Homemade Dog Ice Cream Recipe Using Chicken Broth and Parsley

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Are you sad from watching your pet struggle on scorching days, panting heavily, and desperately seeking cool places?

I hate when I know they are uncomfortable, and I feel like simply offering water doesn’t help.

So this dog ice cream recipe is my way of making sure their tails continue wagging happily!

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog ice cream is super easy to make.
• It’s perfect for cooling down your dog on hot days.
• It’s also a healthy, flavorful treat.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Freeze time: 4-6 hours (or overnight)
• Serving size: Makes about 12-16 small treats, depending on mold size.

Ingredients List

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (USA cost: $2.50)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (USA cost: $1.00)
• 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (USA cost: $1.50)
• Substitutions: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If your dog has a dairy sensitivity, coconut milk yogurt is a good swap for plain yogurt.
• Total Estimated Cost: $5.00

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Grab a mixing bowl.
• Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth.
• Add the finely chopped fresh parsley to the broth.
• Scoop in the plain, unsweetened yogurt.
• Mix everything together really well until it’s all combined.
• Pour the mixture into silicone molds.
• You can use ice cube trays, or fun bone-shaped molds.
• Put the filled molds into the freezer.
• Let them freeze solid for at least 4-6 hours, or even overnight.
• Pop them out of the molds when they’re frozen.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): One small treat per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): One to two small treats per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): Two to three small treats per day.
• Puppies: Give them half a treat, but check with your vet first.
• Older dogs: These treats are great for seniors, just watch their total calorie intake.
• Active dogs: They can have a bit more, but treats should not be more than 10% of their daily calories.
• Always talk to your vet to figure out the best portion for your dog.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chicken broth is a good source of hydration and adds a savory flavor dogs love.
• Parsley helps with fresh breath.
• It’s also packed with vitamins K, A, and C.
• Plain yogurt gives a boost of probiotics.
• These help with healthy digestion.
• It also provides calcium for strong bones.
• This recipe is low in calories.
• It’s a healthy alternative to high-sugar treats.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Keep these dog ice cream treats in an airtight container in the freezer.
• They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Serve them frozen straight from the freezer.
• You can give them as a standalone treat.
• They also work well as a topper on their regular kibble for an extra boost of flavor.
• Always supervise your dog when they’re enjoying frozen treats.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use flavored yogurt?

No, stick to plain, unsweetened yogurt. Flavored yogurts often have sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

My dog won’t eat it, what can I do?

Some dogs are picky. Try adding a tiny bit of shredded cooked chicken or a spoonful of pureed pumpkin to the mixture before freezing for extra appeal.

Are there any ingredients I should never use?

Yes, never use onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocado, chocolate, or xylitol. These are all harmful to dogs.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog this homemade ice cream is a simple way to show them love, especially when it’s hot outside. It’s healthy, tasty, and super easy.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!