As pet lovers, few things bring us more joy than seeing our dogs wag their tails with excitement while enjoying delicious treats. Recently, pet-friendly cafes and restaurants in Singapore have started serving treats like dog ice cream and pup cups for dogs to accompany their paw parents while they dine in.
But what if we told you that bringing the joy of ice cream to your pup is something you can do right from your own kitchen? You can easily make and prepare delightful dog-friendly frozen treats at home, perfect for pups in the blazing Singapore heat!
Here’s a simple dog-friendly ice cream recipe to get you started, followed by some creative ways to serve dog ice cream!
The Easiest Way to Make Dog Ice Cream
To create your very first batch of dog-friendly ice cream, you just need a few simple ingredients:
Plain yoghurt:
It’s very important to ensure that the yoghurt is safe for dog consumption. Avoid foods containing Xylitol as it's highly toxic to dogs! This is one of the most common artificial sweeteners found in foods labelled 'sugar-free' or 'low sugar'. Be sure to select yoghurt without added sweeteners, artificial flavourings, or preservatives, as these ingredients can upset your dog’s stomach.
Chopped fruit:
Select a dog-safe fruit that your pup enjoys. For example, when used in moderation, mangoes are tasty and filled with essential vitamins. Be sure to skin the mango and remove the pit before chopping it into bite-sized pieces for your pup! Alternatively, consider other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas!
Water / Coconut water:
Add some water to keep calories low and dilute your frozen treat. For a fancier option, plain coconut water is a refreshing addition! It’s naturally rich in electrolytes, making it perfect for active pups. Just remember to opt for the plain, unsweetened variety.
Additional toppings: Treats / Treat dust:
This is an optional step, but one that your dog will definitely appreciate. For extra flavour, add some of your dog’s favourite treats into the mix. If you have leftover “treat dust” or crumbs from the bottom of a kibble or treat packet, now is the perfect time to use it, ensuring that nothing goes to waste!
Making the Ice Cream
To make this treat, simply follow these steps:
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Combine all your ingredients and add enough liquid to water down the treat. There are no hard ratios; use your judgement to determine the proportions based on the ingredients you have and what your dog needs! For example, pickier dogs might be less interested if the treat is too diluted, while dogs on a diet should have a higher proportion of water.
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Portion the treats into individual servings based on your dog’s size. As a general guideline, a small dog can have 1-2 teaspoons of yoghurt, while large dogs can have 2-3 tablespoons daily. It’s always a good idea to introduce new treats slowly and watch for any intolerance.
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Pour the mixture into freezer-safe containers or individual moulds, and freeze for at least 4 hours. Keep reading for more serving suggestions!
For times when you need a quicker and easier way to make dog ice cream, consider using Trove Blend! Simply mix one tablespoon of Trove Blend powder with 100 ml of water and freeze - it’s a great option for those who don’t always have a fridge stocked with fresh ingredients! Trove Blend comes in different flavours, and has the option of a goat milk base or a coconut milk base (for lactose intolerant pups).
5 Ways You Can Serve Dog-friendly Ice Cream
Now that you’ve whipped up some ice cream, here are some ways you can serve it:
1. Fill up an enrichment feeder
For those who want to entertain their dog for a long time, pet enrichment toys like Trove and Pebble are great for serving frozen treats. These toys are specially designed to keep your dog engaged much longer by slowing down their eating, encouraging licking, and preventing them from gulping treats down in seconds. Slow feeder toys turn treat time into an engaging experience, provides mental stimulation, and the repetitive licking action helps to calm dogs down.
2. Dog popsicles with chew sticks
Photo : Freepik
If holding a treat for your dog makes you happy, try freezing ice cream into popsicles! It's a brilliant way to keep your dog’s paws clean while they enjoy a long-lasting, refreshing treat. For a fully edible option, consider making the stick out of something edible, such as pizzles or dried tendons.
3. Serve in dog-friendly ice cream cones
Photo : Freepik
You read that right! Dog-friendly ice cream cones are a real thing, and they're just as fun as they sound! You can either whip some up yourself at home, or get some from a local pet shop. These cones are made with flour and other dog-safe ingredients.
4. Use silicone ice tray cubes
Photo : Freepik
For those of us with pups who are watching their waistlines, or simply prefer to keep their treats perfectly portioned, consider freezing your ice cream in food-grade silicone ice cube trays! Individual cubes are a great way to serve your dog ice cream in a controlled manner, especially if your furry friend is on a diet or weight management program.
5. Make it into an Ice Cream Sandwich
Photo : Freepik
Who doesn't love a good sandwich? Bring that classic joy to your furry friend with delightful dog-friendly ice cream sandwiches. It’s as simple as grabbing two dog biscuits, spreading your dog-friendly ice cream mix in between, and popping them into the freezer to firm up.
F.A.Q
1. What is dog ice cream made of?
Dog ice cream can be made with various ingredients, including fruits, yoghurt, and milk. If you plan to make them yourself, you can include your dog’s favourite food in the ice cream.
2. Can a dog eat ice cream?
Human ice cream should not be given to dogs as it may contain unsafe ingredients. It is a better option to make your own dog-safe ice cream, or purchase ice cream that is specifically made for dogs.
3. What is a pup cup?
A pup cup is a cup filled with dog-friendly ice cream or whipped cream. It is typically made without any additional preservatives or additives.
4. What is the best way to serve dog ice cream?
The best way to serve dog ice cream depends on your dog’s eating habits and preferences. For example, fast eaters can benefit from a slow feeder, while ice cube trays might be great for dieting dogs.
Conclusion
Serving dog ice cream can be more than just giving your pet a tasty snack. It’s about creating joyful and enriching experiences that strengthen your bond with your furry companion. Therefore, why not make treat time memorable with these fun and creative serving ideas? Your pet’s happy wagging tail will be the greatest reward of all!
