Is your uncontrollable sweet tooth holding you back from shedding those extra stubborn pounds you’ve been meaning to lose since 2019? Well, believe it or not, there’s a way for you to get your diet back on track without completely depriving yourself of life’s sweet, delectable pleasures. How, you might ask? Simply trade in your favorite dessert for a healthier alternative—frozen yogurt!
Yogurt was first invented in the Middle East and India over 4,000 years ago. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that the fermented treat made its way to the US, when an American dairy company known as HP Hood had the brilliant idea of freezing it and selling it in the form of soft-serve cones. It took only a year for the ice-cold health food to capture the hearts everyone—including our furry friends—and well, the rest is history!
So as a way to show our appreciation for the delightful flavors and the many health benefits of frozen yogurt, we celebrate National Frozen Yogurt Day every February 6th! If you’re planning to let your canine friend in on the fro-yo fun, below are a few things to keep in mind.
Is It Okay to Give Dogs Frozen Yogurt?
Generally, frozen yogurt is perfectly safe for dogs. Aside from having less calories, it’s normally made with minimal quantities of sugar and dairy, making it a much healthier and easily digestible alternative to ice cream.
In addition, frozen yogurt is known to contain probiotics or good bacteria, which help improve digestive health and boost the immune system by replenishing the gut flora. The gut flora are microorganisms that live inside the digestive tract and are essential to both a human or an animal’s overall well-being. They not only help the immune system fight against diseases and foreign invaders, but also aid in nutrient production and absorption.
Which Frozen Yogurt Is Safe for Dogs?
While most frozen yogurts don’t cause problems in dogs, some might—others may even cause severe health issues and poisoning. So when shopping for fro-yos to give your furry friend this National Frozen Yogurt Day, make sure that you check the label or the ingredients list for any unsafe components.
Remember to steer clear of those that contain chocolate, raisins, grapes, alcohol, apple seeds, coffee/tea, macadamia nuts, black walnuts, persimmon, peaches, plum pits, rhubarb, and most importantly, artificial sweeteners, like xylitol. All of these ingredients are incredibly toxic to dogs, and ingestion, even in small quantities, may cause severe health issues and even death.
In our opinion, the safest thing to do would be to purchase a plain, unsweetened probiotic yogurt and freeze it at home. You can simply top it with dog-safe fruits, like bananas or blueberries, for added flavor. Unlike most store-bought yogurt, they’re low in both sugar and dairy, making them easier for dogs to digest. Plus, they have the added benefit of containing a variety of probiotics that can give your dog a little health boost.
Celebrate Fro-Yo Day with Your Pooch!
Take Your Dog on a Fro-Yo Date
What better way to celebrate with your furry best friend than to take them on a date, right? Dogs love going outside and spending time with their humans, especially if there are desserts involved!
This National Frozen Yogurt Day, take advantage of the different deals being offered by frozen yogurt shops and enjoy a cup of frozen yogurt with your pooch! However, make sure to go to one that sells dog-friendly fro-yos, like The Bear and the Rat in Denver, Colorado; and Corner Café & Froyo in Murrieta Hot Springs, California.
Have Dog-Safe Fro-Yo Party
If you want to make the day extra special, why not invite some of your best pals and their canine companions over for a fro-yo party? You can buy pints of different flavored frozen yogurt for you and your friends and of course, a dog-safe one for the pups. Don’t forget to tell everyone to bring their favorite toppings!
How much do you and your furry friend love frozen yogurt?
