Ice cream season hits different when you’re including your curious copilots in the mix. As temperatures continue to rise and heatwaves hit the nation, those of us with a penchant for all things sweet and creamy are not just thinking about our own indulgences—dog-friendly versions are on the menu too. Our pets mean everything to us, so of course they deserve a taste of the good life.

Why dogs dig frozen treats

Imagine lounging on a sun-drenched patio, the summer heat hitting your skin, and the only respite in sight is a cold, creamy dessert. That’s exactly the kind of relief our dogs seek too. When it comes to cooling our pets, there are of course more efficient and healthier ways to get the job done. A cooling mat, baby pool, or even ice-cubes all help bring down our dog’s internal temp.

But hey – life is for living! Breaking out a bit of dog-friendly ice cream for a special treat once in a while is a tasty way to reward our pets without resorting to sharing our own cone.

Optimal timing for doggy desserts

Ice cream for dogs isn't an everyday affair. It's more like the cherry on top of a well-balanced diet—served up when the time is right. A chill afternoon in the shade? Perfect. A daily scoop after a full meal? Probably not. And when you do serve it, remember portion size matters. Think of it as a delicacy, not a dietary staple.

Ingredients to watch out for

Let’s be clear: tossing your dog a lick of your mint chocolate chip is a no-go. Many ingredients in human ice creams are dangerous for dogs. Xylitol, chocolate, grapes—these should be avoided at all costs.

Plus, human ice-cream tends to be high in sugars and fat, which can not only upset our pup’s sensitive stomachs, but could even cause pancreatitis in some pets. Play it safe and stick to dog-designed delights.

Top contenders for dog-friendly ice creams

With the help of my resident pup (and food fan) Greta, we tasted four of the top frozen treat options on the market. Here’s the scoop on each, plus our top pick below.

1. Ollie x Van Leeuwen

What’s the scoop?

When this partnership was announced, it took the internet by storm. For context, both Ollie and Van Leeuwen are known for fun campaigns (like this, this, and this) so a gourmet frozen dog concoction was a match made in pupsicle heaven.

What really stands out is the bright branding and culinary craftsmanship here—combining Ollie’s specialized nutritional expertise with the confectionary twist of Leeuwen. Plus, humans can indulge, too.

The deets

This dog ice cream comes in one flavor, Peanut Butter Banana, and contains 100% human-grade ingredients (more on that, later).

It’s dairy-free with no artificial flavors, fillers, preservatives, or by-products and is made in US kitchens, so you can feel good about giving it as a special treat to your pup.

Ingredients: Coconut Cream, Oat Milk (Water, Oats), Tapioca Syrup, Peanut Butter, Cane Sugar, Banana Puree, Pea Protein, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Sea Salt, Carob Bean Gum, Acacia Gum, Guar Gum, Turmeric Extract (for color) Contains: Tree Nuts (Peanuts, Coconut)".

Size: 14 oz pint.

Price: $10.50 when purchased by the pint in store.

Where to buy: Bundled with your Ollie subscription, at participating Van Leeuwen scoop shop locations, and online or in person at Petco. Available for a limited time only.

Our thoughts

We cracked open the sleek packaging to unveil what was unmistakably the crème de la crème of doggie desserts—a pre-frozen concoction that could pass for your typical vanilla ice cream, but with a bold swirl of peanut butter making a grand appearance. Visually, it was a dead ringer for something you'd expect to find in the cooler of a hip, artisan ice cream parlor.

The aroma? Utterly delightful. It wafted out a peanut butter scent so authentic, you'd swear it was destined for a human cone. The texture was just as luxurious—creamy, scoopable, and it held its shape beautifully under the enthusiastic lapping of Greta, our resident taste tester.

Now, because these ingredients are top-notch—100% human-grade—I went for a taste. And guys, it was a revelation. Picture the ultimate peanut butter, banana, and cinnamon smoothie, only frozen into creamy perfection.

It’s as lush as any high-end human ice cream I've tasted. Honestly, if you handed me this in a cone at a fancy gelato shop, I’d have no clue it was meant for four-legged patrons. Consider me impressed!

But, ringing up at $10.50 a pint, this won't be a daily treat. And really, that's probably for the best, both for our wallets and our pups' waistlines. Still, for those moments of pure indulgence? Absolutely worth it.

2. Ben and Jerry’s Doggie Desserts

What’s the scoop?

Leave it to the ice cream moguls to whip up something special for pups. Released in 2021, their frozen treats boast a sun butter base and contain the same human-grade ingredients that can be found in any of their other pints.

Better yet, their dog desserts don’t just taste good—they do good, supporting a number of environmental and charitable causes that reflect the brand’s values.

The deets

The dog-friendly desserts come in two flavors: "Pontch's Mix” aka peanut butter and pretzels, and "Rosie's Batch," aka pumpkin and mini cookies, and are affectionately named after two of the pups that frequent their dog-friendly HQ.

