Unsweetened yogurt is best as it contains fewer sugars and more protein good for dogs.
Throw in healthy fruits like bananas, watermelon, apples, or blackberries.
Ingredients
1 cup coconut, raw or milk
1 cup banana, freshly chopped
¼ cup honey, raw
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the bananas, shredded coconut, and honey.
Step 2: Pour the mix into a tray and chill until frozen
Step 3: Scoop and serve as treats in moderations
Health concerns of serving ice cream to your dog
Lactose intolerance
Even though coconut ice cream may not contain toxic additives, it typically has lactose found in dairy.
Dogs’ bodies are not designed to digest lactose, particularly adult dogs.
Pups have an enzyme that helps break down their mother’s milk during weaning; however, less lactase is produced as they age.
This inability to deal with dairy milk can cause bloating, gas, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea in adult dogs.
Dairy products with high-fat content can also cause pancreatitis in most dogs.
Obesity
Coconut ice cream is loaded with sugar and high-fat contents, which increases your dog’s chances of weight gain and obesity.
Moreover, your dog will be at risk of other serious health problems.
Carefully read the label in sugarless ice creams to ensure xylitol is not present.
Otherwise, it’s a catastrophic sweetener to dogs.
Allergic reactions
Dogs can experience allergic reactions to milk and dairy products–basic ingredients in ice cream.
The allergies are primarily a reaction to the proteins found in milk products and can manifest as diarrhea, vomiting, or red itchy skin rashes.
Toxic flavors
Some ice cream flavors are dangerous to dogs. For instance, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine.
The inability to efficiently process these elements makes chocolate toxic for dogs.
Although coconut-flavored ice cream is subtle, too much can be harmful.
Tips to consider when feeding your dog coconut ice cream
Besides the basic ingredients in coconut ice cream, avoid flavors with chocolate, xylitol, and caffeine.
Coconut has great nutritional value to add to your dog’s diet. However, start small and increase the portions gradually according to the dog’s reactions.
Pick a coconut ice cream with low-fat content and high organic milk
Moderation is key. Dont feed your furry friend too much coconut ice cream–a whole bowl is a bad idea. A large amount can cause stomach upsets.
Processed coconut has less nutritional value for your canine buddy and may contain harmful additives.
Dried raisins, grapes, or macadamia nuts are toxic if used in coconut ice cream.
There are several frozen treats to offer your dog than just coconut ice cream.
Gelato – ice cream specifically made for dogs is a safer option.
Frozen low-sodium chicken broth
Watermelon mint sherbet for dogs
Plain canned pumpkin with no seasonings
Frozen fruits mixed with unsweetened yogurt
Peanut butter (without xylitol) blended with bananas
Frozen treats specifically for dogs-Frosty paws
What you should do if your dog ate coconut ice cream
First, figure out the flavor and amount of ice cream they ate.
If the flavor they ate doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients, there’s no need to panic.
However, they may get stomach upset and gas, which will fade away after a few potty visits.
It might be a serious situation if the dog ate ice cream flavors with chocolate, xylitol, dried raisins, or caffeine. Immediately contact a vet to determine the next step of action.
Try first aid tips to eliminate the poison as you head to the vet.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What’s the best ice cream for dogs?
Ice cream made with dog-safe ingredients like frosty paws and carvel dog is the best option for your furry friends.
Dog ice cream has less lactose and usually contains unsweetened yogurt best for your four-legged friends.
Mild flavors like coconut, vanilla, or mango ice creams are also great.
Avoid flavors with chocolate, xylitol, or nuts due to their toxicity levels that can make your dog sick.
Nut-based ice creams are also not suitable for dogs.
Is sherbet safe for dogs to eat?
Yes. Dogs can safely eat sherbet but in controlled amounts.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
