In hot weather, you may be wondering, "Can dogs eat ice cream?" You're not the only one. Many pet parents think nothing of sharing a tasty cold treat with their pooch.
However, there are some things to be aware of when it comes to giving your dog ice cream. Ice cream contains dairy, which is one of the things that dogs should never eat, as it can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.
We spoke to vet Dr Hannah Godfrey to find out why ice cream isn't the best choice for dogs and what pet parents can offer instead. Keep reading to find out what she had to say.
Can dogs eat ice cream?
So, what's the bottom line: should dogs eat ice cream or not? We would advise against feeding your dog ice cream. As we mentioned earlier, dairy is hard for dogs to digest.
If it's chocolate ice cream, this can be very dangerous to dogs. Chocolate contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Other flavors may also contain nuts, which can be difficult for dogs to digest.
Dr Hannah Godfrey remembers a dog she treated for diarrhea.
"The owner was at a loss, but it turned out that they’d been sharing their ice cream with the dog almost every day. Once they stopped, the diarrhea cleared up, and the dog lost a lot of weight."
Ice cream is also high in sugar and fat, which can quickly cause your dog to gain weight.
What to do if your dog eats ice cream
If your dog sneaks a lick of vanilla ice cream, they will most likely be fine. If your dog has ingested something toxic, such as chocolate ice cream or ice cream containing xylitol, you should monitor them for signs of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
If you notice your dog is exhibiting either of these signs, be sure to take them to the vet right away.
Dog-friendly ice cream alternatives
When it comes to cooling down a dog in hot weather, pet parents will often turn to frozen treats. That's no problem, as long as it dog-friendly treat.
There are several dog-friendly ice cream options on the market. Some of these do still contain dairy, so be sure to read the ingredient label. Dr Godfrey also notes that you can make your own dog-friendly ice cream at home by simply mashing up a banana and freezing it. We've rounded up frozen dog treats that you can make that your pooch is sure to love.
Dr Godfrey also suggests, "Offer your dog ice cubes made from stock (make sure it’s low-fat and low salt), or freeze some of your pet’s favorite toys."
Read next: Can dogs eat ice cubes? Can dogs have fish skins?
Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species, but focussed on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas.
She then began working at a smaller, independent practice close to home, in order to devote more time to her other love – writing comedy fiction. In February 2023, she moved from permanent clinical vet work to become an Editor for a global medical communications company. She hasn't given up clinical work altogether, though, and still does regular locum shifts at her local vet practices.
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Megan Milstead.
Last updated in May 2025 by Alexis De Leaver.
