Happy Monday everyone!  I normally create a new homemade treat to post on Fridays but today I’m going to show you something really neat…watermelon flavored ice cream mix for dogs made by Pooch Creamery!  It is made with whole milk (lactose free), red beet, cane sugar, gelatin, salt, and natural watermelon flavor!  Found at www.poochcake.com and just a 5.25 oz cup can feed two dogs like Jake and Maggie!  The pups are already following me around the kitchen because they know I’m getting ready to whip up a delicious treat for them.  I made this for them and they LOVED it.

Pooch Creamery is a grain-free powdered ice cream mix for your pup that contains just five ingredients.  All you have to do is add 2/3 cup water to the mix in a small bowl and freeze for 8 hours!  Allow to thaw for 15 minutes before serving!  One of the ingredients is gelatin so before I served up this sweet treat to my little monsters, I researched the benefits of giving your dog gelatin.

Can dogs eat Gelatin?

Yes! Gelatin contains amino acids beneficial for skin, hair, and joint health. The main ingredient in gelatin is collagen, a protein found in animal tissues, ligaments, tendons, bones and skin. Glycine, the main amino acid in gelatin, is said to protect against seizures and brain damage.

What are the benefits of Gelatin?

Gelatin has anti-inflammatory and brain-protective actions that are especially important during aging and when under stress. Gelatin attracts digestive juices to itself, which makes it easier for dogs to digest grains and carbohydrates. Gluten-containing grains like barley, oats and wheat frequently cause allergic reactions in many dogs. Gelatin increases a dog’s ability to utilize the proteins found in these grains. It protects the lining of the stomach, soothes upset stomachs, and helps other digestive ailments like irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. Disorders such as degenerative joint disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis respond favorably to diets containing gelatin because it reduces the inflammation. In a mature animal, gelatin can make up half of the dietary protein intake but as little as just two teaspoons a day can be beneficial for a 50 to 75 lb dog.

Can dogs have Jello?

One of the ingredients of Jello is Gelatin so giving your pup a small amount of Jello isn’t bad but isn’t great either.  Jello contains large amounts of sugar and sugar is not good for your dog.  The main ingredients of jello are water, gelatin, artificial flavors, sugar, and food coloring.  Gelatin is the one ingredient that makes it possible for you to put it into so many different forms.  Take into consideration that many suggest sugar-free jello is better but also consider it contains Xylitol.

Dogs and sugar are a big no-no. Bacteria in the mouth consume sugar to produce acids that attack tooth enamel which promotes cavities.  An upset stomach is often the result of regular sugar consumption and will lead to vomiting and diarrhea. The refined sugars we have in our food are largely empty calories and shouldn’t be fed to any dog.

That doesn’t mean that you should go for the “sugar-free” alternatives which are even worse.

Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs

Often times, the “sugar-free” alternatives are not healthier. Artificial sweeteners are extremely dangerous for dogs and should be avoided at any cost.

Xylitol is an extremely strong stimulator of insulin, so tiny amounts (0.1g/kg) cause a drastic drop in blood sugar leading to seizures, coma or even death.

Keep in mind that xylitol is not often directly addressed on the product. You may find some replacement terms or euphemisms like:

• Low carb
• Tooth-friendly
• Naturally sweetened
• Reduced sugar

Xylitol can be an ingredient in gum, peanut butter, toothpaste, candy, cereal, and baked goods just to name a few.  If your dog has consumed Xylitol, get them to a vet immediately.