Introduction
When it comes to frozen dog treats, two popular brands are Dogsters and Frosty Paws. Both provide dogs with a cool, tasty frozen snack on a hot day. Dogsters and Frosty Paws have some similarities, but also key differences that pet owners should consider when choosing between them.
Dogsters and Frosty Paws are both frozen dairy treats specifically made for dogs. They come in cup or popsicle shapes for easy serving. Both provide proteins, vitamins, and minerals to pets. However, Dogsters contain fewer ingredients and are generally considered the healthier option. Frosty Paws have higher calorie and sugar content. Dogsters also tend to be more affordable. Understanding the differences between Dogsters and Frosty Paws can help pet owners make an informed decision when picking a frozen dog treat.
Nutritional Content
When comparing the nutritional content of Dogsters and Frosty Paws, there are some key differences. Dogsters contain fewer ingredients than Frosty Paws. The main ingredients in Dogsters are water, skim milk, honey, and yogurt, while Frosty Paws contains water, soybean protein, maltodextrin, and coconut oil (Dogsters Ice Cream Review).
In terms of calories, Dogsters have around 60 calories per serving, while Frosty Paws have about 128 calories per serving. Dogsters have less fat and sugar as well. This makes Dogsters the lighter option of the two (Ed Said: Dogsters vs. Frosty Paws – How-To Heidi).
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, Dogsters contain more calcium and vitamin D since they use real yogurt. Frosty Paws gets some nutrients from the added coconut oil. However, Dogsters provide a more nutritious treat made from wholesome ingredients.
Flavors
Dogsters come in two flavors: Mint and Peanut Butter and Cheese, according to Ed Said: Dogsters vs. Frosty Paws – How-To Heidi. Frosty Paws also come in two flavors: Peanut Butter or Vanilla, as described in the same source.
According to The 7 Best Dog Ice Cream Brands So Your Pup Can Join …, Frosty Paws offers the two flavors of Peanut Butter or Vanilla. The article notes that Purina is a popular dog food brand, so it’s not surprising they also have a line of frozen treats like Frosty Paws.
An overview on Dogsters Ice Cream Review confirms that Dogsters only comes in Mint and Peanut Butter and Cheese flavors, while Frosty Paws offers Peanut Butter and Vanilla.
Texture
When it comes to the texture of Dogsters vs Frosty Paws, there are some key differences to consider. Dogsters have a creamier, icier texture that is similar to soft serve ice cream. The treats start out fairly solid but become softer and more scoopable as they thaw slightly. According to one review, Dogsters have a “smooth, creamy mouthfeel” (Source).
In contrast, Frosty Paws have a firmer, more frozen yogurt-like texture. The treats stay solid and icy as dogs lick them. While Frosty Paws contain a creamy dairy base, the texture remains frozen rather than softening like Dogsters (Source). The difference in texture comes down to personal preference – dogs who prefer a richer, creamier mouthfeel may enjoy Dogsters more, while those who like a solid, cold treat may favor Frosty Paws.
Dog Satisfaction
When it comes to dogs’ enjoyment of the two ice cream brands, many owners report that their dogs seem to prefer the taste of Dogsters over Frosty Paws. Dogs are drawn to the natural flavors like peanut butter in Dogsters, while the artificial flavors like Frosty Paws’ “vanilla” don’t entice them as much.
According to this comparison, dogs will readily eat Dogsters right out of the container, while they show less interest in Frosty Paws. The blogger conducting the taste test found her dogs “went crazy” for the Dogsters flavors but did not have the same reaction to Frosty Paws.
The ingredients likely play a role in dogs’ preference. Dogsters contains simple ingredients like yogurt, peanut butter, and berries that dogs recognize and love. Meanwhile, Frosty Paws relies on artificial flavors and a long list of unpronounceable ingredients that may not appeal as much to a dog’s senses.
When it comes down to which ice cream dogs enjoy more, Dogsters appears to be the clear winner based on pet owners’ observations of their dogs’ enthusiasm and satisfaction with the all-natural flavors.
