Homemade Dog Ice Cream (Pumpkin or Strawberry)

Dog ice cream is just frozen yogurt and fruit, blended until creamy and frozen in small cups. Freezing it in single portions means no scooping and no melting mess.

We make a pumpkin version in fall and a strawberry version in summer. Both use the same base.

Why your dog will love this

• Two flavors from one base
• Single-serve cups, no scooping
• A party treat for birthdays

Ingredient notes

• Plain Greek yogurt Caution

  Unsweetened, no xylitol.

  Plain and unsweetened only, with no xylitol. Some dogs are lactose intolerant.

• Ripe banana Safe

  Fine in moderation. High in natural sugar.

• Plain pumpkin purée or sliced strawberries Safe

  Pick one fruit per batch.

  Plain cooked or canned pumpkin adds fiber. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and nutmeg.

• Xylitol-free peanut butter, optional Caution

  Only use brands without xylitol (also sold as birch sugar). High in fat.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Homemade Dog Ice Cream

Homemade Dog Ice Cream takes about 4 hours 10 minutes from start to finish and makes 8 cups. It is an easy recipe. You will need small paper cups and blender. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.

Ingredients and why they are here

You need 4 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for dogs.

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt: Unsweetened, no xylitol. Plain and unsweetened only, with no xylitol. Some dogs are lactose intolerant.
• 1 medium ripe banana: Fine in moderation. High in natural sugar.
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin purée or sliced strawberries: Pick one fruit per batch. Plain cooked or canned pumpkin adds fiber. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and nutmeg.
• 1 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter, optional: Only use brands without xylitol (also sold as birch sugar). High in fat.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Blend the yogurt and banana until smooth.
2. Add the pumpkin or strawberries and blend again until no chunks remain.
3. Divide between 8 small paper cups and smooth the tops.
4. Freeze until firm. Allow about 4 hours.
5. Peel away the paper cup and serve in your dog’s bowl.

Tips for success

• Use full-fat yogurt for a creamier texture that stays scoopable.
• Freeze a dog biscuit upright in each cup for a handle.
• Thaw 5 minutes before serving so it is soft enough to lick.

How to store it

Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Cover the cups with foil to prevent freezer burn. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.

How much to serve

One 2-oz cup for a medium dog, half for a small dog. Each cup has about 45 calories. Treats and toppers should stay under 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories, so cut back their regular food a little on days you serve extra.

Swaps and variations

No plain Greek yogurt? Use plain kefir. No plain pumpkin purée or sliced strawberries? Use blueberries. Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.

Why dogs love it

Two flavors from one base. Single-serve cups, no scooping. A party treat for birthdays.

Feeding tips for dogs

Introduce any new food slowly, starting with a small piece, and wait a day to see how your dog’s stomach handles it. Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis, kidney disease or diabetes may need changes, so check with your vet first. Keep fresh water out, especially with dry or salty-tasting treats, and count every treat toward the daily allowance so meals stay balanced.

Safety notes

Yogurt: Plain and unsweetened only, with no xylitol. Some dogs are lactose intolerant. Peanut Butter: Only use brands without xylitol (also sold as birch sugar). High in fat. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your dog. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat regular ice cream?

It is not a good idea. Regular ice cream has sugar and dairy, and some flavors contain chocolate or xylitol.

How long does dog ice cream last?

About two months in the freezer.

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