We all love our pets, don’t we, and want the best for them. That includes delicious treats.
I don’t know about you, but my dog is always desperate for whatever I have to eat. You would swear she is never fed; as soon as a crisp packet opens, or a plate is in my hands, there she is ready to beg.
The same goes for when I have ice cream. Whether it’s in a cone or a bowl, she is waiting patiently for a chance to lick the spoon or the ice lolly stick. But is it safe to give dogs a taste of creamy vanilla or a refreshing mint choc chip?
Today, we will answer once and for all: can dogs have ice cream?
Can dogs eat ice cream?
The short answer to this question is yes, in tiny doses. But really, what we should be asking ourselves is should we give our dogs ice cream?
Although it is tempting to give your dog the world and all the treats that come with it, it can cause many complications for your dog.
Ice cream is made with milk, which can be harmful to your dogs. Like people, most dogs are lactose intolerant. Milk and dairy are not standard in dogs’ diets; their bodies are not used to it.
As puppies, dogs can digest milk, but as adults, they struggle to do this.
In minimal quantities, ice cream is not likely to cause damage to your dog. But too often, or more than a little taste can cause issues for your dog.
What can happen?
Ice cream can cause a whole range of side effects for your dog. It can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. Most commonly, your dog will experience some gas.
Smaller dogs will struggle with even a small amount of ice cream as their digestion systems are a lot smaller.
Generally, a larger dog will be able to digest ice cream and dairy better, but they are still better to only have ice cream in small quantities.
Dogs with diabetes or weight issues should avoid ice cream, as it can cause further complications.
Ice cream usually has a high sugar content too. Giving your dog a lot of sugar can cause weight gain and health complications such as diabetes.
Weight gain can be a severe issue for dogs, so you must provide them with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Even if the ice cream is labeled sugar free, you will need to ensure that xylitol is not listed as an ingredient. This sweetener is extremely toxic for dogs.
If your dog ingests this, you will need to contact your vet as soon as possible. They will be able to advise your next steps.
If your dog eats ice cream accidentally, or as is more likely, snaffles some of your when you aren’t looking, the first thing you need to do is work out how much they have had and what kind of ice cream.
If it was a vanilla ice cream or a fruit lolly, then providing it was only a small amount, they should be okay, as long as you observe them closely for the rest of the day.
Other flavors can be more harmful; we will get onto those in a moment, so be sure to speak to a vet if you have any concerns!
Are some ice creams worse than others?
There are so many ice cream flavors on the market these days, with lots of added goodies from chocolate, to marshmallows and nuts. All of these will pose a different level of harm to your dog.
The safest flavors would be vanilla or a fruit ice cream, providing the fruit is safe for dogs to eat, such as strawberry ordinarily.
Ice creams with chocolate chips, grapes, raisins, coffee, and macadamia nuts can be toxic for your dog.
If your dog has eaten these types of ice cream, you must contact animal poison control and your vet as soon as possible. They will be able to advise on the next steps you need to take.
Remember to check the ingredients list and not give dogs any ice cream that includes the sweetener xylitol.
Dog-friendly options?
You can purchase ice cream, which is made specifically for dogs. They are usually available at pet stores or can be purchased online.
These are sometimes quite pricey but can be a delicious and safe treat for your dog to enjoy in warmer weather.
Some cafes and coffee shops also offer dog-friendly alternatives during the summer months too so that your dog can join you in a relaxing and cooling treat!
Other options include making your own using peanut butter and yogurt with fruit, which can be combined and frozen together.
You can also freeze fruits in ice lolly trays, which can be given to dogs to enjoy, although be sure these are fruits that are dog friendly.
Vegan ice cream and frozen yogurt can be better options for your dog. These are typically lower in sugar and include less or no dairy than traditional ice cream.
It is always best to start with a small amount of ice cream to see how your dog will react to it. You should be able to tell within a few hours what their response is.
Remember if you are unsure of consulting with a veterinarian before feeding your dog a new treat and that even a small amount of ice cream can be harmful to dogs.
Final Word
While in small doses, ice cream may not cause any harm to your dog, there are health risks, especially with small dogs or dogs with preexisting health conditions.
Some flavors absolutely should be avoided, and some options that can be better for your dog.
As a dog owner myself, the best option is to give your dogs treats that are safe for them. Dog-friendly peanut butter, banana, and yogurt combined and mashed together can be a frozen treat that is lovely for dogs.
The risks of too much ice cream for your dog’s health one not worth taking.