Sweets & snacks
Can dogs eat ice cream?
Not really. Most ice cream is high in sugar and lactose, and some flavours contain chocolate, raisins or xylitol.
Why Lactose, sugar, and sometimes chocolate or xylitol
If your dog ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
How much, how often
Use frozen dog-safe treats instead.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Make "nice cream" from frozen banana and plain yoghurt instead
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Not really. Most ice cream is high in sugar and lactose, and some flavours contain chocolate, raisins or xylitol.
How much: Use frozen dog-safe treats instead.
Cats In moderation
Not really. Cats are usually lactose intolerant and gain nothing from the sugar.
Can cats eat ice cream?Safer treats your dog can have instead
Apples
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Beef
Bell peppers
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Blackberries
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat ice cream?
Not really. Most ice cream is high in sugar and lactose, and some flavours contain chocolate, raisins or xylitol.
How much ice cream can a dog have?
Use frozen dog-safe treats instead.
What makes ice cream risky for dogs?
Lactose, sugar, and sometimes chocolate or xylitol.
What are the signs to watch for in dogs?
diarrhoea, vomiting.
What should I do if my dog ate ice cream?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is ice cream safe for cats too?
Not really. Cats are usually lactose intolerant and gain nothing from the sugar.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
