Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
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.
Does your dog refuse store-bought treats? It can be quite upsetting when you want to give them something different, but the commercial options are full of unknown ingredients, and, as a result, they cause upset tummies.
Here’s the fact: home-made treats can be just as tasty and healthy, and your dog will love them. I will teach you how to make a homemade dog ice cream that tastes great and is full of nutritious ingredients.
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Recipe Overview
- Purpose: A refreshing, healthy, and easy-to-digest treat perfect for cooling down your dog on hot days.
- Benefits: Provides protein, calcium, fiber, and vitamins, supporting digestion and overall health.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Freeze time: 4-6 hours (or overnight)
- Serving size: Makes about 12-16 small treats
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Ingredients List
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (approximately $2.00)
- 1 ripe pear, cored and peeled (approximately $1.50)
- 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt (approximately $0.75)
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) (approximately $0.50)
- Total Estimated Cost: $4.75
- Substitutions: You can use pureed apple instead of pear. Plain kefir can replace Greek yogurt. Pumpkin puree (canned, 100% pumpkin) can be used instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, wash and peel your pear. Make sure you take out the core and any seeds.
- Then, cut the pear into small pieces so it’s easier to blend.
- Next, put the cottage cheese, pear pieces, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter into a blender or food processor.
- Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no big chunks left.
- Now, spoon the mixture into silicone molds. Ice cube trays or small treat molds work great.
- Put the filled molds into the freezer.
- Let them freeze for at least 4-6 hours. They should be completely solid.
- Once they’re solid, pop them out of the molds.
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Feeding Guidelines
- Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): Give them one small treat per day.
- Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): You can give them up to two small treats daily.
- Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): Three small treats a day should be fine.
- For puppies, older dogs, or dogs with specific health issues, talk to your vet first.
- Here’s the thing, these are treats, not a meal replacement.
- Always make sure your dog has fresh water available.
- If your dog is very active, they might be able to have a little more. If they are less active, maybe stick to the smaller amount.
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Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
- Cottage Cheese: It’s packed with protein for strong muscles. It also has calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
- Pear: This fruit gives fiber, which helps with digestion. It also has vitamins C and K.
- Greek Yogurt: It adds more protein and calcium. Plus, it contains probiotics for gut health.
- Natural Peanut Butter: This gives healthy fats and protein. It also has vitamins B and E.
- This recipe offers a good mix of protein and fats. It also has complex carbohydrates from the pear and fiber for digestion.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Keep these homemade dog ice cream treats in an airtight container in the freezer.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
- You don’t need to reheat them. Just take them out of the freezer.
- Serve them cold, straight from the freezer.
- You can give them as a standalone treat or mixed into their regular kibble for a special topping.
- Some dogs like to lick them, and some might try to crunch them. Just make sure they don’t eat them too fast.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, you can, but full-fat cottage cheese has more beneficial fats and usually tastes better to dogs. But if you have low-fat on hand, it will work.
What if my dog is lactose intolerant?
Some dogs are sensitive to dairy. Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are lower in lactose, but if your dog has issues, you can substitute with plain, unsweetened kefir or a dairy-free yogurt alternative, making sure it’s plain and unsweetened.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables?
Definitely! Dog-safe options include bananas, blueberries, strawberries, or pureed pumpkin. Just make sure to avoid any toxic ingredients like grapes or avocado pits.
My dog won’t eat them, what should I do?
Here’s the thing, some dogs are picky. You can try adding a tiny bit of their favorite broth or a sprinkle of a favorite dry treat to the mixture before freezing to entice them.
📖 Don’t Miss This…
Need more ideas on what to cook for your dog? Then you must check out my library of homemade dog food recipes today!
Wrapping Up
Making your dog homemade treats like this ice cream is a simple way to show them love with healthy ingredients. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and they’ll absolutely adore it.
Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!
