Frosty Paws, formerly Pet79 and Fido Freeze,[1] is a brand of ice cream, specifically formulated and sold for dogs. It is produced by Nestlé, under their Nestlé Dreyer's Ice Cream Company ice cream unit, branded under the Purina brand name.
History
Beginning − 1985
Frosty Paws were originally exclusively available in the original (Vanilla)-flavor ice cream cups. The ice cream cups were originally formulated in the 1979 by Dr William Tyznik, a professor of animal science at The Ohio State University.[2] According to Diane McIntyre, spokesperson for Dreyer's, the inventor was an ice cream lover and had noticed that old ladies often gave ice cream to their dogs.[3][4]
Tyznik's decided to launch of the Vanilla flavor of Frosty Paws ice cream cups, under the first, and original brand name Pet79. The product was the first frozen treat for dogs ever introduced onto The United States market.[1] Tyznik later went on to create and produce TizWhiz horse feed.[5]
About
Frosty Paws produces and manufactures two product ranges.
The first product range is Frosty Paws Ice Cream Cups, this was the first product line that the company created. It was first marketed as Pet79 Ice Cream Cups, then as Fido Freeze Ice Cream Cups. Originally, Frosty Paws did contain lactose, powdered milk, refined soy flour, corn oil, and fortified vitamins and minerals; it had a vitamin content higher than meat. Its original flavor was vanilla. Tyznik stated that:
"I didn't want something like candy for kids, but more like fruit for kids. For dogs. ... No, they don't need it more than we need ice cream, cookies, or anything else, but we have them because we like them. But, we like dogs too. And, if you're going to treat a dog, why not give them something nutritionally adequate?[8]"
However, Frosty Paws does not currently contain lactose, as dogs are lactose intolerant animals, and cannot properly digest lactose. Thus, Frosty Paws products are also called frozen treats, instead of ice cream. Frosty Paws cups are available in original (vanilla), and peanut butter flavors. The cups are sold in cartons of four-cups. They are also available at warehouse clubs in large, club-packs. Frosty Paws peanut butter flavor was introduced in 2005.
The second product range is Frosty Paws Bites. Introduced in 2011, Frosty Paws Bites are available in peanut butter, and original (vanilla) flavors. Frosty Paws Bites are also coated in vanilla yogurt. Similar to Frosty Paws Cups, Frosty Paws Bites are completely lactose free and are milk-free. Frosty Paws Bites are in very similar packages to Dibs Ice Cream, and each bite is about 2 in square in size. They are sold in packs of 50-individual bites.
Availability
Currently, Frosty Paws products are only produced in North America, readily available throughout the United States and Canada. Some specialty pet stores in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, Australia, and Asia also carry the line.
See also
- Purina
- Dreyer's
- Ice cream
External links
References
- It's Summer, So Go Ahead And Make Your Dog Some Ice Cream The Takeout, June 25, 2020, retrieved November 19, 2025^
- I Scream, You Scream, and the Dogs Are Barking for Ice Cream Eater, Jun 9, 2022, retrieved November 19, 2025^
- Pooches pant for Paws / Frozen dog treats have been a howling success for Dreyer's