If you’ve ever felt guilty enjoying an ice cream cone while your furry friend gives you their best “and what about me?” look, this recipe is about to make you the coolest pet parent on the block.
Listen, I’m not talking about some complicated frozen concoction here. This is a dead-simple, 3-ingredient dog ice cream that’s easier to make than explaining to your pup why they can’t chase the neighbor’s cat. You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen!
I started making these frozen treats during a heatwave when my dog was looking at me like I was personally responsible for the weather. Now she thinks the sound of the freezer opening is better than her squeaky toy – and that’s really saying something!
Ready to become a doggy dessert hero? Let’s get freezing!
Easy 3-Ingredient Dog Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, no additives)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 5 tablespoons peanut butter (natural, xylitol-free)
Optional Add-Ons:
- A handful of fresh or frozen blueberries
- A drizzle of honey (in moderation)
- Shredded carrots for added crunch
- Sliced strawberries for a fruity boost
- A sprinkle of chia seeds for extra fiber
Equipment:
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ice cube tray or silicone molds
- Freezer
Instructions:
1. Blend the Ingredients: Start by peeling and mashing the ripe banana in a mixing bowl. For a smoother texture, you can use a blender or food processor to puree the banana. Next, add the Greek yogurt and peanut butter, and blend until everything is fully combined and smooth.
2. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re including any of the optional add-ons, this is the time to mix them in. Stir in a handful of blueberries, shredded carrots, or sliced strawberries. If you’re adding chia seeds or honey, mix them in thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Pour into Molds: Once the mixture is well combined, pour it into ice cube trays or silicone molds. If you don’t have molds, you can also use a muffin tin or simply spoon dollops of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Freeze: Place the trays or molds into the freezer and let the dog ice cream freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or until completely solid.
5. Serve and Store: Once frozen, pop the ice cream out of the molds and serve! These dog ice cream treats are perfect for a hot day or just as a special snack. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Benefits of the Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt supports your dog’s digestive health and helps build strong muscles. Just make sure you use plain, unsweetened yogurt with no added sugars or artificial ingredients.
- Banana: Bananas are full of vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, which are great for your dog’s overall health. They also add natural sweetness to the ice cream.
- Peanut Butter: This favorite dog treat ingredient is rich in healthy fats and protein. Just ensure you use a natural peanut butter without xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs.
Optional Add-Ons and Their Benefits:
- Blueberries: A superfood for dogs, blueberries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. They add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your dog’s ice cream.
- Carrots: For dogs who love a bit of crunch, shredded carrots are a great low-calorie addition. They’re rich in beta-carotene and great for your dog’s eyesight and skin health.
- Strawberries: These berries provide a sweet, natural flavor boost while offering a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
- Chia Seeds: Adding chia seeds to the mix provides an extra source of fiber, omega-3s, and protein. They help with digestion and keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy.
Tips for Customizing:
- Adjust the Sweetness: If your dog loves a sweeter treat, consider adding a tiny drizzle of honey or more ripe banana. Just be careful not to overdo it on the sugar.
- Layered Ice Cream: For a fun visual and flavor experience, you can layer the mixture with different optional ingredients—like a banana-peanut butter base, followed by a blueberry layer on top.
- Portion Control: Use silicone molds or small ice cube trays to create perfectly portioned treats. For larger dogs, use bigger molds or a muffin tin to create heartier servings.
- Spoonable Version: If your dog prefers a softer texture, let the frozen treats thaw slightly before serving for a spoonable, soft-serve-like consistency.
Feeding Guidelines
As with any treat, moderation is key. Dog ice cream should be given as an occasional snack and not a meal replacement.
Depending on your dog’s size, 1-2 small frozen treats are plenty per day. Also, make sure your dog doesn’t have any dairy sensitivities, as Greek yogurt is the base ingredient.
In Summary
Making homemade dog ice cream is a fun and easy way to spoil your dog with a cool treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious snack that your dog will love.
Plus, with the flexibility to add extras like blueberries or carrots, you can customize the ice cream to suit your pup’s taste preferences. So why not give it a try and see how much your dog enjoys these tasty, chilled treats?