Ice cream for hot days
Who hasn’t seen the image of a dog sharing an ice cream with its owner or delighting in a strategically placed ball on the ground? It makes you want to do the same, especially on hot days. But you need to know that offering ice cream to dogs is not a very healthy practice.
The excess of dyes, fat, and sugar in ice creams and popsicles can cause intoxication and gastrointestinal disturbances in dogs. Besides, many of them have enough milk to cause diarrhea and abdominal pain.
The good news is that there are dog-friendly popsicles, or you can also prepare ice cream with your pet in mind during the summer without compromising your companion’s diet!
Are there ice creams made specifically for dogs?
Yes, but they are not always easy to find. Also, they should be seen as treats because they may contain a bit of dye, flavor, and artificial flavor, such as bacon or chocolate. Besides causing discomfort, these foods can contribute to your pet’s obesity.
With the trend of artisanal ice creams, some ice cream shops have also started offering versions of their products for pets. If this is your option, be sure to ask if the recipe has been approved by a veterinarian and what ingredients are used in preparation.
Dog ice creams should not have sugar or foods that are toxic to them, such as avocado, grapes, or chocolate, for example.
When sharing your ice cream is not a problem
If industrialized ice creams and popsicles should be avoided, natural products can be an option. Thinking about our health as well, some brands already offer popsicles made only with fruits or coconut water, for example. Without dyes, preservatives, or lactose.
In this case, if the fruits are not toxic to dogs, the product can be consumed by the animal. But give him the last little bit, okay? This thing of going from one mouth to another is not the most hygienic practice in the world.
3 homemade ice cream recipes for dogs
Now that natural ice creams are allowed, learn how to make healthy and super tasty ice cream for your dog.
In addition to ensuring the origin of the ice cream, you can prepare it in the desired size and with your pet’s favorite fruits. Check out three easy and tasty recipes!
Fruit sorbet
Made only with water and the dog’s favorite fruits, it is a refreshing and healthy option to relieve the heat.
Ingredients
- Fruit of your choice (suggestions: watermelon, melon, pear, and mango)
- Small amount of water
Preparation
After washing and peeling the fruits, cut everything into pieces. Take them to the blender, adding enough water just to mix more easily. With the mixture ready, put it in disposable cups or even in ice cube trays. Freeze.
Fruit and Yogurt Popsicle
Want to prepare a very cold popsicle for dogs? In addition to being more substantial, it is very easy to make!
Ingredients
- 200g of unsweetened and lactose-free yogurt
- 200g of the fruit of your choice
Preparation
Take the washed and cut fruit into pieces to the blender, add the yogurt and beat until obtaining a homogeneous mixture. Place the contents in disposable cups or popsicle molds and freeze.
If you want to make the treat even more fun, use a bone-shaped stick instead of the traditional wooden stick. This way, you will have an authentic fruit popsicle for dogs.
Wet food popsicle
Another little ice cream for hot days. Made only with wet food, this option is suggested for pets who do not like or do not eat fruits. But, beware: it is important that the portion used in the popsicle is counted in the dog’s daily amount of food.
Ingredients
- Wet food of your choice
Preparation
Place the wet food in a disposable cup or ice cube tray. If you want to enhance the recipe, place a bone-shaped stick inserted into the dough to represent the popsicle stick. Freeze.
Now you know the little ice cream for hot days and learned wonderful recipes to make your dog’s summer much more fun and refreshing!
