Apple Strawberry Dog Ice Cream

There’s nothing quite like watching your dog enjoy a cold treat on a warm day, and this homemade apple and strawberry dog ice cream is one of those recipes that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Made with creamy cottage cheese, naturally sweet strawberries and soft cooked apple, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and comes together in just a few minutes before heading to the freezer.

I like using cottage cheese instead of yogurt for this recipe because it creates a richer, creamier texture that freezes beautifully. Blending it until smooth gives the ice cream an almost cheesecake-like consistency that many dogs seem to love. The cooked apple adds natural sweetness without the need for anything extra, while the strawberries bring a fresh burst of flavor and a lovely pink color.

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Why This Combo Works

Applesauce brings natural sweetness without added sugar (check your label — plain, unsweetened only). Strawberries add fiber and vitamin C, and most dogs genuinely like the taste. Cottage cheese rounds it out with protein and calcium, plus it freezes into a texture that’s closer to real ice cream than the icy pucks you get from fruit alone.

Is Cottage Cheese Good For Dogs?

Generally yes. It’s a solid source of protein and calcium, and the lower lactose content compared to milk makes it easier on most dogs’ stomachs than other dairy. Dogs with confirmed lactose intolerance should avoid it. We have used cottage cheese in our blueberry dog ice cream and my dogs enjoyed it. So we used it again!

The cottage cheese can be substituted with plain Greek yogurt. Below is a comparison between the two.

Cottage Cheese vs Greek Yogurt

Cottage Cheese	Greek Yogurt
Mild savory flavor that many dogs love	Tangier flavor that some dogs are less enthusiastic about
Higher in protein	Also high in protein, but usually a little less
Naturally creamy when blended	Smooth and creamy without blending
Lower in lactose (depending on the brand)	Also lower in lactose than regular yogurt
Creates a rich, scoopable texture	Produces a lighter, frozen yogurt texture

Ingredients

Just 3 simple ingredients make a tasty homemade dog ice cream.

Cottage Cheese

• High in protein to help support healthy muscles.
• Rich in calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
• Blends into a creamy ice cream base.
• Choose a plain, low-sodium variety.

Apple Sauce

• Provide dietary fibre to support digestion.
• Contain vitamins A and C.
• Add natural sweetness and moisture.
• Make your own sugar free apple sauce by cooking and mashing apples.

Strawberries

• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• High water content makes them refreshing.
• Naturally sweet with very few calories.
• Add vibrant colour and flavour.

How To Make Apple Strawberry Dog Ice Cream

A simple and easy dog ice cream recipe.

Recipe Tips

• Fresh strawberries generally produce a brighter flavour than frozen, but either will work.
• Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly for an ultra-smooth texture.
• If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water.
• Freeze in silicone paw or bone moulds for easy serving.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Separate layers with baking parchment if stacking treats.

Serving Guide

Offer as an occasional treat alongside a balanced diet.

Dog Size	Serving
Small (under 20 lbs / 9 kg)	1-2 tablespoons
Medium (20-50 lbs / 9-23 kg)	¼ cup
Large (50+ lbs / 23 kg)	⅓-½ cup

More Homemade Dog Ice Cream Recipes

Making your own doggie ice cream is easy and there are no artificial ingredients that sometimes can be found in store bought. Try these other ice cream recipes for dogs.

Watermelon Dog Ice Cream

Pumpkin Dog Ice Cream

Sardine Dog Ice Cream (for dogs that are not a fan of fruit!)

Cantaloupe Dog Ice Cream