Ingredients
Lactose Free Whole Milk -
The use of lactose free whole milk may seem obvious, but let me shock you real quick. The largest known dog "ice cream" producer doesn't use dairy at all in their product. This means that it isn't classified as ice cream at all. It's frozen ice.
The common misconception is that dogs cannot tolerate dairy. The fact is that it is the lactose in dairy that causes an upset stomach in the majority of dogs. When the lactose is neutralized, this makes the dairy much easier to digest.
As in humans, dogs require the full composition of dairy while developing. As humans and dogs grow out of direct maternal feeding, they often become less tolerant to lactose.
I wanted to include milk to provide your dog with a genuine ice cream taste and texture, while keeping their stomachs healthy and calm.
Coconut Oil -
When Aspen first got home from the shelter, Coconut Oil was a mainstay in his diet. His fur and skin were unhealthy, patchy, and dry. Poor guy was itching constantly. Twice a day, he got a heaping tablespoon of Coconut Oil on his food. He even had a few baths where it was massaged into his skin from head to tail. The silky sheen he developed is why Coconut Oil is my favorite ingredient included in our dog safe ice cream.
Coconut Oil comes from the meat of coconuts and consists mostly of saturated fat, MCT's, which are the good fat! MCT's contain lauric acid which have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial-fungal-viral properties. These MCT's have also been shown to improve metabolism, increase bone health, and prevent and aid in arthritis.
Coconut Oil can also aid in digestion and has been shown to be a great source of energy for the brain and body. As mentioned, its topical benefits include helping conditions like bites, stings, and itchy, dry skin. It can aid in the health and glossiness of your dog's coat, and eliminate doggy odors as well.
Guar Gum -
Guar Gum is extracted from Guar beans. India is the largest producer, with 80% of the world's production. The extract is produced as a white powder and is most often used as a stabilizer and thickener. This is frequently used in hospitals for patients who need thickened liquids.
In ice cream, Guar Gum stabilizes the ice cream during freeze-thaw cycles, reducing the melting and "slime" that can be produced by frequent refreezing. This replaces the use of raw eggs in ice cream. It also takes the place of frequently used Gelatin, an animal product.
Unlike wheat flour, Guar Gum is gluten-free, allowing safe consumption for dogs that may have sensitive digestive systems.
Guar Gum has also been shown to reduce cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels.
Natural Peanut Butter - Flavoring
Banana - Flavoring