15 Gut-Healing Lactose-Free Milk Jelly Recipes for Dogs

This is the go-to recipe for any pup experiencing digestive woes. Pumpkin is a superstar ingredient, rich in soluble fiber that can help with both diarrhea and constipation. Combined with the gut-soothing properties of gelatin and a dash of cinnamon (which has anti-inflammatory benefits), this jelly is a true tummy tamer.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 2 tablespoons unflavored beef or pork gelatin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Steps: Gently warm the coconut milk in a saucepan over low heat (do not boil). Whisk in the pumpkin puree and cinnamon until smooth. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the mixture and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until it’s fully dissolved. Pour into silicone molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the perfect first recipe to try for any dog, but it’s especially beneficial for those with inconsistent stools or general digestive sensitivity.

Want to give your dog’s immune system a little boost? This recipe is for you! Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins C and K, which help fight free radicals and support overall health. This vibrant purple treat is as healthy as it is pretty.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, pureed
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: In a small saucepan, gently heat the almond milk. Add the pureed blueberries and stir to combine. Sprinkle the gelatin over the warm liquid and whisk vigorously until no clumps remain. Pour the mixture into your molds and pop them in the fridge for 4 hours until set.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A fantastic choice for all dogs, especially seniors who can benefit from the extra antioxidant support to combat age-related cellular damage.

If you have an anxious pup or one who suffers from mild indigestion, this calming jelly can work wonders. Chamomile is well-known for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe both the mind and the gut. A tiny bit of raw honey adds antibacterial benefits and a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup water
• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 cup lactose-free kefir or goat milk
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
• 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional, do not give to puppies under 1 year)

Steps: Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat and steep the chamomile tea bag for 5-10 minutes. Remove the tea bag. Gently warm the kefir or goat milk in a separate saucepan. Pour the warm tea into the milk. If using, stir in the honey until dissolved. Sprinkle in the gelatin and whisk until smooth. Pour into molds and refrigerate until firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Ideal for dogs who get stressed during thunderstorms, car rides, or when left alone. It’s a gentle, calming treat that supports their emotional and digestive well-being.

This recipe is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory goodness. Turmeric, the star ingredient, contains curcumin, which is celebrated for its ability to reduce inflammation, making it fantastic for dogs with arthritis or joint pain. The black pepper is crucial as it significantly increases the absorption of curcumin.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Pinch of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder (optional, for extra digestive support)
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: In a saucepan, gently warm the coconut milk. Whisk in the turmeric, black pepper, and ginger powder until fully combined. The mixture will turn a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle the gelatin over the top and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to dissolve. Pour into molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A must-try for senior dogs, highly active dogs, or any breed prone to joint issues. It’s a delicious way to provide natural pain relief and support mobility.

Time for a superfood boost! Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is loaded with nutrients, including protein, B vitamins, and iron. It’s known to help strengthen the immune system and can aid in cleansing the body of toxins. This is a nutrient-dense treat for the health-conscious pet parent.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup lactose-free plain kefir
• 1 teaspoon spirulina powder
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: Gently warm the kefir in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to let it curdle. Whisk in the spirulina powder until the mixture is a uniform deep green. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the surface and whisk until it’s completely dissolved. Pour into molds and refrigerate until firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is an excellent choice for dogs needing an extra nutritional punch, such as those recovering from illness or athletic dogs in training. Start with a small amount to see if your dog enjoys the flavor.

A sweet and simple treat that feels indulgent but is perfectly healthy. Strawberries are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth. Using full-fat coconut milk gives this jelly a rich, creamy texture that dogs adore.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: Gently warm the coconut milk in a saucepan. Stir in the pureed strawberries. Sprinkle gelatin over the mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. Pour into heart-shaped molds for an extra touch of love, and refrigerate for 4-6 hours until very firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A wonderful treat for a special occasion or as a delicious dessert. It’s perfect for picky eaters who might turn their nose up at more ‘medicinal’ tasting jellies.

