Better to skip it
It is best not to give dogs regular ice cream. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, it is high in sugar and fat, and some flavors are dangerous: chocolate, coffee, macadamia, raisin and sugar-free (xylitol) ice creams.
| Can dogs eat it? | Caution |
| Calories | Not recommended as a treat |
| Main benefit | A lick of plain vanilla is unlikely to cause serious harm |
| Main risk | Lactose can cause gas, vomiting and diarrhea |
| Puppies? | No |
A small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy dog. Remove any remaining food, offer fresh water and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, a painful belly or lethargy over the next 24-48 hours. Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount, is small, young or has health problems (such as pancreatitis), or if the food contained onion, garlic, chocolate or xylitol.
These are safe for dogs in treat-size amounts:
Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.
It is best not to give dogs regular ice cream. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, it is high in sugar and fat, and some flavors are dangerous: chocolate, coffee, macadamia, raisin and sugar-free (xylitol) ice creams.
A small lick is usually fine for a dog that tolerates dairy, but it is not a good regular treat.
No. It contains chocolate. Use our chocolate toxicity calculator and call your vet if a lot was eaten.
Frozen blueberries, watermelon cubes, banana slices, or plain yogurt mixed with fruit.
No. Puppies are smaller and more vulnerable than adults, so it is best avoided entirely.
Browse lists: human foods dogs can eat · foods dogs can't eat
This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.
Caution
It is best not to give dogs regular ice cream. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, it is high in sugar and fat, and some flavors are dangerous: chocolate, coffee, macadamia, raisin and sugar-free (xylitol) ice creams.