender and mix on high until combined.
• Spoon mixture into moulds or an ice tray.
• Freeze for 30 mins, then push a longer dog biscuit (to act as the handle) halfway into each of the moulds and put back into the freezer until solid (at least 6 hours).
• Once solid they’re ready for your dog to enjoy (we suggest outside to avoid mess).
• They can then be stored in a zip-lock bag in the freezer.

What type of ice creams can you make?

Here are a few recipe ideas with easy-to-find ingredients that are safe for your dog to enjoy:

1) Strawberry and Banana Pup-sicles
Prep time: 5 mins | Freeze time: 6 hours | Servings: 4 pup-sicles

What you’ll need:
• 128g frozen banana slices
• 128g frozen strawberry slices
• 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt or water
• 4 longer dog biscuits (for the handle/stick)

Follow the instructions above and serve when solid.

2) Peanut Butter Bacon Ice Cream
Prep time: 5 mins | Freeze time: 3-5 hours | Servings: 8-16 scoops (depending on amount you give)

What you’ll need:
• 227g smooth peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol on the label)
• 227g plain yoghurt
• 32g bacon (cooked and chopped)
• Loaf tin or ice cream pot

Follow the instructions above and serve when firm. If you want chunkier bits of bacon, instead of blending you can mix the ingredients together by hand.

3) Chicken Pup-sicle
Prep time: 5 mins | Freeze time: 4-6 hours | Servings: 4 pup-sicles

That’s right – you can do savoury ones too!

What you’ll need:
• 237ml low-salt chicken stock
• 118ml water
• 50g finely chopped chicken
• 4 longer dog biscuits or carrot sticks (for handle)

Follow the instructions above and serve when completely frozen. To keep the chunks of chicken, instead of blending you can mix by hand in a bowl.

4) Blueberry Lolly
Prep time: 5 mins | Freeze time: 4-6 hours | Servings: 2 lollies

What you’ll need:
• 64g blueberries
• 64g plain yoghurt or water
• 2 longer dog biscuits (for handle)

Follow the instructions above and serve when solid.

5) Apple-Honey Ice Cream
Prep time: 5 mins | Freeze time: 3-5 hours | Servings: 4 pup-sicles

What you’ll need:
• 227g plain yoghurt
• 113g apple sauce/puree
• 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Loaf tin or ice cream pot

Follow the instructions above and serve when firm. You can mix in a bowl if preferred.