Dogs eating ice cream: It just sounds right! Your dog loves yummy treats, so you're sure he'd love a lick of soft serve when it's hot outside. But, is it bad for them, or can dogs eat ice cream safely? The truth is, as cute as it seems to share your dessert with your fluffy friend, it's best to keep your dog far away from any ice cream. Here are the two main reasons why ice cream can be bad for dogs:

1. Dogs Don't Digest Milk Well

Humans aren't the only species that are sensitive to dairy. Eating ice cream may cause your dog a stomach ache or worse, depending on how sensitive they are.

Ice cream can cause your dog gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or vomiting.

Remember, your dog can't voice their concerns to you, so while they might look OK on the outside, they could be experiencing some major digestive issues on the inside. No one wants their beloved pet to suffer in silence!

2. There's Too Much Sugar In Ice Cream

Sugar is also bad for your pooch. The sugar in ice cream can cause your dog to gain weight, and being overweight can lead to other health problems. You might think one scoop can't hurt, but think of how many calories your pet consumes in a day. What may feel like a small treat to you could contain more than a day's worth of calories for your dog.Hand holds out a waffle cone of ice cream to a labrador with tongue out.

3. Ice Cream Can Contain Ingredients Toxic to Dogs

Some ice creams include xylitol, a sweetener that's poisonous to dogs. Ice cream can also contain additional ingredients that have xylitol in them, like peanut butter and some candies.

Chocolate ice cream and chocolate toppings, like chocolate sauce and chocolate chips, present additional dangers since chocolate can be toxic for dogs, too. And rum raisin ice cream is off-limits because raisins are also poisonous for pups.

There are far too many health risks involved to feed your dog ice cream — even if it's just a lick.

Dog-Friendly Ice Cream Alternatives

Close-up of a terrier licking green frozen yogurt out of a cup.

Don't despair! If you're an ice cream aficionado, you can still share the joy of eating a frozen treat with your pet.

If you're interested in making homemade alternatives, there are a few options. Banana "ice cream" is a yummy, simple treat: Just freeze bananas and blend them. You can also add apples, pumpkin or dog-safe peanut butter to the mix. Another option is to freeze plain apple sauce and pumpkin puree in silicone molds for a treat that's a little more like an ice pop than ice cream. If you're short on time, dogs actually love plain ice cubes too; they're great treats with no additional calories. Just make sure to not go overboard in case your dog might get brain freeze.

If you'd prefer to go the store-bought route, many grocery stores sell pet-safe ice cream in their frozen foods section. Most of these ice creams are just as safe as homemade treats, but it's always best to read the labels. Some ice creams for dogs contain yogurt, which your dog might tolerate better than milk or cream since it has less lactose. It's usually safest to stick to non-dairy treats. Always make sure to talk to your veterinarian before giving anything to your dog.

Can dogs eat ice cream? They can't eat the same kind you eat, but there are plenty of frozen, pet-safe sweets they can enjoy. The idea of dogs eating ice cream might sound cute, but the sick pet that could result is no laughing matter. On the bright side, no ice cream for Fido means more ice cream for you!

Hills Author Hills Author
Staff Author

One of our staff authors prepared this article for you

Related articles

How to Make Your Own Dog Obstacle Course

Learn how to make a DIY dog obstacle course at home with items you already own. Follow these instructions and you & your pup will be training in no time!

My Dog Ate Soap: What Should I Do?

Discover what to do if your dog ate soap, including the warning signs to look out for and when to bring them to the veterinarian.

Can Dogs See Ghosts?

Learn possible explanations for your dog's mystifying behaviors. If you've ever wondered if your dog can see things you can't, this article is for you.

Dog Tail Signs: What That Wagging Means

Learn how to tell what your dog is feeling from his tail wagging, including what mood he might be in based on the motions and speed of his tail.

Dog Sprained Leg: Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment

Learn signs for recognizing a dog's sprained leg, how vets usually diagnose the condition, treatment options and how to help prevent sprains in the future.

How to Manage IBD in Dogs

Learn if your dog may be experiencing symptoms of IBD, why it's different from IBS in people, and how your vet can help manage and treat this condition.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Adult Dog

Learn about choosing the right dog food to help ensure your adult dog will receive the correct balance of nutrition.

Puppy Obedience Training: How to Be Successful

Learn how reading & understanding your puppy's body language, barking, and whining can help with his obedience training.

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: A Guide for Senior Training

Is teaching an old dog new tricks really impossible? Discover the truth about this cliche and learn tips for successfully training your senior dog.

My Dog Is Coughing: 6 Possible Reasons Why

Learn about common conditions that lead to dog coughs, signs to help determine why they are coughing, and treatment options your vet might suggest.

Helping a New Dog's Anxiety After Coming Home

Anxiety can be a problem for dogs, especially ones new to your family. Learn how common anxiety symptoms like diarrhea can happen & how to help them relax.

Is My Dog Sick? How Can I Tell?

If your dog is behaving strangely and you suspect something is wrong, learn some common behaviors they may be exhibiting to show they're not feeling well.

When You Should Be Concerned About Your Dog's Dry Nose

A dog's nose can be an indicator of health, so learn how to best care for your dog if their nose is dry, cracked, warm, red, flaky, or has nasal discharge.

Is Hand Sanitizer Bad for Dogs? (& What to Do if They Eat it)

Learn whether hand sanitizer can be toxic for your dog, including potentially harmful ingredients that can be bad, and what to do if they've eaten it.

Is Your Dog a Carnivore or an Omnivore?

Learn about the different classifications between carnivores and omnivores to decide which order dogs fall under.

Why Science Matters in Your Dog's Food

Learn why scientific research is important in formulating quality dog food, especially for things like taste, size, texture and nutritional ingredients.

Steps to Take If Your Dog Is Vomiting Blood

Here are three steps to take if you find that your dog is vomiting blood.

Puppy Day Care: Is It a Good Fit?

What should you look for when deciding on a dog day care? Learn tips for what to look for in a day care and how to prepare your pup for his first day.

Does My Dog Have a Bruise?

If you've noticed an odd bump in your dog's skin, you may wonder if it's a bruise or something more serious. Learn what could be causing this type of issue.

Helping Your Dog Deal With Allergic Dermatitis & Skin Irritants

Discover seven common dog skin diseases — including causes, symptoms, and treatment — to stay educated about your dog's health.