As the summer heat rises, our furry friends need a way to cool off just as much as we do. What better way to treat your dog than with a delicious and refreshing homemade ice cream? This simple and dog-safe recipe is not only a fun way to beat the heat but also packed with healthy ingredients that your pup will love. Read on to discover how you can make this delightful treat at home and watch your dog enjoy every lick!

Dog-Friendly Ice Cream Recipe

**Ingredients:**
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened and free of artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol)
– 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
– 1/4 cup water or unsweetened coconut milk

**Optional Add-ins:**
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a bit of sweetness)
– 1/4 cup blueberries or strawberries (fresh or frozen)
– 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)

**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
– Peel the bananas and break them into chunks.
– If you’re using any add-ins, prepare them accordingly (e.g., wash and chop the berries).

2. **Blend the Base:**
– In a blender or food processor, combine the bananas, yogurt, peanut butter, and water (or coconut milk).
– Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. **Add Optional Ingredients:**
– If you’re including any add-ins, blend them in now. You can pulse them in to keep some texture or blend until smooth.

4. **Freeze the Mixture:**
– Pour the mixture into silicone molds, an ice cube tray, or small paper cups.
– Place the molds or trays in the freezer and let the mixture freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.

5. **Serve:**
– Once frozen, pop the ice cream out of the molds or trays and serve it to your dog. You can store any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to a few weeks.

Tips:
– **Portion Control:** Serve in small portions to prevent stomach upset.
– **Introduce Slowly:** If your dog hasn’t had these ingredients before, introduce them slowly to ensure there are no allergies or digestive issues.
– **Storage:** Keep frozen and only take out what you need to prevent the ice cream from melting and refreezing, which can alter the texture.

Enjoy watching your dog enjoy their homemade treat!