13 Dairy-Free Coconut Milk Dog Ice Cream Recipes

1. Classic Peanut Butter & Banana ‘Nice’ Cream

You can’t go wrong with this timeless combination. Peanut butter and banana are two flavors most dogs find absolutely irresistible. This recipe is incredibly simple and serves as the perfect starting point for your doggy dessert adventures.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, peeled
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (CRITICAL: ensure it is xylitol-free)
• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)

Instructions:

1. Combine the banana, peanut butter, and coconut milk in a blender.
2. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the mixture into silicone molds, an ice cube tray, or a small freezer-safe container.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
5. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect recipe for first-timers. It’s nearly foolproof and is a guaranteed hit with even the pickiest of pups. It’s a rich treat, best saved for special occasions.

2. Triple Berry Blast Frozen Treat

Packed with antioxidants, this berry-filled treat is as healthy as it is beautiful. The vibrant colors from strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries make it look almost as good as it tastes (according to your dog, anyway!).

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup strawberries, hulled (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Place all the berries and the coconut milk into a blender.
2. Blend until smooth. You can leave it slightly chunky for more texture if you like.
3. Pour into your chosen molds or a freezer-safe container.
4. Freeze for 4-6 hours until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for health-conscious pet parents. This berry blast is a great way to sneak some extra vitamins into your dog’s diet while they enjoy a delicious, cooling treat.

3. Tropical Paradise Mango & Pineapple Sorbet

Give your dog a taste of the tropics with this refreshing blend of mango and pineapple. This recipe is sweet, tangy, and perfect for a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Make sure your fruit is frozen beforehand for the best texture.
2. Combine the frozen mango, pineapple, and coconut milk in a high-powered blender.
3. Blend until it forms a thick, sorbet-like consistency.
4. You can serve this one immediately as a soft-serve treat, or freeze it for a few hours for a harder, scoopable ice cream.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Ideal for an instant gratification treat! If you have frozen fruit on hand, you can whip this up in minutes for a soft-serve style delight that will transport your pup to a sunny beach.

4. Pumpkin Spice Delight (Great for Digestion!)

Who says pumpkin spice is just for fall? This recipe is a year-round favorite for dogs, and it comes with a bonus: pumpkin is fantastic for digestive health, helping with both constipation and diarrhea.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and cinnamon until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into your molds.
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the go-to treat for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It’s a delicious way to help keep their digestive system on track while they enjoy a special dessert.

5. Mint & Parsley Fresh Breath Pup Pops

Tired of doggy breath? This green machine is here to help. Mint and parsley are natural breath fresheners, making this frozen treat a sneaky way to improve your pup’s oral hygiene.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 cup coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Lightly blend or muddle the parsley and mint with a splash of the coconut milk to release their oils.
2. Stir the herb mixture into the rest of the coconut milk.
3. Pour into popsicle molds or an ice cube tray. Using a mold with a stick makes it easier for your pup to lick!
4. Freeze until solid, about 4-6 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A multi-tasking marvel! This treat is perfect for pet parents who want to give their dog something tasty that also serves a practical purpose. It’s a win-win for cuddles on the couch.

6. Apple & Ginger Zinger Frozen Treat

This recipe is a wonderfully soothing combination. Apples provide gentle fiber and sweetness, while ginger is well-known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach and combat nausea.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, coconut milk, and grated ginger.
2. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Pour into molds and freeze for 3-4 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A great choice for dogs who get a little carsick or have occasionally rumbly tummies. It’s a gentle, soothing treat that’s both delicious and beneficial.

7. Hydrating Watermelon Slushie

On the hottest of days, hydration is key. Watermelon is over 90% water, making this simple recipe an incredibly effective and tasty way to help your dog cool down and stay hydrated.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup seedless watermelon chunks
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)

Instructions:

1. Blend the seedless watermelon chunks until they form a liquid.
2. For a creamier texture, blend in the coconut milk. For a more traditional slushie, you can omit it.
3. Pour into a container and freeze for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to create a slushy, icy texture.
4. Serve immediately once the desired consistency is reached.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The ultimate hot-weather treat. This is less of an ‘ice cream’ and more of a ‘pup-slushie,’ perfect for serving in a bowl on the patio after a long walk in the sun.

8. Carrot & Turmeric Golden ‘Pupsicle’

This vibrant orange treat is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory goodness. Turmeric is celebrated for its ability to help reduce joint pain and inflammation, making this a fantastic choice for senior dogs or very active pups.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked and mashed carrots
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

Instructions:

1. Steam or boil the carrots until they are very tender, then mash them thoroughly.
2. In a blender, combine the mashed carrots, coconut milk, and turmeric.
3. Blend until smooth and uniform in color.
4. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A wonderful, health-boosting treat for active or aging dogs. The joint-supporting properties of turmeric make this a dessert you can feel extra good about serving.

9. Sweet Potato & Molasses Swirl

Hearty, nutritious, and naturally sweet, this recipe feels like a comforting hug in a bowl. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins and fiber for dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon blackstrap molasses (a good source of iron)

Instructions:

1. Bake or boil a sweet potato until tender, then mash it well.
2. In a bowl, mix the mashed sweet potato and coconut milk until mostly combined.
3. Drizzle in the blackstrap molasses and gently swirl it through the mixture with a spoon to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix.
4. Spoon into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A great choice for a more substantial, nutrient-dense treat. The beautiful molasses swirl makes it look extra special, perfect for a doggy birthday or celebration.

