Ice Cream for Fido

Does your canine buddy like treats? It’s probably safe to say that the answer to that question is yes. Man’s Best Friend has a very healthy appetite, and gets very excited when he thinks he’s getting something special. One of our favorite summer snacks is, of course, ice cream. Who says dogs can’t enjoy this frozen favorite on a sweltering day? A local Bucks County, PA vet offers a few ‘pawesome’ tips on doggy ice cream below.

Don’t Share

Fido may beg for you to share your ice cream. However, no matter how cute he looks, don’t do it. Dairy products really aren’t good for dogs. Plus, many of our ice creams contain things like chocolate, sugar, fat, nuts, and xylitol, which are all unsafe for your furry friend.

Bases

You’ll want to start with a base. You can mix and match any of the following ingredients: ripe bananas; plain yogurt; sodium-free broth; pureed meat, fish, or chicken; pureed squash; natural peanut butter; organic gravy or baby food; or pureed pumpkin. For example, puree some cooked chicken with peas and plain yogurt. Or, combine ripe bananas with peanut butter. Use a blender or food processer to make everything nice and creamy.

Toppings

Want to customize Fido’s snacks? Add some pet-safe toppings. You can use things like bacon bits, pieces of kibble, small dog treats, shredded meat or cheese, egg, small pepperonis, liver powder, peas, sliced hot dogs, beans, carrots, apples, strawberries, or blueberries.

Store-Bought Options

You can also buy ice cream for your pooch. Check local pet stores and grocery markets. You may want to try a few different brands, to see if your canine pal has a preference.

Other Options

Fido might prefer to have his treat as a shake. Mix some of his wet food with ice in a blender, and see if he likes it. Or, pour organic baby food over shaved ice.

Unsafe Foods

Not all foods are safe for dogs. Although you probably wouldn’t want to put garlic, onions, scallions, or chives in Fido’s ice cream, they top the dangerous foods list. Grapes, currants, and raisins are also unsafe, as are macadamia nuts, avocado, pitted fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and anything that contains xylitol. You’ll also want to avoid anything high in salt, sugar, or fat.

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