The positive impact of dogs in the lives of their owners is evident and easily measurable. Our furry friends bring us joy and may even help people lead more fulfilling lives. So, when the summer months arrive and the heat is on, it might be time to spoil your doggie with a frozen treat. We gathered our sources for reviews on the best ice cream for dogs.
According to a recent study, nine in 10 pet owners want only the best for their furry companions, recognizing that pets are more than just our companions. It’s no secret that pets hold a special place in their owners’ hearts, as eight in 10 say that their pets are their number one source of joy, according to a survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners.
Pets give so much more than just love and loyalty to their parents, whether it’s helping them become more mature (48%), teaching them patience (45%), or improving their overall mental health (43%). It’s no wonder that six in 10 pet owners admit to confiding in their pets when they have a bad day and prefer to snuggle up with them instead of their partners.
Many owners will go to great lengths to ensure the happiness of their pet. For nearly four out of five Americans, the ideal welcoming committee after a long day at work has four legs. That’s according to a recent poll of 2,000 pet owners, where 78 percent agree that seeing their pet when they come home is the best part of their day. It’s no surprise, to that end, that 71 percent say they regularly put their pet’s needs before their own. According to respondents, pets influence what trips they take (40%), where they live (37%) and the people they hang out with (35%). Moreover, one-third (36%) agree that their pet is a key factor in how they spend money.
Hot days and outdoor activities can lead to an overheating pooch, so why not treat your pupper to an ice cream to beat the heat? When owners do decide to give ice cream to a dog, it is important to remember that dogs have dietary needs that differ from humans. Have a look at our list of the best ice cream for dogs. Let us know your dog’s favorite treats in the comments below!
The List: Best Ice Cream for Dogs, According to Pet Experts
1. Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Desserts
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, with its distinctive packaging and addictive flavors is now available in specially formulated flavors that are suitable for dogs, “All of their doggie desserts are fairtrade certified and non-GMO sourced. They come in all different varieties your dog will crave! The Ben and Jerry’s come in mini-cups Pontch’s Mix and Rosie’s Batch and also come in multipack sizes of the same name and pints,” remarks News Break contributor Suzanne Rothberg.
For owners looking for a clean label canine ice cream option, Ben & Jerry’s might be the best choice. “While Pontch’s Mix features a blend of peanut butter and pretzel swirls, Rosie’s Batch combines pumpkin and mini cookies. Each dog-friendly ice cream flavor was named after a real dog in the Ben & Jerry’s office. Notably, the brand says that ‘all of the high-quality ingredients used in Doggie Desserts can be found in current Ben & Jerry’s ice cream recipes,'” writes Trendhunter.
It is also important to remember that Ben and Jerry’s ice cream is a treat that is best enjoyed in moderation. “Their dog parents fans will be delighted to know that they have launched a new range of ice cream just for dogs in 2021, named the Pontch’s mix and Rosie’s batch. While it is great to see giant corporations initiating to produce pet-friendly treats, these are not recommended in large doses. For starters, it contains milk and has over 15 ingredients that can be dangerous if consumed in high volume. So, it is best to keep this treat at a minimum,” adds DogCrunch.
2. Frosty Paws
Although Ben & Jerry’s brand is making waves with their new product line, Frosty Paws has been at it from the start. “Purina is a popular dog food brand, so it’s no shock they also have a line of frozen dog treats. These frosty paw ice cream cups are high in protein and have no added sugar. The smooth and soft texture makes it easy for small and large dogs to eat without difficulty,” writes The Dog People.
Simply put, “If you must feed your pet ice cream, I recommend choosing one that’s specifically made for dogs,” Dunham said. “Frosty Paws, made by Purina, has no dairy, sugars or xylitol,” as detailed by Huffpost.
