Should My Dog Eat Ice Cream?

There is no treat more delicious in the summertime than ice cream, right? Even on a hot day, this delicious, cool treat is something to look forward to. Have you ever asked yourself, should my dog eat ice cream? The answer is… probably not.

While giving your dog the occasional sweet treat might not lead to any long-lasting health concerns, there really is no reason for your pup to have that indulgence. Unlike humans, chances are your dog is not craving ice cream, and that’s good for his belly and his weight!

Sugar creeps into our diets and our dog’s diets in the form of natural sugars like those you find in bananas, apples, blueberries or watermelon. Your dog can benefit from the fibers and nutrients in these tasty fruits and if you want to give your dog a healthy snack – especially as an alternative to ice cream or cake – fruits are much better. When it comes to fruit as a treat, watermelon is high in sugar and low in fiber as compared to the others.

Be aware though there are some fruits that aren’t healthy for your dog and those include: grapes or raisins to name two.

To keep your furry family member healthy for a lifetime, it’s important he receives high quality supplements  and eats a high-quality dog food in the serving size that’s appropriate for his size, age and activity level.

Should My Dog Eat Ice Cream?

Sugar can wreak havoc on your dog’s belly and weight. As in humans, too much sugar leads to inflammation in the body and that can lead to other health issues.

Reasons to not feed your dog sugary foods and treats:

1. They can lead to tooth decay.
2. They can lead to digestive issues.
3. Some sweets – aspartame, in particular – is toxic to dogs. Avoid all artificial sweeteners and they can be found in chewing gum, candy, toothpaste, and peanut butter. Check all ingredients in the foods in your house and keep these particularly toxic items out of the reach of your pet.
4. Sugary foods can lead to diabetes in dogs.
5. Your dog could gain weight and that can lead to other health and joint issues.

 Here are healthy treats for your pup

1. Apple slices are high in fiber and full of nutrients. Don’t feed the seeds or core.
2. Watermelon is high in sugar but is very hydrating. Only feed the flesh – no seeds or rind.
3. Carrot slices are great because they are crunchy, tasty and could also help clean your dog’s teeth. Go sparingly though, carrots do contain more sugar than most vegetables
4. Green peas are an ideal treat for a training session and can be fed fresh or frozen.
5. Pumpkin is a healthy natural treat for your dog. Give slices as a snack or cook up and puree pumpkin to add as an occasional treat on her food. Great for upset tummies too.
6. Blueberries are nutritious, delicious and are the ideal size for a small treat.

Even if you’re feeding your dog healthy treats like fruits or vegetables, these treats still count as food and that means you may want to cut back on her kibble to ensure her weight stays in check. Should your dog eat ice cream? It's better to just skip it in favor of a more healthy dog-friendly treat.  

 K9 Power has become a leader in the dog supplement market. It is a place we are honored to be. We are here to help your dog live a healthier, fuller life--absolute bottom line. We know how much a dog adds to your family, and we are simply trying to give back to each and every dog we can.