Can I give my dog ice cream?

Everyone likes ice cream but can, and should, you give some to the family dog? It’s likely you suspect this isn’t the best summer treat for Fido but let’s take a closer look anyway.

Video: STRAWBERRY DOG ICE CREAM AND PUPCAKES DIY | Snacks with the Snow Dogs 35

Strictly speaking, no, you shouldn’t share this delicious dairy dessert. Though ice cream isn’t as bad as feeding foods like onions or chocolate, we still cannot encourage this human treat for pet dogs.

Avoid giving your dog sugary foods. Ice cream contributes to obesity as well as dental issues. If given too much and too often, it could lead to serious health problems such as diabetes.

Can I Give My Dog Ice Cream? Answer: Not Recommended

On a hot day it could be argued that a scoop or two never hurt a dog but we still say no.

Sure, it’s possible to enforce discipline and feed a small amount of ice cream. Keep in mind though that most types are basically a junk food with high levels of fat and sugar. Meltdown Ice Cream Cones is a popular treat for dogs that’s a bit healthier. Also, popsicles are a better alternative especially if you make them yourself.

If you do occasionally give your dog with some ice cream don’t make a habit out of it!

Ice Cream’s Dairy Factor

There’s another reason not to give ice cream. A good percentage of dogs cannot digest dairy very well. Many are lactose intolerant to some degree. Lactose is a type of sugar in dairy products including ice cream.

Video: DOG ICE CREAM CHALLENGE!!

Avoid gastric trouble including diarrhea, which could be fatal in the worst cases. For your dog’s sake, find out which products have low levels of lactose. For instance, ice cream contains a lot more lactose than most cottage cheese.

Alternatives to Ice Cream

Anything from popsicles to frozen yogurt to specially-made-for-dogs treats are better alternatives. Roll up your sleeves and do some cooking. Pumpkin is really good for dogs and it contains lots of fiber.

A vanilla pumpkin pudding, frozen, is something you could whip up. Anything you make at home is going to be healthier than store-bought ice cream.

Doggie Digestion System

Dogs should be fed foods that aid digestion. Ice cream can’t help. On the contrary, it may lead to loose stools among other gastric issues. Does your dog eat quickly and in large amounts?

Well, their short digestive tracts are susceptible to gastrointestinal sicknesses so ice cream certainly isn’t a good match in this respect.

An Ice Cream Accident

If your dog ate a lot of ice cream, hopefully it wasn’t a chocolate variety. As you know, chocolate is poisonous for dogs. In such a case, you’ll need to contact a vet right away.

Your pooch may be sick for a few days and diarrhea, vomiting and general discomfort are all possible. However, for the most part, a pet dog eating some ice cream isn’t a total disaster.

Dog Bloat Warning

Since ice cream tastes so good, you should be aware of something called dog bloat. It’s an extremely serious life threatening condition that can develop suddenly and prove fatal.

Video: I BOUGHT MY DOG ICE CREAM

If your dog eats too much and too fast or even drinks, for example, ice water too quickly it can cause this condition. Bloat needs to be treated by a veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion on Ice Cream

You shouldn’t be giving your dog ice cream, even if it’s hot outside. Besides the lack of nutrition, it can lead to a poor lifestyle especially when fed routinely. Sure, your best bud loves ice cream but there are so many reasons why it’s a bad idea. Lactose and the high fat content are just a few factors. The good news is that if your dog accidentally ate some, they’ll likely be fine.

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