Can Dogs Eat Ice? Should They?

Whether you’re the proud parent of a new puppy or the seasoned owner of a longtime companion, you’ve probably questioned what you can and can’t feed your dog. One of the biggest questions dog owners ask is, can dogs eat ice? Ice makes a wonderful addition to human drinks, turning them from plain to on the rocks, but is it good for dogs? We all want to feed our furry friends the best food and avoid feeding them anything that might hurt them.

Here, we’ll discover the answer to the question: should dogs eat ice? We’ll even take a look at whether or not dogs should eat ice cream. To ensure that you’re fully informed before making the decision of what to feed your dog, we’ll go over the risks of giving ice to your pup. Then, we’ll learn about a few of the basic “no-go” foods you should never feed your canine companion.

Is it OK for Your Dog to Eat Ice?

Yes, dogs can eat ice. In fact, ice often serves as a cool treat, particularly on a hot day. However, there are a few things to take into consideration before giving your dog an ice cube, but we’ll get to that later. Dogs are perfectly capable of eating ice, but, when asking the question: can dogs eat ice? It’s important to next ask, should dogs eat ice?

As we all know, ice is liquid water. Dogs need water to survive, so, in its pure form, ice is just fine for dogs. But that doesn’t mean you should stop giving your dog fresh water, and instead give them bowls of ice. There is nothing wrong with giving ice to your dog (in most cases), but it shouldn’t be their main source of water. As always, consult your vet if you have concerns about your dog munching on ice.

What About Snow?

If you’ve taken your dog out on a snowy day, then you know that many dogs love eating snow. But, is it safe? As long as the snow is clean and free of things like pollutants (or yellow-tinged snow), then yes, it should be safe for your dog to chew on. But, if your pup gets too excited and over indulges, they may throw all that snow back up. So don’t let them eat too much of it too quickly.

Risks of Giving Ice to Your Dog

If you’re wondering: can dogs eat ice? Then you probably want to know the potential risks associated with dogs eating ice. The biggest risk is to their teeth. This is particularly true in older dogs, who may not be able to crunch the ice up adequately. Worn teeth are weaker, so ice might actually lead to tooth damage in some dogs. If your furry friend is older or has bad teeth, ice might not be the best option for them.

The second thing to take into consideration before handing your dog a piece of ice is the relative size of the ice cube in comparison to the dog. Believe it or not, ice can actually present a choking hazard, especially if the cube is close to the size of your dog’s windpipe. So, keep in mind the size of your dog before giving them an ice cube. If they’re prone to swallowing treats without chewing, try giving them crushed ice instead.

Can You Give Your Puppy Ice Cubes for Teething?

If you’ve had a puppy, then you know that teething can be a wild (and frustrating) ride. New puppy parents are willing to do just about anything to get their pup to stop teething on shoes, books, walls, or anything else they can get their mouths around. But, what about ice cubes, do they make good supplements for teething puppies?

The answer is no, not really. Instead, try buying an appropriately sized rope toy. Get it wet, then place it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer. Frozen rope toys are excellent for teething puppies—they both keep them busy, and help soothe the pain of emerging teeth.

Foods to Avoid Giving to Your Dog

So, we’ve answered the question: can dogs eat ice? But, what about other foods? We all know that dogs can’t have chocolate, but did you know that they also shouldn’t have garlic, onions, or spice? Additionally, raisins, grapes, and macadamia nuts are considered highly toxic to dogs. Avoid giving your dog anything with seasoning, spicy foods, and any processed foods. 

These are just a few of the foods that dogs shouldn’t have. Your veterinarian can give you a complete rundown of foods that are toxic to dogs.

Can Dogs Have Ice Cream?

They might beg you for a taste, but, in general, ice cream is not good for dogs. However, it’s not considered a toxic food. Ice cream is full of milk and sugar, two things that might upset your dog’s stomach, or even lead to obesity if given too often. Dogs didn’t evolve to eat dairy, and some may have more of a reaction to it than others. As with ice, the choice is up to you as to whether or not you want to feed your dog this frozen treat.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/ValentynVolkov