Last Updated on July 2, 2026 by Shannon
If you’ve ever tried to eat a bowl of ice cream with a dog in the room, you know exactly what happens.
One minute you’re enjoying your dessert. The next, your dog is sitting nearby, giving you those big puppy dog eyes, wondering why you have ice cream and they don’t.
I get those looks every single time I pull out a bowl of ice cream. My dogs seem convinced there’s supposed to be a serving waiting for them, too.
The good news? While regular ice cream isn’t the best choice for dogs, it’s easy to make a dog-friendly version they’ll love.
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Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream?
In general, it’s best not to share human ice cream with your dog.
Most ice cream is high in sugar, which isn’t something dogs need in their diet. Too much sugar over time can contribute to weight gain and other health concerns.
Some lower-sugar ice creams aren’t a great option either because they may contain artificial sweeteners. If an ice cream contains xylitol, it should never be given to dogs.
Another issue is lactose. While every dog is different, many dogs have trouble digesting dairy, especially in larger amounts. Even dogs that tolerate a little cheese or yogurt may not do well with regular ice cream.
If you’d like to learn more about why human ice cream isn’t recommended, check out my post on Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream?
Personally, I’d rather make a version that’s made with ingredients I know my dogs can enjoy.
Homemade Dog Ice Cream Recipe
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/4 cup of peanut butter (double-check that it does not contain xylitol)
Directions
Mash the banana in a medium bowl.
Add the Greek yogurt and peanut butter.
Stir until everything is well combined.
Spoon the mixture into silicone molds, ice cube trays, or another freezer-safe container. I like to use these paw and bone silicone molds.
Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Once frozen, remove the treats from the molds and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Tips for the Best Dog Ice Cream
Why Greek Yogurt?
I use plain Greek yogurt because it contains less lactose than regular yogurt, making it easier for many dogs to tolerate.
If your dog can’t have dairy or you’d rather skip it altogether, I also have a non-dairy dog ice cream recipe you can try instead.
Choose the Right Size
Any freezer-safe mold works.
I’ve used silicone paw molds, bone-shaped molds, regular ice cube trays, and even empty yogurt containers. The important part is choosing a size that makes sense for your dog. Smaller dogs do better with smaller frozen treats.
Frozen Bananas Work Too
If you already have frozen bananas in the freezer, they’re perfect for this recipe.
I like to peel and slice overripe bananas before freezing them. Later, I can toss the pieces into a food processor until smooth before mixing in the other ingredients.
Make Moving Molds Easier
Silicone molds can be a little floppy once they’re full.
I usually place mine on a baking sheet before filling them. That makes it much easier to carry everything to the freezer without spilling.
Always Introduce New Foods Slowly
Every dog is different.
If you’re trying a new ingredient for the first time or your dog has food allergies or health concerns, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before adding new foods to their diet.
The Taste Test
Luna and Morgan knew something good was happening long before these treats made it into the freezer.
Luna happily volunteered to clean the mixing bowl, while Morgan took care of the spoon. By the time they finished, you would have thought both had already been washed.
I figured that was a pretty good sign.
After the treats had frozen for most of the day, each dog got one to sample.
Neither of them bothered licking it. They did what they do with just about every treat, they ate it as quickly as possible.
I’d call that a success.
Other Frozen Dog Treats
If your dog likes ice cream for dogs, they may also like these other frozen dog treat recipes.
Take a look and see what other recipes they may like.
- Frozen Pineapple Dog Treats
- Frozen Fresh Breath Dog Treats
- Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Frozen Fruit Dog Treats
- Frozen Watermelon Dog Treats
Ice Cream for Dogs
This is an easy to make, 3 ingredient ice cream for dogs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ripe banana
- ¼ cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Mash the banana.
- Add peanut butter and Greek yogurt.
- Mix until combined.
- Spoon the mixture into freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze until solid.
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Thanks for this easy recipe! I’ve made something similar with banana, peanut butter, and yogurt, and my dog loves it, especially when I use fun molds. I also sometimes get ready-made dog ice cream when I’m short on time. They use similar simple ingredients, and it’s been a hit at my home. But homemade always feels special. Appreciate you sharing this!
I just finished mixing these up! While my pitty mix hasn’t had any frozen yet, she definitely approved of non frozen haha. The hubby and I both love the flavor as well! I want to try it with sweet potatoes as well, but thought I’d make it as written before tweaking it. Thank you for the recipe!
Made these freezer treats for my 2 boxers & they absolutely loved them!!
My dogs love this! It is so hot now in Fla. When they go out I have some waiting for when they get back inside. I use the silicone cupcake cups and when frozen I pop them out and put in a container. Then I just put one in their bowl to eat.
I’ve made this for my dogs.
I use mangos and banana’s.
They REALLY love it. Haven’t made peanut butter&banana yet. But absolutely sure they’ll like it as well.
My dog does not care for bananas, I feel like sweet potatoes might be a good substitution what do you think?
I have not made much with sweet potatoes yet but I would think if you used cooked sweet potatoes it would work. The consistency might be a little different but that shouldn’t matter.
Hi. Shannon.. I just came across ur recipe.. instead of Greek yogurt, can I use coconut yogurt instead?
I have never used coconut yogurt, so I don’t know if it would work or not.
With the ingredients used, humans can enjoy these along with their fur babies as well to keep them from staring ????. My dog loves ???? them ❣️
I so appreciate your recipe ideas, and will pass them on to others I know who l❤️Ve their pets like myself. Thank you and your cute doggies for the great ideas. I’m sure Our Bailey will love them????????
Easy to make. My dachshund is a very pickey eater. But he loves these. I have the little dog-bone shape silicone trays that you have in your picture. It fills two trays.
Might wanna spell check. I don’t think you wanna pee your banana. ????
OMG I can’t believe I did that! Thank you for pointing that out.
Too funny!! Hard pass!
Please tell me, is there a specific amount of yogurt, or do I just eyeball?? I can’t find anything here.
I used a single-serve, 5.3 oz package of Greek yogurt. I also fixed it in the post, thank you for pointing that out to me.
I use whole milk instead of yogurt. My dogs loved it. I love when they eat healthy and enjoy it.
just a warning, dogs cannot drink milk in a large quantity