Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Ice cream is one of the tastiest summer treats, so it’s no wonder your pooch gives you puppy dog eyes when you’re enjoying this sweet snack. But can dogs eat ice cream? 

While a lick or two of plain ice cream might not harm your dog, this sugary, dairy-based treat isn’t the best choice for their health. 

Can Dogs Have Ice Cream?

Dogs can eat small amounts of plain ice cream, including vanilla or strawberry, on occasion, but it’s not recommended.  

Most ice cream is high in sugar and fat. Many dogs are lactose-intolerant, which means dairy-based treats can cause digestive issues like gas, bloating, or diarrhea, and eating high-fat foods increases a dog’s risk of pancreatitis. 

Additionally, many common ice cream flavors and additives can be dangerous—or even toxic—for dogs. Chocolate, caffeine, raisins, macadamia nuts, and xylitol (a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free varieties) are all harmful and should be strictly avoided. 

If you decide to offer your dog a taste, choose a small amount of plain vanilla or strawberry ice cream or a dog-safe, dairy-free alternative made specifically for pets, like Pooch Creamery and The Lazy Dog Cookie Co. ice cream. 

Just remember, ice cream should only be an occasional treat and not a regular part of their diet. 

Why Is Ice Cream Bad for Dogs?

Even though some flavors of ice cream—like plain vanilla or strawberry—aren’t necessarily toxic, there are a few reasons ice cream can be bad for dogs to eat. 

• Digestive upset: Dogs’ digestive systems are not equipped to handle the same foods we eat. A small lick of vanilla or strawberry ice cream likely won’t cause your dog harm. But a pup cup or doggy cone has enough sugar, fat, and dairy to cause digestive upset (or worse). 

• Lactose intolerance: Like many humans and other mammals, some dogs can become lactose-intolerant as they grow out of puppyhood. Though dogs are born with the ability to digest lactose (the sugar found in milk), it’s possible for them to lose this ability and become intolerant. If a dog that is lactose-intolerant consumes dairy products such as ice cream, they can experience digestive problems like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. 

• Sugar: In addition to the issue of lactose intolerance, ice cream is loaded with sugar, which can be harmful to dogs in large quantities. Consuming too much sugar can lead to obesity and dental problems and worsen diabetes in dogs. These health issues significantly impact a dog's quality of life and can shorten their lifespan. 

• Toxic ingredients: Some ice cream flavors contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol, chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, and caffeine. Any ice cream that includes a sweetener called xylitol is considered very dangerous. This sugar substitute is commonly found in sugar-free snacks that are fine for us humans, but it can cause severe health issues for our four-legged friends. Xylitol poisoning in dogs can cause vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and even liver failure and death. 

• Fat: The high levels of fat found in ice cream can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas, in some dogs. This condition can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and lethargy, and often requires veterinary care. 

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Ice Cream?

If your dog manages to sneak a lick or two of ice cream, don't panic. The first thing to consider is the type of ice cream they ate.  

If it were plain vanilla, your dog would likely be just fine. However, if the ice cream contained xylitol or other harmful ingredients, monitor your dog closely for any signs of illness, such as weakness, vomiting, or diarrhea, and call your vet if you notice any concerning symptoms. 

Generally speaking, if your dog only ate a small amount of ice cream, they should be OK. But if you have any concerns, it's always best to err on the side of caution and check in with your vet just to be safe. 

What To Give Your Dog Instead of Ice Cream

Instead of giving your dog their own scoop or ice cream cone, consider offering your pooch another dog-friendly treat that’s better for them. Just keep in mind that any treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s overall diet. The other 90% should come from a diet of well-balanced dog food. 

Some good options include: 

• Fruits and vegetables: Carrots, blueberries, or watermelon cubes are a great snack choice because they’re low in sugar and safe for dogs to consume. You can even puree a few of these foods, add them to their favorite KONG toy, and pop it into the freezer for a DIY frozen treat for your dog to enjoy.  

• Plain yogurt: You can also give your pup some plain yogurt for an ice cream substitute, as long as they aren’t lactose-intolerant. Greek yogurt may be the better option, as it’s higher in protein and lower in sugar than other yogurts. 

Ice Cream for Dogs 

Dog ice cream can be another great alternative to human ice cream if you want to treat your pup to a cold summer snack. It’s a specially formulated treat made for dogs that mimics the taste and texture of human ice cream.  

But unlike the ingredients in human ice cream that can make your dog sick, doggy ice cream is specifically designed for canines and often contains ingredients that are easily digestible and low in sugar, such as peanut butter, banana, and pumpkin.  

Some brands of dog ice cream even contain added vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your dog's health! 

Here are some pup-approved options:

Dog-Safe Summer Fruits 

Dog-safe summer fruits are another great option since they’re also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Just be sure to serve them in moderation and without any added sugar or seasoning.

Here are some you can try:

• Blackberries 

• Blueberries 

• Cantaloupe 

• Honeydew 

• Raspberries 

• Strawberries 

• Watermelon 

Premade, fruit-rich dog treats can also satiate your dog’s sweet tooth. The following are some pet parent-approved options: 

Summer Dog Treat Recipes 

These easy DIY dog treats are another option that’s healthy and perfect for warm-weather snacking: 

• Frozen “Pupsicles’’ 

• Mini Hot Dogs 

• No-Bake PB&J Treats