Inside you’ll find ingredients that are fair trade, non-GMO, and responsibly sourced.

Ingredients: Water, sugar, coconut oil, corn syrup, peanuts, sunflower seed paste, canola oil, wheat flour, corn starch, peanut oil, pea protein, salt, lecithin, butteroil, guar gum, locust bean gum, soybean oil, citric acid (promote color retention), sodium bicarbonate, barley malt.

Size: Individual 4-ounce mini cups or multipacks of four minicups.

Price: $2.99 per mini cup, or $4.99 per multipack (four mini cups).

Where to buy: Supermarkets, mass retailers, and select pet stores across the country. You can use their store locator here.

Our thoughts

Our scoop of the day was Pontch’s Mix, which, at first glance, could easily pass for one of their standard human offerings—except the pretzel pieces were adorably miniaturized, sprinkled throughout to suit the daintier dental needs of our canine connoisseurs.

Just like the swanky Van Leeuwen treat, this pint packed an aroma that was all creamy goodness, no artificial overtones—just pure, ice cream bliss.

Greta dove in with a fervor I rarely see, and unlike its larger counterpart from Van Leeuwen that quickly succumbed to the summer heat, this mini marvel held its frosty form impressively well under the relentless Chicago sun.

And yes, I gave it a taste myself (because science) and it was delicious. Would happily indulge again. Considering the price per multipack is quite a steal relative to its decadent peers, if your pup has a penchant for sweets and needs a cool down, don’t sleep on B&J’s. This is one frozen treat that’s sure to make waves at the dog park.

3. Healthy Hound

What’s the scoop?

True to its name, Healthy Hound keeps it refreshingly simple and straightforward, but sports the kind of eye-catching branding that could easily be mistaken for a much more famous label.

While the origins and backstory of this brand remain a bit of a mystery, what's crystal clear is their flavorful lineup that's a hit among the canine crowd. So, while its history might be under wraps, its popularity is no secret, and we had to give them a try.

The deets

Healthy Hound offers three dog-friendly flavors: Nilly’s Bacon, Peanut Butter Pablo, and Blueberry Onix. Every cup is made with US-sourced ingredients, and is all-natural and human grade.

To keep things consistent, we gave the Peanut Butter Pablo a try. Unlike our first two contenders, this treat came as a DIY mix in powdered form. Just add water, blend, and pour back into the container to freeze for a minimum of five hours before indulging.

Ingredients: Lactose Free Whole Milk Powder, (organic Peanut Butter, Organic Blueberry Powder, Organic Bacon Flavoring), Gelatin, Sugar, Salt.

Size: 2.89 oz pints.

Price: $9.99 on Amazon.

Where to buy: On the Healthy Hounds website, various pet stores, and Amazon.

Our thoughts

I'll confess, I'm a sucker for bold branding, and Healthy Hound’s offerings definitely catch the eye. And seeing a limited ingredient list is also reassuring, especially for pups with sensitive tummies.

But keeping things real, there are a few hurdles with Healthy Hound. First up, the mix-and-freeze approach—it's a tad less convenient than pre-made options and produces a treat with the icy consistency of Italian ice rather than creamy traditional ice cream. This means those neat, Instagram-worthy scoops are off the table.

Secondly, the price tag is a bit steep for the quantity—forking out nearly $10 might have you considering a larger tub from the likes of Van Leeuwen instead.

And while the ingredients are top-notch, human-grade, the aroma of the finished product was slightly off-putting to me (a bit like PB2 powder), and the texture didn't win me over either.

But remember, I'm not the target consumer here. When it was Greta's turn at the bowl, she dove in with gusto, clearly thrilled with her treat. So, if your wallet doesn't mind a bit of a splurge, and your dog isn’t picky about texture, Healthy Hound might just be worth a lick.

4. Pooch Creamery

What’s the scoop?

Pooch Creamery stands as one of the OGs in the dog ice cream game, chilling out pups for years with their classic cool treats. You'll probably find them front and center at any big-box pet store, ready to turn any day into a puppy party with their variety of dog-friendly cakes and ice creams.

What's more, they boast the shortest ingredient list among our taste-tested contenders, making them a prime pick for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Whether it’s a birthday bash or gotcha day, Pooch Creamery is the go-to for a fuss-free, dog-approved fun.

The deets

Pooch Creamery serves up a variety of pup cups in six flavors—Peanut Butter, Carob, Vanilla, Maple Bacon, Watermelon, and Birthday Cake—offering the most diverse lineup we've encountered. Each is crafted from all-natural, human-grade ingredients and proudly made in the USA. Much like Healthy Hounds, Pooch Creamery's goodies start as a powdered mix. Just add water, give it a whirl, and stash in the freezer to set. We opted for the Peanut Butter flavor, of course.

Ingredients: Whole Milk (Lactose Free), Peanuts, Cane Sugar, Gelatin And Salt.

Size: 5.25 oz and 2.32 oz cups

Price: $6.17 for 5.25oz cups on Chewy

Where to buy: On Chewy, Amazon, and other big box pet shops both in-store and online.

