Can Dogs Eat Popsicles? Healthy Vet Approved Recipe Ideas

There is almost nothing better on a hot day than an ice-cold popsicle! Your dog will enjoy a cool treat on a hot day just as much as you will, and he’ll be giving you those pleading eyes for a small taste.

But can dogs eat popsicles? Are popsicles safe for dogs? The short answer is yes, they can! But of course, this depends entirely on what popsicle you want to give them, and what ingredients they contain. There are many safe popsicle options to give your pooch, and the best are homemade, so you know exactly what they contain. However, commercially made popsicles contain some ingredients that are best left out of your pooches diet.

In this article, we’ll take look at some safe popsicle options to feed your canine on a hot day, as well as some popsicle ingredients to avoid.

 

Are popsicles safe for dogs?

When feeding your dog these tasty, refreshing treats, it’s vital to know exactly what ingredients they contain. As long as they are free from sugar, preservatives, and flavors that are artificial or toxic to dogs, you are likely good to go. The best option is to make them yourself so that you know exactly what is going into your dog’s stomach. As with any new foods, introduce them slowly and give it to them only in moderation at first to avoid any potential bad reactions.

 

Potential health concerns of giving your dog popsicles

Ideally, you’ll want to give your dog popsicles that you’ve made at home yourself. Commercial popsicles may contain some nasty ingredients that are best kept far away from your pooch. These include ice-cream and yogurt, which likely contain high amounts of sugar and possibly artificial flavors. While dairy products in moderation are generally fine, processed, flavored dairy products are definitely not, and may cause a host of issues including gas, bloating, and vomiting. Also, some dogs are lactose intolerant and shouldn’t have any dairy whatsoever.

Some commercial popsicles may also contain chocolate, a definite no-no for canines, plus artificial sweeteners and flavorings. Lastly, some popsicles have extremely high sugar content, which can cause digestive issues, lead to obesity, and contribute to the development of diabetes.

Benefits of home-made pooch popsicles

Healthy, sugar-free popsicles for your pooch are easy to make at home and can potentially be a helpful tool to help keep your dog cool in the summer heat. This can help to keep them hydrated and cool them down a bit on a hot day!

Additionally, you can add some nutritious and beneficial ingredients to home-made popsicles that your pooch may not otherwise usually eat, including blueberries, cranberries, cucumber, pumpkin, and even dog-safe bone broth bone broth or frozen meat!

 

 

Some healthy popsicle recipe ideas to make at home

Making healthy frozen popsicle treats for your pooch at home is easy, and the list of potential ingredients is almost endless! All you need are some simple plastic molds, a freezer, and some ingredients you’ve likely already got and you’re good to go!

Dog-friendly fruits are a great popsicle option, so you can try blending watermelon and apple, banana and peanut butter, or blueberries and strawberries with a good amount of water for a tasty, refreshing treat. Alternatively, if you want to add some health-boosting ingredients, a frozen bone broth popsicle will go down famously with your pooch!

If you want to add some extra variety, try mixing in a few healthy blended veggies too, such as pumpkin and carrots with a small amount of apple for some sweetness. Or for a really decadent treat, small chunks of cooked meat mixed with olive oil and dog-safe broth, prepared without garlic or onion, and frozen for a few hours will be irresistible to your dog. Lastly, if your dog has some issues with bad breath, try some apple puree mixed with a little bit of mint and loads of water for a breath-freshening and refreshing option.

Of course, what your pooch really wants on a hot day is something to cool them down, and so even just frozen water will do the trick! Another great idea is to simply freeze water inside their favorite chew toy, and this will provide them some welcome relief too.

Final Thoughts

Popsicles are an ideal treat for your pooch on a sweltering day, and as long as they are homemade with healthy ingredients, they are perfectly fine to give your dog. Be sure to avoid commercial popsicles that may contain loads of dairy, sugar, and artificial flavors and preservatives, and stick to making your own — even frozen water will be a welcome treat on a hot day! Healthy popsicles can add some needed hydration plus serve as a healthy snack for your dog — when done right!

See also:

• Can Dogs Eat Couscous? Is Couscous Safe for Dogs?
• Can Dogs Eat Durian? Is Durian Safe for Dogs?