Recipe

Dog Ice Cream

A creamy, no-cook frozen treat for dogs made with a few safe, accessible ingredients and zero drama.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A small bowl of creamy homemade dog ice cream topped with a few banana slices on a bright kitchen counter, natural window light

When it gets hot, my dog turns into a full-time floor rug and part-time side-eye champion. So I started making a quick batch of dog ice cream that feels special, uses ingredients I can actually find at a regular grocery store, and does not require me to own a miniature ice cream machine for pets.

This is a simple frozen blend of plain yogurt, banana, and a little peanut butter. It comes out creamy, it freezes well in small portions, and it is the kind of treat that makes your dog do that little “wait, for me?” hop.

Important note: Every dog is different. If your pup has known allergies, pancreatitis, sensitive stomach issues, or you are unsure about dairy or peanut butter, check with your vet first. And always use xylitol-free peanut butter (xylitol is sometimes labeled “birch sugar”).

Plain yogurt, a ripe banana, and a jar of peanut butter arranged on a clean kitchen counter with a measuring spoon

Why It Works

Fast and no-cook: Blend, portion, freeze. That is the whole vibe.
Creamy texture without sugar: Banana does the sweetening, yogurt brings the soft-serve feel.
Easy to portion: Freeze in silicone molds or an ice cube tray so you can give a small treat without overdoing it.
Simple, adjustable ingredients: You can swap in pumpkin, blueberries, or a splash of water for a lighter treat.

Expect a frozen treat that is creamy when slightly thawed and more “lickable” than “chewable” when served in smaller portions.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Freeze: Portion into an ice cube tray or silicone molds and freeze until solid, about 3 to 4 hours.

Store: Pop the frozen pieces out and keep them in a freezer-safe bag or container for best quality within 1 to 2 months (best texture in the first month).

Serve: For easier licking and to help reduce brain freeze, let a portion sit at room temperature for 2 to 5 minutes before serving.

Food safety: Do not refreeze a portion that fully thawed or warmed to room temperature, especially if it sat out longer than 1 to 2 hours. When in doubt, toss it and blend a new batch next time.

Common Questions

Is dog ice cream safe for dogs?

Homemade dog “ice cream” can be safe when it is made with dog-friendly ingredients and served in small portions. The big watch-outs are xylitol (toxic), too much fat (can upset stomachs), and dairy sensitivity. This recipe uses plain yogurt and a small amount of peanut butter, plus banana for sweetness.

Can I use regular ice cream for dogs?

I would not. Regular ice cream often has a lot of sugar, heavy cream, and sometimes ingredients that are not dog-safe. It is also an easy way to trigger tummy trouble.

What kind of yogurt is best?

Use plain, unsweetened yogurt. Greek yogurt works great because it is thick, and it is often lower in lactose than regular yogurt (but it is not lactose-free). Avoid anything flavored or sweetened. If your dog does not tolerate dairy, talk to your vet about alternatives or use a small amount of mashed banana with water and a dog-safe mix-in like pumpkin.

Is peanut butter okay for dogs?

Yes, in small amounts, as long as it is xylitol-free. Check the label carefully. Xylitol is sometimes listed as birch sugar, and it can also show up under the broader category of sugar alcohols. I also like peanut butter that is low or no added sugar and not overly salty, since this is a treat, not a daily staple.

How much should I give my dog?

Think “treat,” not “dessert bar.” Start with 1 small cube for small dogs, 1 to 2 for medium dogs, and 2 for large dogs, then adjust based on how your dog handles it and what your vet recommends. As a general rule, keep treats as a small part of their day (many owners aim for about 10% or less of daily calories).

Why did my dog ice cream freeze rock hard?

That is normal for freezer treats without added sugar or stabilizers. Let it sit out for a few minutes, or freeze in smaller portions so it softens faster. You can also blend in 1 to 2 tablespoons water to make it a little more “icy pop” and less dense.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Blender or food processor
Measuring cups and spoons
Silicone molds, ice cube tray, or small paper cups
Spatula
Freezer-safe container or zip-top bag

I started making this after realizing my dog will sprint across the house for a single ice cube like it is a five-star appetizer. So I figured, why not upgrade the cube? The first time I blended banana and yogurt, I tasted it (because tasting is part of the job) and thought, okay, this is basically a smoothie that accidentally became a dog treat. Now I keep a little stash in the freezer for hot afternoons and for those days when my dog is being extremely brave about existing.

Dog Ice Cream

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes

Servings 12 small cubes

Ingredients

1 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt (or plain regular yogurt)
1 medium ripe banana, peeled
2 tablespoons peanut butter, xylitol-free (skip any with sugar alcohols, and go easy on added sugar and salt)
1 to 2 tablespoons water (optional, for a softer, more lickable texture)
Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin), or 1 to 2 tablespoons blueberries

Ingredient notes: Use only plain, unsweetened yogurt (not vanilla). Avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and any sweetener containing xylitol (including “birch sugar”).

Instructions

Add everything to the blender. Add the yogurt, banana, and peanut butter (plus water if using). If you are adding pumpkin or blueberries, toss them in now too.
Blend until smooth. Blend 30 to 45 seconds, scraping down the sides once, until the mixture looks like a thick smoothie.
Portion. Pour or spoon the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. Tap the tray gently on the counter to settle.
Freeze. Freeze until solid, about 3 to 4 hours.
Serve smart. Pop out 1 cube and let it sit at room temperature for 2 to 5 minutes so it is easier to lick and helps reduce brain freeze. You can also serve it in a shallow bowl or press it onto a lick mat for slower snacking. Always supervise your dog while they enjoy it.