Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream?
A lick of plain vanilla ice cream is unlikely to hurt most healthy dogs, but regular ice cream is not a good treat to give them. Some ingredients are dangerous, and dairy and sugar commonly upset dogs' stomachs. If you want to share a frozen treat, a dog-specific one is the better choice.
Why regular ice cream is a poor choice
- Lactose. Many adult dogs do not digest lactose well. Ice cream can cause gas, diarrhea or vomiting.
- Sugar and fat. Ice cream is high in both, which adds calories and can trigger stomach upset. Rich, fatty foods are a known risk for pancreatitis in some dogs.
Ingredients that are dangerous for dogs
- Xylitol (also listed as birch sugar), a sweetener found in some "sugar-free" or "no sugar added" ice creams. It is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
- Chocolate and cocoa, including chocolate ice cream, fudge and chips.
- Raisins and grapes, found in rum raisin and some mix-ins.
- Macadamia nuts and other nut mix-ins.
- Coffee and caffeine, in coffee and mocha flavors.
If your dog eats something containing xylitol, chocolate or grapes, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control line right away.
Dog-safe alternatives
- Dog ice cream sold in pet stores and grocery freezers, made without lactose or with dog-safe ingredients.
- "Pup cups" at some ice cream shops and custard stands. Ask what is in them; some are just whipped cream, which is still dairy.
- Homemade frozen treats: plain unsweetened yogurt (if your dog tolerates it), mashed banana, or plain unsalted peanut butter that does not contain xylitol, frozen in an ice cube tray.
Introduce any new treat in small amounts, and ask your vet if your dog has a sensitive stomach, diabetes, pancreatitis or is overweight.
Many ice cream shops are dog-friendly and some keep dog treats behind the counter. Find an ice cream shop near you and ask before you go.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.