Andrew Are Dogs and Ice Cream a Good Mix?
It’s a hot, sunny day and you’ve just treated yourself to an ice cream after walking your dog. Suddenly, you look down and see a pair of adorable puppy eyes staring at you (and your ice cream), and you wonder: can dogs eat ice cream?
Maybe the situation is different. You’re enjoying your favorite vanilla soft-serve when you notice your pup licking up melted ice cream from the ground. That’s enough to make anyone start thinking about whether dogs and ice cream could be a good mix.
We’re here to clear things up and let you know that dogs and ice cream do not mix. The risks to your pooch simply aren’t worth the brief enjoyment of that sweet, cold treat. Ice cream that dogs can eat does exist, but it should still be given only as an occasional indulgence. Let’s take a closer look at the risks and how they can affect your dog.
The Facts About Dogs and Ice Cream
Dairy
Puppies produce an enzyme called lactase while they rely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. Lactase helps digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. As puppies begin to wean, they produce less and less lactase. Once they are fully weaned and eating solid dog food, their lactase levels are so low that many can be considered lactose intolerant.
In simple terms, adult dogs cannot properly digest dairy, which is why they may experience vomiting and diarrhea after consuming it. Larger dogs may tolerate small amounts slightly better due to their body mass, but the risk of GI (gastrointestinal) issues is still real.
Flavor
Although there are a few ice cream flavors that dogs might tolerate, chocolate and rum raisin are never safe options. Chocolate is toxic to dogs in any form, and rum raisin contains grapes, which are also toxic. Read more about how chocolate is toxic to dogs here.
There are no conclusive studies explaining exactly why grapes are harmful to dogs, but what matters is that they are dangerous. To keep your pup safe, avoid all grape products entirely. If you want to know more, you can explore our blog about bad foods for dogs.
Sugar
Whenever you think about “can dogs have ice cream,” consider how much sugar ice cream contains. Excess sugar is unhealthy for people, and the same is true for dogs. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and that increases other risks like heart, kidney, and liver disease.
Another concern is xylitol, a human-safe sweetener often found in food products. While safe for people, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. If you assume a sugar-free version is an ice cream that dogs can eat, think again. Many sugar-free ice creams contain xylitol, probably because it is technically not sugar.
Pet parents should also remember that the high fat content in ice cream can trigger pancreatitis in some dogs. Dogs can also develop food allergies just like us humans. This is especially true to milk, which may cause itching, skin irritation and vomiting.
Conclusion
We’re sure you have seen video clips of dogs eating ice cream happily, just remember that the risks mentioned above are real. The biggest issue is lactose intolerance, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Ice cream is also high in sugar, and even sugar-free versions may contain artificial sweeteners that are toxic to dogs.
So, can dogs eat ice cream? Technically, yes — but that doesn’t mean they should.
If you’re still determined and searching for ice cream that dogs can eat, consider dog-specific frozen treats made with sunflower seed butter instead of dairy butter. This removes the lactose issue. However, sunflower seed butter is still high in fat, so these treats should only be given occasionally.
A simpler cooling option is plain ice cubes. You can also make homemade frozen treats using dog-safe ingredients from your kitchen.
Whatever you decide, it’s safest to keep your furry friend away from regular ice cream. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dogs. They understand your dog’s individual needs and may even recommend a safe frozen treat recipe. Dogs and ice cream don’t usually mix, but with the right alternatives, your pup can still enjoy a cool and tasty reward.
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