With the above-mentioned details in mind, “When it comes to dog-friendly ice creams, one name always stands out, and it is Frosty Paws because it was one of the first brands that introduced this concept, to make dog-friendly ice creams, in the market. This was a great relief to pet-owners, however, Frosty Paws is not a healthy treat for your dog, it contains highly processed ingredients, that can harm your dog in the long run. It is best to treat your dog to this ice cream once in a while,” details DogCrunch.
3. Smart Scoops Goat’s Milk Ice Cream Mix
Another unique product is Smart Scoops, “What sets the Smart Scoops Ice Cream Mix apart is that it uses lactose-free goat’s milk rather than cow’s milk, which might aid its digestibility. Owners also appreciate that it is a healthier, sugar-free formula while still being smooth and easy to scoop,” according to Retrievist.
Once again, a clean label is an important factor for owners looking to get dog ice cream. “What makes this specific ice cream mix unique is the use of goat milk instead of cow’s milk. One thing to keep in mind here is that while goat milk has less lactose compared to cow’s milk, it can still cause digestion issues in some dogs. But, if your dog can digest it, then this might be great ice cream for them,” states DogCrunch.
As a mix and freeze product it has the added benefit of being shelf-stable ready to be mixed as needed, “Even better, the ingredient list is as simple as it gets, which makes it easy for health-conscious dog owners to trust. It consists of whole goat’s milk, blueberry, beets, gelatin, and salt, none of which are known to be particularly problematic for dogs. Most conveniently, the ice cream mix doesn’t need to be frozen until you use it. It lasts up to one year in powder form and about six weeks in the refrigerator as ice cream,” as detailed by The Kansas City Star.
4. Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix
Another dry ice cream mix that has garnered a slew of positive reviews, “At the top of the list, we have Puppy Scoops Dog Ice Cream, one of the biggest brands in the world of dog-friendly ice creams. They’re known to make the most delicious flavors on the market, and a huge number of the dog population seems to agree!” writes The Kansas City Star.
One source decided to taste test Puppy Scoops with two expert canine tasters. “It wasn’t easy for Remy and Lucy to choose a favorite; if you ask them, they loved all the treats. But after much thought and evaluation of dog responses on my end, Puppy Scoop’s Maple Bacon ice cream came out on top. This dog ice cream brand comes unfrozen with a powdered mix you add water to and freeze for at least five hours. Once frozen, let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes before scooping,” claims The Dog People.
Mix as needed ice creams seem to dominate the lists amongst our sources, “these dry ice cream mixes are the perfect solution for those who don’t live locally. Just add water to the mixture and freeze the container, and in a few hours your pup will have his own little ice cream carton!” as stated by Paw Naturals.
5. Hoggin’ Dogs Ice Cream Mix
Hoggin’ Dogs offers an unsweetened alternative with a clever punny homage to Häagen-Dazs ice cream, “If there’s one thing about dogs, it is that they just can’t get enough of peanut butter. It is healthy, safe for dogs, and yummy. Hoggin’ Dogs ice cream mix provides just that, yummy taste of peanut butter, but in the form of ice cream. Although it contains cow’s milk, this product is lactose-free, so, even if your pooch is lactose intolerant, they can indulge in this treat,” says DogCrunch.
Humorous name aside, Hoggin’ Dogs is another treat that you mix and freeze as needed. “On the shelf, the powder mix will last up to a year. And when it’s mixed in your freezer, it’s good for six weeks. (It only comes in 4.65-ounce containers, so your pup will probably go through it long before it goes bad),” writes The Dodo.
Continuing the trend of health-focused treats, “We love Hoggin Dogs’ pet-friendly ice cream because the brand truly has your pup’s best interest in mind when it comes to healthy, dog-friendly food. With no sugar or sugar alternatives, your pet can enjoy deliciousness on summer days without any harmful ingredients. The pack contains four ice cream mixes in cheese, bacon, peanut, and banana flavor” raves DogGear.
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Sources
- The Kansas City Star
- The Dog People
- Huffpost
- Retrievist
- Trendhunter
- The Dodo
- DogGear
- DogCrunch
- Pawnaturals
- Newsbreak
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.