Homemade Ice Cream for Dogs

You love ice cream, and so does your dog. But all that sugar and fat isn't good for dogs, and dairy products can upset dogs' stomachs. You can purchase special ice cream-like products for dogs at pet stores and some grocery stores, but it's almost as easy to make these frozen treats at home. By making homemade ice cream for your dogs, you can control the ingredients and feel good about giving your dog a treat he'll enjoy that's also good for him.

  1. Creamy Base

    • Ice cream starts with cream or a custard-type base that stays creamy even when frozen. Duplicate this by using yogurt. The good bacteria in yogurt is healthy for your dog's digestive system, and low-fat or nonfat yogurt won't add extra fat your dog doesn't need.

      You can also use soft tofu for the same effect. Tofu is low in fat and high in protein. Mash the tofu well until it's a creamy consistency.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    • Add flavor and nutrition, plus boost the creamy consistency of the finished product, by adding fruit. Stir in mashed banana, applesauce or ripe pear. If your dog prefers vegetables, you can use cooked pumpkin, sweet potato or carrots.

    Other Flavors

    • Most dogs love peanut butter. Stir a spoonful of peanut butter into the yogurt or tofu and fruit or vegetable mixture to boost flavor and add more protein to the treat. You could also flavor the ice cream with molasses. Don't add chocolate, as this can be toxic to dogs.

    Freezing

    • You can freeze the doggie ice cream treat in a regular ice cream maker, or spoon the mixture into small paper cups or ice cube trays. To serve, pop out one cube or peel the paper off a cup and let your dog enjoy his own ice cream.