I scream, you scream, we all scream… or bark!! Ice cream is the quintessential summer treat. And we’ll admit to sharing a few licks of a nice cone with our pups on occasion. But wouldn’t you rather give them their own dish of ice cream for dogs, made just for them? Something you know is healthy and full of pup-friendly ingredients?

Ice cream can be a healthy and delicious way to help your pet stay cool and hydrated during the summer. Plus, it’s always fun to be able to switch up that diet with some healthy additions!

This week, we’re sharing 5 of our favorite recipes for homemade ice cream for dogs. These are all really easy to make, and you can change them up according to your dog’s favorite things.

Homemade Ice Cream for Dogs

Get out your mixing bowls, blender, and get churning (not really – no churning necessary).

1. Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

Fresh strawberries and banana make this creamy concoction definitely bark-worthy!

What you’ll need:

  • 10 fresh strawberries 
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup unsweetened, plain yogurt or kefir

To make:

  • Mash the strawberries with a fork or chop them up very small.
  • Add in the banana and continue to mash, almost to a puree.
  • Stir in the yogurt and mix all ingredients until well combined.
  • Pour the mixture into a freezer safe air-tight container and then freeze.

2. Blueberry Pumpkin Ice Cream

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, and pumpkin is great for digestion!

What you’ll need:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup unsweetened, plain yogurt or kefir
  • 1/4 blueberries

To make:

  • Mash the blueberries with a fork.
  • Stir together with the pumpkin puree and yogurt until well combined.
  • Pour the mixture into a freezer safe air-tight container and then freeze.

3. Coconut Watermelon Ice Cream

Want a little extra hydration for your pup? Go with watermelon.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 1/2 cups frozen watermelon 
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk

To make:

  • Cut up the watermelon into chunks and freeze.
  • Once frozen, toss in the blender with the coconut and give it a whirl.
  • Because the watermelon is frozen, this one’s ideal to serve immediately, but you can also refreeze and serve later.

4. Tropical Fruit Ice Cream

Pineapple and mango (or really any tropical fruit) make this one a delight. Trust us, we love it too!

What you’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/2 cup frozen mango
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk

To make:

  • Add the pineapple and mango to the blender and blitz for a few seconds.
  • Gradually add the coconut milk until you get the consistency you want.
  • Because the fruit is frozen, this one’s ideal to serve immediately, but you can also refreeze and serve later.

5. Mucho Melon

Cantaloupe is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, niacin, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 1/2 cups frozen cantaloupe
  • 1/2 cup watermelon
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened, plain yogurt or kefir

To make:

  • Toss all ingredients in the blend and blend.
  • If you think it’s too thick, add a bit more yogurt.
  • Pour the mixture into a freezer safe air-tight container and then freeze.

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Homemade Ice Cream for Dogs: A Few Tips

When it comes to making ice cream for dogs, there’s not really much to it. That being said, there are a few tips:

  • For any of the above recipes, if you dog has trouble with dairy, you can always substitute coconut milk or coconut yogurt.
  • In most cases, freezing for a minimum of 4 hours is long enough, but some may need a little longer.
  • Use popsicle trays or ice cube stray as an alternative way to serve.
  • Want to add different fruit, or even veggies? Go ahead! Green beans, other berries, spinach, broccoli… anything goes!
  • In an airtight container, these recipes will keep in the freezer for 8 weeks.
  • For an extra health kick, add some CBD oil or other daily supplements and make the ice cream in ice cube trays to get the daily dosing correct.