Ben & Jerry’s, known for their creative and indulgent ice cream flavors, launched a line of frozen dog treats in 2016 called Doggie Desserts. The treats are designed specifically for dogs and come in a variety of flavors. But what exactly goes into Ben & Jerry’s dog ice cream?
Ingredients
According to the Ben & Jerry’s website, their Doggie Desserts are made with many of the same ingredients as their human desserts, but formulated to be safe and enjoyable for dogs. Here are the main ingredients:
Dairy
The ice cream base contains reduced-fat ice cream, made with milk and cream. This gives the treats their creamy, scoopable texture.
Sweeteners
The treats are sweetened with honey, molasses, and maple syrup. Unlike human Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Doggie Desserts do not contain refined sugar. These unrefined natural sweeteners provide flavor and sweetness that dogs can safely enjoy.
Fruits and veggies
The fruit and vegetable ingredients vary depending on the flavor, but commonly include bananas, carrots, apples, and pumpkin. These add nutritional value as well as flavor.
Peanut butter
Several Doggie Desserts flavors feature peanut butter, which adds protein and flavor appeal. Ben & Jerry’s uses no-salt-added peanut butter.
Other mix-ins
Some flavors include dog-friendly cookie pieces, pretzels, or carob chips mixed in for crunch and texture.
Dog-Friendly Formulation
In developing the Doggie Desserts line, Ben & Jerry’s aimed to create ice cream that would be safe and enjoyable for dogs. To do this, they ensured the recipes adhered to the following guidelines:
- No refined sugar or artificial sweeteners
- No chocolate, raisins, or grapes
- No alcohol, caffeine, or macadamia nuts
- No high-fat ingredients
These ingredients and foods can be harmful to dogs if consumed. The recipes avoid anything potentially toxic and rely on wholesome ingredients.
Low Fat Content
Compared to regular ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Desserts have a very low fat content – less than 5% total fat. This makes them a nice occasional treat, though they should be fed sparingly. Too much fat at once can upset a dog’s stomach.
Dog Taste-Tested
Ben & Jerry’s worked extensively with a veterinarian and tested the treats on dog panels. This helped them identify flavors and textures that appeal to dogs’ preferences and make sure the treats were palatable and digestible.
Popular Flavors
Ben & Jerry’s launched the Doggie Desserts line with two flavors in 2016:
Pontch’s Mix
Named after one of Ben & Jerry’s founders’ dogs, Pontch’s Mix features peanut butter and pretzel swirls.
Rosie’s Batch
Rosie’s Batch is a pumpkin and mini dog bone biscuit flavored dessert.
Since then, they have expanded the line with more flavors:
Puppermint
This flavor includes mint, carob chips, and dog bone cookies.
Peanut Butter Fudge Frozen Yogurt
A frozen yogurt option with peanut butter fudge swirls.
P.B. Whiffles
Contains peanut butter and banana.
Benefits and Nutrition
While intended as occasional treats, Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Desserts do provide some nutritional value, mostly from the fruits, veggies, dairy and peanut butter they contain. Some potential benefits include:
- Protein from dairy and peanut butter for maintaining muscle
- Vitamin A and potassium from pumpkin
- Fiber from fruits and veggies for healthy digestion
- Calcium from dairy for strong bones
- Healthy fats for skin and coat
- Natural sugars for energy
Compared to some treats and table scraps, they are a fairly nutritious choice. The flavors and textures can provide mental stimulation and enrichment for dogs as well. Many dogs just enjoy the eating experience!
Calories
A 1/2 cup serving of Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Desserts ranges from 140-170 calories, depending on the flavor. Dog owners should adjust serving sizes accordingly based on their dog’s size and activity level.
| Flavor | Calories per 1/2 cup |
|---|---|
| Pontch’s Mix | 140 |
| Rosie’s Batch | 170 |
| Puppermint | 150 |
Feeding Tips
To help your dog enjoy Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Desserts safely, follow these tips:
- Check with your vet, especially if your dog has health conditions like diabetes or food allergies.
- Start with a small serving size and watch for signs of stomach upset.
- Feed intermittently – no more than 1-2 times per week as an occasional treat.
- Store any leftovers in the freezer to maintain texture and freshness.
- Supervise your dog when eating to prevent choking from gulping treats too quickly.
- Give desserts at room temperature or microwaved briefly to soften.
- Wipe paws and facial area after eating to prevent sticky messes!
Where to Buy
Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Desserts are currently available at select grocery stores and pet supply shops in the United States. Most retailers sell them in 4-packs of pint containers for around $5 per pint.
You can check Ben & Jerry’s website to search for locations selling Doggie Desserts near you using your zip code. They can also be purchased online from retailers like Amazon, Chewy, Petco, and Walmart.
Conclusion
Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Desserts provide dogs with a fun, safe way to join in on treat time. Made from wholesome ingredients tailored to dogs’ nutritional and flavor preferences, the ice creams deliver a creamy, flavorful experience dogs love. Fed in moderation, they can be a bonding experience for you and your furry friend to share. Check the Ben & Jerry’s site to find these yummy frozen dog treats near you!