Dorset-based Baboo Gelato, the firm behind Doggy Doggy Yum Yum, is warning dog owners that not all pet frozen treats and human ice cream are safe for dogs. In Allergy Awareness Week, the company offers advice on what to look out for.
In the warmer months and whilst travelling on holiday, sharing an ice cream with your dog may seem like a tempting and harmless thing to do but there are serious dangers that can affect the health of your dog.
Most adult dogs lose the enzyme (lactase) needed to digest milk after they are weaned leading to lactose intolerance. Eating human dairy-rich ice cream can cause painful gas, bloating, diarrhoea, and vomiting. The high fat levels in ice cream can trigger inflammation of the pancreas, a serious and painful condition known as pancreatitis. Too much refined sugar in frozen treats can lead to obesity, dental issues and diabetes. Some dogs are also allergic to milk proteins, which can cause itchy skin rashes or hives in addition to stomach upset.
Human ice creams can also contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Many common ice cream flavours and additives are highly poisonous.
- Xylitol: This artificial sweetener, often found in "sugar-free" or "low-fat" varieties, is deadly for dogs. Even small amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can lead to chocolate poisoning, tremors, or heart failure.
- Raisins and Grapes: Can cause acute kidney failure.
- Macadamia Nuts: Toxic to dogs and can cause muscle weakness, vomiting, and tremors.
Sam Hanbury, Co- founder of Baboo Gelato together with his wife Annie says: “If you are going to feed your dog an ice cream this summer, make sure it is one that is dairy free and specially formulated with your dog’s wellbeing in mind. Even brands that are on the market that say they are “dog-friendly,” and puppuccinos that are served in coffee shops, are made with lactose-free dairy and although safer than normal ice cream, they still contain other dairy-related risks. These include high fat content, dairy allergies and high calories.
“The solution to this problem is to feed your dog a plant-based, dairy-free frozen treat that has been developed to give your dog that occasional treat without all the risks. Adding supplements to those frozen treats also helps to support your dog’s wellbeing.”
Baboo Gelato spent considerable time and care developing a frozen treat called, Doggy Doggy Yum Yum which is available in two flavours, Banana and Peanut Butter which also contains Keepers Mix from Dorwest Herbs, and Apple and Blueberry. It is made from coconut milk instead of dairy, so it is kinder to dogs’ tummies, includes organic agave syrup rather than refined sugars and uses vegetable fibre as a stabiliser which avoids any ultra processed food emulsifiers or stabilisers being used in the product. It also is xylitol free and contains no ingredients that could be considered toxic to dogs. Given as an occasional treat after a long walk in the countryside, the park or on the beach this tasty treat is perfect way to reward your dog. 5p from every tub sold of Doggy Doggy Yum Yum is also donated to the Dogs for Good charity.
Doggy Doggy Yum Yum is recognised by the pet industry having won two Highly Commended Certificates at the PetQuip Awards (2022 and 2025), winning Best New Product in the Pedigree Wholesale Awards (2021) and winning Best Pet Treat in the Pet Industry Federation Awards in 2024.
Doggy Doggy Yum Yum can be found in grocery shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants as well as many leading pet shops across the UK. It can also be bought at their kiosks in Lyme Regis, Weymouth and Swanage if you are visiting Dorset over the warmer months.
For further information visit: www.doggydoggyyumyum.com