10. Blueberry & Chia Seed Power-Up Pops

Boost your dog’s brainpower and coat health with this superfood-packed recipe. Chia seeds are an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for skin, coat, and cognitive function.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 3/4 cup coconut milk

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, stir the chia seeds into the coconut milk. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chia seeds to ‘gel’ up.
2. Add the blueberries to the coconut milk mixture.
3. You can either blend everything for a smooth purple treat or leave the blueberries whole for fun bursts of flavor.
4. Pour into molds and freeze until solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The ultimate ‘superfood’ dessert. This is for the pet parent who wants to maximize the nutritional benefits of treat time. It’s a smart snack for a smart pup!

11. Peachy Keen Ginger Treat

Capture the essence of summer with this sweet and fragrant peach ice cream. A hint of ginger adds a little warmth and provides digestive benefits, balancing the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen peach slices
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Ensure you are using pitted peach slices.
2. Combine the frozen peaches, coconut milk, and ginger in a blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Serve immediately as a soft-serve or freeze for a few hours for a scoopable treat.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A delightful summertime treat that feels a little more gourmet. It’s perfect for a sunny weekend when you want to make something special for your four-legged best friend.

12. The Green Machine (Spinach & Kale)

Want to get more greens into your dog’s diet? This is your chance! Blended with coconut milk and a touch of fruit for sweetness, this veggie-packed ice cream is a nutrient-dense powerhouse.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup kale, stems removed
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 of a banana or a few chunks of apple for sweetness

Instructions:

1. Pack all ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend on high until completely smooth. You don’t want any large leafy chunks left.
3. Pour into molds and freeze solid.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the adventurous pup and the health-focused owner. It might take some convincing, but if your dog accepts this green treat, you can feel great about the super-dose of vitamins they’re getting.

13. Carob ‘Chocolate’ Chip Nice Cream

We all know chocolate is a major no-go for dogs. But with carob, a safe and naturally sweet alternative, your pup can enjoy their own version of a chocolate chip treat! This recipe uses a banana base for extra creaminess.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, frozen in chunks
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon carob powder or carob chips

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the frozen banana chunks and coconut milk. Blend until it reaches a thick, soft-serve consistency.
2. If using carob powder, blend it in with the banana and coconut milk.
3. If using carob chips, transfer the blended ‘nice’ cream to a bowl and stir in the chips by hand.
4. Serve immediately or freeze for a firmer texture.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The ultimate decadent dessert for the deserving dog. It’s perfect for when you want to give your pup a treat that feels just as indulgent as your own pint of chocolate chip ice cream.

A Pup Parent’s Guide to Making Dog Ice Cream

Making homemade treats is fun and rewarding, but it’s important to keep safety and nutrition in mind. Here are a few key things to remember when you’re whipping up a frozen dessert for your dog.

Choosing Your Ingredients

• Coconut Milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk will give you the creamiest result. Light coconut milk works too, but the texture will be icier. Always choose unsweetened varieties.
• Sweeteners: Fruits like bananas, berries, and mangoes provide plenty of natural sweetness. Avoid adding any sugar, honey, or syrup. Most importantly, NEVER use any artificial sweeteners like xylitol (also called birch sugar), which is extremely toxic to dogs.
• Peanut Butter: Double and triple-check the label to ensure it is 100% free of xylitol. The safest bet is a natural peanut butter where the only ingredients are peanuts and maybe salt.
• Safe Fruits & Veggies: Stick to dog-safe options like the ones in these recipes. Never use grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or macadamia nuts, as they are toxic.

Portion Control is Key

Even though these treats are healthy, they are still treats! They contain calories and should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A small scoop or one or two cubes from an ice cube tray is plenty for most dogs. Always supervise your dog while they’re enjoying their frozen treat to prevent choking, especially if they tend to gulp their food.

Storage Tips

Homemade dog ice cream can be stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to a month. Using silicone molds or ice cube trays is a great way to pre-portion the treats, making it easy to grab just one at a time. Label the container with the ingredients and the date you made it so you don’t forget what’s inside!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog eat coconut milk every day?

While coconut milk is safe, it’s high in fat and calories. It’s best to reserve these ice cream recipes as special treats rather than a daily meal supplement. Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy weight for your dog.

What if my dog is allergic to coconut?

Coconut allergies are rare in dogs but possible. If you’re trying it for the first time, give a very small amount and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction (like itching, hives, or digestive upset). If your dog can’t have coconut, you can make similar frozen treats by blending just fruit and water, or using plain, unsweetened yogurt if they are not dairy-sensitive.

How long does homemade dog ice cream last in the freezer?

When stored in a well-sealed, airtight container, your homemade dog ice cream should stay fresh for about a month. After that, it’s still safe, but it might start to develop ice crystals and lose some of its flavor and texture.

Can I use other non-dairy milks?

Yes, but with caution. Unsweetened almond milk is generally safe, but it lacks the creaminess and healthy fats of coconut milk. Unsweetened oat milk is another option. Always check the ingredients list of any plant-based milk to ensure there is no xylitol or other harmful additives.