Crushed vs. Cubed Ice: Does It Make a Difference To Dogs?
If youre bombarded with puppy dog eyes every time you help yourself to a cold drink, you could give your dog ice cubes. But if you do choose to give Fido ice, Nichols recommends serving crushed over cubed.
Again, chewing on ice cubes can cause your dogs teeth to break—especially if your pup likes to crunch his food. To avoid a big veterinarian bill (and to keep your four-legged friend from hurting himself!), its best to avoid frozen snacks altogether in favor of a full water dish. But in general, crushed ice pellets are a better option than large, solid cubes.
Is Ice Bad for Dogs To Eat?
In a 2010 blog post, a pet owner claimed giving her pup ice water led to the dog quickly developing bloat. This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach expands and twists, and is most common in large, deep-chested dog breeds.
The post went viral, worrying pet parents everywhere. But there is no evidence to support this claim. Nobody knows what, precisely, causes bloat, but some believe drinking a lot of water (with or without ice) too quickly to be a risk factor.
The short answer is that eating ice will not kill your dog. More realistic ice-related dangers for dogs who like to chomp ice cubes arent nearly as dramatic. Nichols says that its possible for ice cubes to damage the enamel on dogs teeth.
How Is Ice Good For Dogs?
Giving your dog ice or putting ice in your dog’s water are great ways to make sure they’re staying hydrated. They can also cool your dog down on a hot day.
Putting ice in your dog’s water bowl or giving your dog ice chips instead of a big bowl of water can also be ways for them to stay hydrated without taking in water too quickly, which can lead to a potentially deadly condition called bloat in some breeds.
You can even add an appropriate amount dog-safe herbs, like mint, to help keep your dog’s breath fresh.
Is Feeding Ice to Dogs Really Dangerous? | Don’t Be Dumb
Can dogs eat ice? You might be asking this because you are looking for a cold, summer treat for your dog, or maybe because some ice fell out of the freezer door and your pup accidentally ate some ice. Humans can eat ice, but is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat ice. As long as the pieces are small enough to where your dog won’t choke, ice is perfectly safe for them. In fact, crushed ice makes a refreshing and hydrating treat for your dog on those hot, summer days.
Of course, there are exceptions, as can be the case with dogs who have frequent dental issues, recent dental work, or sensitive teeth. So, as always, you must ask your vet before sharing any human food or drinks with your dog, including ice. Here’s what you should know about feeding ice to dogs.