On hot summer days or as a special treat in between – dog ice cream and dog yogurt are the perfect treats for your four-legged darling. These healthy snacks not only provide a cooling effect but can also enhance daily food as a dog food topping or provide hours of entertainment on a dog lick mat. In this article, you will learn everything about the benefits, uses, and how you can easily make your own dog ice cream.
What is dog yogurt and dog ice cream?
Dog yogurt is a yogurt specially developed for dogs, which is usually lactose-free or low-lactose. Unlike conventional yogurt for humans, it is optimally adapted to your dog's digestion and contains no harmful additives or too much sugar. Depending on the product, it may also contain other positive additives to strengthen the immune system or for a shinier coat.
Dog ice cream is a frozen treat specially designed for dogs – often the composition is similar to that of dog yogurt. If you buy dog ice cream, it is already portioned for you and can be frozen directly. Alternatively, you can also portion or mix it yourself from dog yogurt or other dog-friendly ingredients such as yogurt, quark, fruit, or vegetables. No matter what you choose, dog ice cream offers a welcome cooling on warm days.
What can you use dog yogurt for and when?
Dog yogurt can be a valuable addition to everyday life and training in various situations. It is important to familiarize yourself with the ingredients and feeding recommendations beforehand. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you should also introduce it slowly.
Dog yogurt as a dog food topping
Dog yogurt is an excellent dog food topping to spice up regular food:
- Appetite stimulant: Picky eaters are motivated by the delicious taste
- Nutrient boost: Additional proteins and probiotics for intestinal health
- Variety: Provides variation in the food bowl
For even more options for dog food toppings, you can also use dog milk. Like yogurt, this is also mostly lactose-free or low-lactose and has little sugar, but can help rehydrate dogs who are reluctant to drink and increase the dog's fluid intake
Dog yogurt for the dog lick mat
A lick mat is an ingenious tool for dog entertainment. The structured surface with grooves and depressions is perfect for filling with dog yogurt:
- Stress reduction: Licking has a calming and relaxing effect
- Entertainment: Your dog is engaged for minutes
- Dental care: The tongue cleans the teeth while licking
- Slower eating: Ideal for gulpers
Our tip: It doesn't always have to be just the lick mat! Other dog toys with a textured surface can also be wonderfully filled with yogurt, offering even more variety.
Freezing lick mats for dogs
Whether you choose a classic lick mat or another toy: For even more refreshment and longer engagement for your dog, you can freeze them as well!
We show you how easy it is in this video, using our Mango dog toy as an example.
Dog yogurt as a reward and for training
Dog yogurt, which comes in practical squeeze packaging, is perfect as a reward for on the go or during training. It can be given quickly and dosed individually, and your fingers stay clean!
Dog yoghurt for digestive problems
Does your dog tend to have digestive problems? Dog yoghurt with probiotics can help with:
- Rebuilding gut flora after antibiotic treatment
- Mild digestive issues
- Boosting the immune system
Important: Always consult a vet for serious health problems!
What is dog ice cream used for and when can you use it?
Unlike dog yogurt, dog ice cream is primarily used in summer as a special treat, for entertainment, and for cooling down the dog.
Why dog ice cream on hot days?
Dog ice cream is the perfect refreshment for your dog in high temperatures:
- Cools the dog from within, reducing the risk of overheating
- Provides additional fluid intake
- Provides mental stimulation for the dog when physical activity is not possible due to temperatures
- Is simply fun!
Make your own dog ice cream – easy recipes
Dog ice cream is quick and easy to make yourself, but store-bought dog ice cream also has its advantages.
Our tip: You can also combine both and use store-bought dog ice cream as a base with valuable additions and refine it with individual toppings before freezing!
Why make your own dog ice cream?
If you want to make your own dog ice cream, you have full control over the ingredients. You know exactly what's in it and can cater to your dog's allergies and preferences. Especially when it suddenly gets hot, you often have many of the ingredients already at home and can have a finished ice cream in just a few hours!
Buying dog ice cream – what should you look for?
If you want to buy dog ice cream, pay attention to the following points:
- No artificial additives: Avoid products with colorings, preservatives, or flavorings
- Lactose-free or low-lactose: Most dogs cannot tolerate lactose
- No sugar or xylitol: Sugar is unhealthy, xylitol is even toxic for dogs
- Natural ingredients: The shorter the ingredient list, the better
- Appropriate portion size: Pay attention to the right amount for your dog
Purchased dog ice cream also has the advantage of shelf life, so you can rely on a best-before date and not worry if the ice cream has been in the freezer for a while!
Basic recipe for dog ice cream
Ingredients:
- 200g natural yoghurt (lactose-free or low-lactose)
- 1 ripe banana
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey
Method:
- Mash the banana and mix with the yoghurt
- Optionally, stir in the honey
- Pour into ice cube trays or special dog ice lolly moulds
- Freeze for at least 4 hours
- Your homemadedog ice lolly is ready!
Savoury dog ice lolly recipe
Ingredients:
- 200ml low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tbsp cottage cheese
- Small pieces of treats
Method:
- Mix the stock with the cottage cheese
- Place the treats into the mould
- Top up with the stock mixture
- Freeze for at least 4 hours
- And there you have it – your homemadedog ice cream!
Common mistakes with dog yogurt and dog ice cream
Before you feed your dog something new, you should thoroughly inform yourself – both about the ingredients contained in purchased products and about the various ingredients if you make it yourself.
What does NOT belong in dog ice cream and dog yogurt?
You should definitely avoid these things:
- Chocolate: Toxic for dogs
- Xylitol/birch sugar: Life-threatening
- Grapes/raisins: Toxic
- Onions/garlic: Harmful
- Avocado: Contains toxic persin
- Too much sugar: Unhealthy
Of course, the list of foods and ingredients that dogs should not eat is much longer; this is just a small excerpt. If you are unsure, you should refrain from feeding them and, for example, ask your vet. Additionally, you should also consider your dog's individual allergies and intolerances.
Consider dog lactose intolerance
Many dogs cannot tolerate cow's milk. In such cases, or if you are unsure, use:
- Lactose-free yogurt
- Goat's milk products
- Coconut milk as an alternative
SPRENGER YowUp! products
At SPRENGER, we offer dog yogurt, dog ice cream, and dog milk from YowUp! in our product range. All products are specially developed for dogs and 100% lactose-free.
YowUp! dog yogurt
YowUp! dog yogurti s the perfect snack to treat your four-legged friend to a healthy, refreshing treat. Lactose-free, sugar-free and full of natural ingredients. Whether as a snack, food additive or homemade dog ice cream – YowUp! always fits!
In four great flavors:
- Natural
- Chicken
- Salmon
- L.Casei Probiotics Turkey
- As a mixed box to try!
YowUp! dog frozen yogurt
Keep your dog cool on hot days! YowUp! frozen yogurt is the perfect refreshment for your four-legged friend – delicious, healthy, and naturally free from unnecessary additives. Just pop it in the freezer, and in just 30 minutes, this cool treat is ready to be licked.
The Benefits of YowUp! Dog Frozen Yogurt as dog ice cream:
- Lactose-free: Also ideal for dogs with lactose intolerance.
- 0% Fat: Healthy snack without added fat.
- No added sugar: Natural sweetness without artificial additives.
- Rich in calcium and phosphorus: Promotes strong bones and teeth.
YowUp! dog milk
As a snack, tasty meal supplement, or as ice cream, YowUp! dog milk is versatile and healthy! The chondroitin and glucosamine it contains supports your furry friend's joints, and vitamin D3 promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth.