Human-Food Safe
Both Dogsters and Frosty Paws are formulated to be edible for dogs, but are not necessarily intended for human consumption. According to Dogsters Ice Cream Review, Dogsters contains simpler ingredients that are closer to human food, while Frosty Paws has more complex ingredients that are optimized for dogs.
Reviews indicate that Dogsters tends to be safer for humans to eat occasionally. The ingredients are lactose-free milk, sugar, vegetable gums, and flavors like peanut butter. In contrast, Frosty Paws contains things like whey protein concentrate, maltodextrin, and propylene glycol, which may be more difficult for humans to digest.
Overall, Dogsters ice cream seems more palatable for humans in small amounts, but neither product is really optimized for regular human consumption. It’s best to enjoy these frozen treats in moderation.
Price
When comparing Dogsters and Frosty Paws on a price per unit basis, Dogsters tends to be more affordable. A 4 pack of Dogsters typically costs around $3 at major retailers like Walmart and Target, while a 4 pack of Frosty Paws is usually priced around $4 (Source: http://www.howtoheidi.com/2014/07/dogsters-vs-frosty-paws.html). This equates to about $0.75 per Dogsters cup versus $1 per Frosty Paws cup.
Both brands frequently have deals and promotions that drop the per unit price even lower. For example, Target has offered buy one get one 50% off deals on Dogsters, bringing the effective price down to around $0.50 per cup during those promotions. Similarly, Amazon and Chewy.com sometimes run buy two get one free offers on Frosty Paws, making them about $0.66 per cup when purchasing in bulk (Sources: https://www.target.com/p/dogsters-ice-cream-for-dogs-peanut-butter-flavor-4ct/-/A-14771634, https://www.chewy.com/purina-frosty-paws-dog-treats-peanut/dp/109110).
The bottom line is Dogsters generally offers more value for money, but both brands can be purchased in bulk on sale to make the treats even more budget-friendly.
Availability
Dogsters and Frosty Paws have some differences when it comes to where they can be purchased. According to this source, Dogsters are sold at Petco, while Frosty Paws are sold at big box retailers like Walmart and Target. Another source notes that Frosty Paws can also be found at CVS, Walgreens, and other convenience stores. So while both treats have national distribution, Dogsters may only be found at pet specialty retailers, while Frosty Paws has wider availability in mass market and convenience stores.
Storage
When it comes to storage, Dogsters and Frosty Paws have some key differences. According to How-To Heidi, Dogsters have a longer shelf life than Frosty Paws. Dogsters can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months before going bad, while Frosty Paws only last about 6 months in the freezer.
In terms of storage requirements, both Dogsters and Frosty Paws need to be kept frozen. The ice cream cannot be thawed and refrozen. According to Tasty Ice Cream Online, the best way to store Dogsters and Frosty Paws is in the freezer with the temperature set below 0°F. Both should be stored in a sealed package or container to prevent freezer burn.
The key takeaway is that Dogsters ultimately have a longer shelf life in the freezer compared to Frosty Paws. But both require being kept frozen at all times in order to maintain the integrity and safety of the ice cream. Proper frozen storage is essential.
Conclusion
When reviewing the main differences between Dogsters and Frosty Paws, there are a few key factors to consider when deciding which one may be better suited for your dog’s needs and preferences.
Dogsters tend to be more nutritious with their all-natural ingredients and added vitamins. The flavors also seem more robust and appealing to many dogs. However, they do require refrigeration and have a shorter shelf life. So for pet parents who want longer-lasting treats, Frosty Paws may be a better option.
Frosty Paws offer convenience with no refrigeration required until opened. The softer texture is also easier on some dogs’ teeth and gums. But the lower calorie recipe contains more artificial ingredients, which some pet owners may want to avoid.
Overall, Dogsters appear to be the healthier, tastier choice that most dogs love. But Frosty Paws can be ideal for travel, warmer climates, and older dogs who prefer softer treats. Consider your dog’s nutritional needs and personal preferences when choosing between these two frozen dog treats.