This combination is a classic for soothing upset stomachs. Ginger is famous for its anti-nausea properties, while carrots provide beta-carotene and fiber. It’s a simple, effective recipe for those days when your dog’s tummy is feeling a bit rumbly.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup bone broth (no onion or garlic)
• 1/4 cup finely grated or pureed carrot
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder or 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: Gently heat the bone broth in a saucepan. Stir in the carrot and ginger. Sprinkle the gelatin over the warm broth and whisk well until dissolved. Pour into molds and chill in the refrigerator until set.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Keep this recipe in your back pocket for car trips if your dog gets motion sickness, or for days when they’re just a little off their food. It’s a savory, soothing option.

This is the simplest recipe on the list, but it’s incredibly effective for building a healthy gut microbiome. Plain, unsweetened kefir is a fermented milk drink that is teeming with beneficial probiotics. These good bacteria help balance the gut, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup plain, unsweetened lactose-free kefir
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: Very gently warm about 1/4 cup of the kefir in a saucepan (just enough to dissolve the gelatin). Sprinkle the gelatin over the warm kefir and whisk until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining cold kefir. This two-temperature method helps preserve the live probiotics. Pour into molds and refrigerate.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the ultimate maintenance treat for promoting a healthy gut. It’s perfect for dogs who have been on antibiotics or those who struggle with chronic yeast issues or allergies.

Let’s be honest, what dog doesn’t go crazy for peanut butter and banana? This recipe turns a classic favorite into a gut-friendly treat. Bananas provide potassium and prebiotics (food for the good gut bacteria), while peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Just be sure to use a brand with no xylitol!

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tablespoon xylitol-free peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: In a saucepan, gently warm the almond milk. Whisk in the mashed banana and peanut butter until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Sprinkle in the gelatin and whisk until dissolved. Pour into molds and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The perfect high-value reward or special birthday treat. Its crowd-pleasing flavor makes it a guaranteed hit with even the fussiest of pups.

On a hot day, nothing is more refreshing than this hydrating jelly. Watermelon is over 90% water, making it a fantastic way to help your dog stay hydrated. A little bit of fresh mint can help freshen their breath and soothe an upset stomach. Make sure to use seedless watermelon!

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup pureed seedless watermelon
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: You may need to gently warm the watermelon puree in a saucepan to help the gelatin dissolve. Stir in the chopped mint. Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface and whisk until smooth. Pour into fun, summery molds and refrigerate until firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The ideal summer treat! Perfect for after a long walk or a play session in the sun. It’s a healthy, cooling snack that helps replenish fluids.

This recipe has a comforting, breakfast-like feel. Cooked oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber, which is beneficial for dogs with irregular bowel movements. Apples provide vitamins A and C, and the cinnamon adds its familiar anti-inflammatory touch.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup water or unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup rolled oats, cooked and cooled slightly
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2.5 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (needs a bit more for the oats)

Steps: In a blender, combine the warm liquid, cooked oatmeal, and applesauce. Blend until smooth. Pour into a saucepan and gently reheat. Whisk in the cinnamon, then sprinkle over the gelatin and whisk until dissolved. Pour into molds and refrigerate.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A great option for hungry dogs or as a more substantial snack. The high fiber content makes it especially good for dogs needing extra help with digestive regularity.

Ready for a savory, nutrient-packed powerhouse? Sardines are an incredible source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for skin, coat, joint, and brain health. Parsley helps combat fishy breath. This one might not smell great to you, but your dog will likely go wild for it!

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines packed in water, no salt added
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: In a blender, combine the entire can of sardines (with the water) and the fresh parsley. Blend until it forms a smooth, fishy puree. Gently warm the 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan, then add the sardine puree and stir. Sprinkle the gelatin on top and whisk until fully dissolved. Pour into molds and refrigerate. Maybe open a window!

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the ultimate beauty treatment from the inside out. Perfect for dogs with dry, itchy skin or a dull coat. The potent smell also makes it a super high-value training treat.

Sweet potato is another digestive hero, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy. A touch of rosemary adds a lovely aroma and contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup water or bone broth
• 1/4 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: Gently warm the water or bone broth in a saucepan. Whisk in the mashed sweet potato and rosemary until well combined. Sprinkle the gelatin over the warm mixture and whisk until it dissolves completely. Pour into your chosen molds and let it set in the fridge for 4 hours.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A wonderful, savory option that’s both delicious and functional. It’s great for active dogs who need lasting energy and digestive support.