Our thoughts

Pooch Creamery, while brimming with options and value, does encounter a few bumps along the road to dessert bliss. Like Healthy Hound, their mix-and-freeze method can be a bit inconvenient, churning out a product that's icier than creamy and challenging to scoop. And although the ingredients are straightforward and natural, the aroma was not my cup of tea.

Despite these quirks, Pooch Creamery scores big on affordability, undercutting competitors like Van Leeuwen by about $4 for the same size pint. And they don’t stop at ice cream—they’ve also got a lineup of dog-friendly cakes, making them your go-to for any canine kiki.

While the scent didn't tempt me to sample, Greta was all in, gobbling her scoop with gusto. For those looking to spoil their pups without breaking the bank, Pooch Creamery’s variety, wide availability, and pricing make it a tough deal to overlook. Whether you’re stocking up for a party or just picking up a pint, they offer a sweet way to celebrate your soulful sidekicks on any occasion.

Our pick of the pack

So, which cream reigns supreme in this frosty fight? When it boils down to taste, texture, and presentation, Van Leeuwen steals the spotlight. It’s so delectably good, we'd happily snag a spoonful for ourselves. Plus, its easy-to-scoop consistency means you can serve a little now and effortlessly stash the rest for later—no worries about overdoing it on the doggy treats.

While the Ollie x Van Leeuwen collaboration is a limited-time culinary spectacle, each of the other contenders also earns a hearty paw of approval from Greta. They're tasty, make a fun treat, and are perfect for cooling down your pup on those sweltering days. Just a friendly reminder to keep the indulgent snack sessions in check to avoid any puppy tummy troubles.

Vet’s Verdict

Ultimately, when it comes to the best choice for your dog or cat, expert input is key. That’s why we consulted Jennifer Sperry, DVM, to weigh in on our selection of dog-friendly desserts. While she confirmed they’re all suitable for an occasional indulgence, Dr. Sperry highlighted one option that takes the cake.

“All of the ingredient lists demonstrate a safe product for occasional, small-serving use in healthy dogs.” Sperry assured but included a reminder: “Calories add up quickly for our canine friends, and some pups can experience gastrointestinal upset when they’re exposed to new foods, or treats rich in fat or milk products. It’s always best to start with a small taste to check your dog’s tolerance before providing a whole serving.”

When it comes to the safest bet for your summer scoop, Sperry prefers “products with a limited list of ingredients – that way if the treat doesn’t go over well, you have a shorter list of food items to be cautious of in the future… That’s why my vote for champion chiller goes to the Pooch Creamery Peanut Butter Dog Ice Cream.”

There you have it, straight from the vet's mouth! Enjoy those frosty treats with your pup, but remember, moderation is key—keep these indulgences as just an occasional delight.

Frozen FAQs

Here’s the scoop on all things doggy dessert:

1. How often can I give my dog ice cream? Dog ice cream should be viewed as a special treat, not a dietary staple. Moderation is key—consult your vet for a good frequency guideline tailored to your specific dog’s age, weight, and activity level to ensure it remains a special treat without impacting their health (or waistline).

2. What are the nutritional benefits of dog ice cream? While not a significant source of nutrition, dog ice creams are often formulated to be digestible and safe for canine consumption. Some brands may include additives like probiotics or supplements to support digestive health, but generally, these treats are more about indulgence than nutrition.

3. Can dog ice cream replace a meal? No, dog ice cream should not replace regular meals. It is meant to be a treat and does not have the balanced nutrition that dogs require from their daily meals.

4. In general, what ingredients are safe for homemade dog ice cream? Stick to dog-safe ingredients like yogurt, peanut butter (without xylitol), bananas, and pureed pumpkin. You can even try freezing sodium-free broth (ensure it’s also garlic and onion free) for a savory popsicle.

5. How do I make dog-friendly ice cream at home? Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Peanut Butter Banana Dog Ice Cream

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1 cup of plain yogurt (make sure it’s xylitol-free and unsweetened)

• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (xylitol-free)

Directions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe molds. Freeze until solid, usually about 4-6 hours. Serve and watch your dog enjoy!

6. Is regular ice cream safe for dogs? It’s best not to share human ice cream with your dog. Many human ice creams contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Instead, opt for products specifically made for dogs or make a homemade version that excludes any risky ingredients.

7. Where can I buy dog-friendly ice cream? Dog-friendly ice cream is available at many pet stores, some grocery stores, and online. Brands like Ben and Jerry’s, Purina, and specialty pet food brands often offer these products.

8. What about Puppuccinos – are they safe for dogs? Puppuccinos, small cups of whipped cream for dogs, are typically safe in moderation. Ensure there are no harmful additives like xylitol, and consider your dog's dairy tolerance as some are lactose intolerant. Given their high fat and calorie content, puppuccinos should be a rare treat to avoid potential weight gain and health issues.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.