Dubai: Have you felt guilty about eating ice cream in front of your dog? Well, now you don’t have to. The world’s first ever dog ice cream, produced by Hugo & Celine, is now available in the UAE.
Hawas Group recently launched the product and the first shipment of 10,000 cups will reach the UAE on Saturday. “We are always looking to bring in some unique and much needed products to the Middle East,” says Ahmad Hawas, Group CEO, Hawas Group.
The company was originally looking for certain pet grooming products and came across these delicacies.
Organic treat
“We’ve noticed pet owners in the UAE and the region are always looking for organic delights for their beloveds, so we decided to fulfil their needs,” he adds.
Made from 85 per cent organic ingredients, the ice cream is lactose free, as dogs cannot digest lactose efficiently. Unlike normal ice cream that has a high sugar content, dog ice cream is sweetened using coconut sugar and agave syrup.
Speaking about the consistency, Sonja Catani, founder of Hugo & Celine, says, “The texture is creamy and soft, but extra frozen compared to regular ice cream.”
Each cup weighs about 120 grams and can be stored for up to 12 months. The ice cream maker boasts of 40,000 dog fans in just one year. But, in a rare situation that your dog isn’t excited enough, the company promises it can create a flavour your pet will fall in love with.
Based in Sweden, Hugo & Celine was launched in 2016. The owners have two mini-dachshunds, who have been their inspiration and greatest critic. “They hang out with us in the office so we can test new products and gain immediate feedback,” says Catani.
The company also produces cookies, lollipops and burgers besides grooming merchandise for the canines.
Pet owners who have already placed orders are excited as they look forward to the delivery of the treats. “I wish such ice cream was available for my cats too,” says Karlee Whiles, who has two dogs and three cats.
Quick delivery
The ice cream can be ordered through Hugo & Celine Dubai’s social media channels and will be delivered on the same day in Dubai. Priced Dh50 per cup, it is available in three flavours: Magic Moose, Licking Liver and Slick Salmon.
Interestingly, the ice cream is safe for human consumption as well. “The taste might be a bit weird, but it’s not harmful,” says Hawas.