This recipe is designed for dogs who are prone to urinary tract issues. Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins, which can help prevent certain bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. This is a great preventative treat to add to the rotation.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons 100% pure cranberry puree (unsweetened) or cranberry powder
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: Gently warm the water in a saucepan. Whisk in the cranberry puree or powder until it’s fully dissolved. Make sure there are no lumps. Sprinkle the gelatin over the cranberry water and whisk until smooth. Pour into molds and refrigerate until firm.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An excellent choice for female dogs, senior dogs, or any breed known to be susceptible to UTIs. It’s a proactive way to support their urinary health. (Note: This is not a substitute for veterinary care if your dog has an active UTI).

Want to give your dog a ‘chocolate’ treat without the danger? Carob is the answer! It’s a dog-safe alternative to chocolate that’s rich in fiber and antioxidants. This recipe feels like a truly decadent dessert for your best friend.

Ingredients & Instructions

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut or almond milk
• 1 tablespoon carob powder
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

Steps: In a saucepan, gently warm the milk. Whisk in the carob powder until the mixture is smooth and looks like chocolate milk. Sprinkle the gelatin over the top and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until dissolved. Pour into fancy molds and refrigerate until set.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the ultimate special occasion treat. It’s perfect for celebrating your dog’s birthday or ‘gotcha day’ with a snack that looks and tastes like a forbidden human food but is perfectly safe and healthy for them.

Making these jellies is a breeze, but keeping a few key things in mind will ensure they’re as healthy and effective as possible for your furry friend.

Choosing Your Ingredients

• Gelatin: Always, always use unflavored, unsweetened gelatin. The best choice is a high-quality powder derived from grass-fed beef or pork. Gelatin is what contains the gut-healing collagen and amino acids. Do not use Jell-O or other dessert mixes, as they are full of sugar and artificial ingredients.
• Lactose-Free Liquid: While we’ve suggested coconut milk, almond milk, kefir, and goat milk, you can also use plain water or a dog-safe bone broth (no onions or garlic!). The key is to avoid regular cow’s milk, which contains lactose that many dogs can’t digest.
• Fruits & Veggies: Stick to dog-safe options. Great choices include pumpkin, blueberries, strawberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, and bananas. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic at all costs.
• Add-ins: Spices like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon are great in small amounts. Herbs like parsley and mint are also beneficial. Always introduce new ingredients slowly to make sure your dog tolerates them well.

Tips for Success

Blooming the Gelatin: While our recipes use a quick-whisk method, some gelatin brands work best if you ‘bloom’ them first. This just means sprinkling the gelatin over a small amount of cool liquid and letting it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the moisture before whisking it into the warm base. This prevents clumps.

Storage: These jellies are fresh and contain no preservatives. They must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be used within 5-7 days.

Dosage: These are treats, not a meal replacement. For a medium-sized dog, 1-2 small jellies per day is a good starting point. Adjust based on your dog’s size and caloric needs.

How long do these homemade jellies last?

In an airtight container in the refrigerator, these jellies will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days. Because they don’t have any preservatives, it’s best to make them in small batches that your dog can finish within a week.

Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?

Yes, you can! Agar-agar is a plant-based alternative to gelatin. It creates a slightly firmer jelly. You’ll need to use less of it—typically, you can substitute it at a 1:1 ratio for gelatin powder, but check the package instructions. Note that while safe, agar-agar doesn’t have the same collagen and joint-supporting benefits as animal-derived gelatin.

Are these jellies safe for puppies?

For the most part, yes! Most of these simple, whole-food ingredients are safe for puppies. However, there are a few exceptions. You should avoid giving honey to puppies under one year old. It’s also always a good idea to introduce any new food, including these jellies, slowly and in small amounts. When in doubt, have a quick chat with your veterinarian first.

My dog is a picky eater. Will they like these?

Every dog is different! The great thing about these recipes is their versatility. If your dog turns their nose up at the pumpkin jelly, they might go crazy for the savory sardine one or the sweet banana and peanut butter recipe. Start with flavors you know your dog already loves (like peanut butter or bone broth) to increase your chances of success.