Last Updated on 11/17/2021 by Veronica Jones
Whether you enjoy it on top of an ice cream in the summer or hot apple pie in the winter, there’s no denying that cool whip makes a great addition to any dessert all year round.
You may be tempted to share this delicious sweet treat with your four-legged friend, but can dogs eat cool whip? Will it cause them any harm?
This article will tell you everything you need to know about whipped cream and dogs.
Can dogs eat cool whip?
Yes, dogs can eat cool whip unless they are lactose intolerant, have a dairy allergy or any existing weight or blood sugar health issues. However, the high sugar and fat content means that dog owners should be cautious about how much whipped cream their pet is consuming.
Is cool whip bad for dogs?
Is whipped cream bad for dogs? Should your dog eat this sugary treat? Too much of something can be bad for you, and that includes eating whipped cream. Cool whip is just cream and sugar, which offers no nutritional benefit to humans or dogs. The only benefit of cool whip is that it contains calcium from the milk, which helps dogs develop strong bones.
So, does cool whip give dogs diarrhea? Yes, if your pooch gobbles up too much whip cream at once, he may experience a poorly tummy and nausea.
Allowing your pup to tuck into whipped cream regularly could also lead to cavities and other dental issues.
Cool whip contains a huge amount of calories, which could lead to weight gain if consumed regularly. Overweight dogs are at risk of several health issues, including:
• Arthritis
• Breathing problems
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Heart disease
What to do if your dogs eat whipped cream?
As long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant or has a dairy allergy, if your pooch gobbles up too much cool whip you should monitor them carefully over the next 24 hours.
Your dog is likely to experience some vomiting and diarrhea, which shouldn’t need any medical attention or emergency treatment. After a few days the symptoms should go away on their own once the whipped cream has passed through your dog’s system. You can buy over the counter medicines to help your dog if he is experiencing any discomfort, but speak to your vet first.
Lactose intolerance in dogs
Diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, bloating and flatulence are all signs of lactose intolerance. If your dog is showing any of these signs, speak to your vet for advice and a diagnosis.
Dairy allergies in dogs
The signs of a dairy allergy in dogs are similar to lactose intolerant pooches, so it’s important to know the difference. Dogs with a dairy allergy often experience itchiness, red skin, hives, swelling of the face and even difficulty breathing. These signs are much more severe and you should seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
If your dog is lactose intolerant or has a dairy allergy, consuming whipped cream is a bad idea and you should prevent your dog from coming into contact with any form of cool whip.
Watch out for potentially harmful ingredients
If you’re out for a walk and stop by an ice cream truck, you may wonder what from the menu can dogs eat. If buying cool whip from a store, check the label and avoid giving to your pup if it contains any of the following ingredients:
Lemon – sometimes, lemon is added to whipped cream. The acidity in lemons can make dogs very poorly and experience an upset stomach.
Chocolate – theobromine is present in chocolate, which is poisonous to dogs and should be avoided. If you think your dog has eaten some whipped cream with chocolate, you should contact your veterinarian for advice.
Expresso – caffeine can cause a dog’s blood pressure to rise, which could cause longer term health problems.
Vanilla extract – whilst vanilla itself is not harmful to canines, vanilla extract often contains alcohol which should never be given to animals. Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol are also added which are highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
What about non-dairy whipped cream?
Is non-dairy whipped cream safe for canines? Almond milk and coconut whipped cream are other varieties of cream that you may consider sharing with your pup. Check the ingredients to make sure these non-dairy creams don’t contain any xylitol, which is toxic to canines.
Alternatives to cool whip for dogs
Consider alternative sweet dog-safe treats such as dog-friendly ice cream, fruits such as raspberries or almond milk.
How to feed whipped cream to your dog?
The best way to serve real whipped cream to your pooch is by making it yourself, which means you control the fat and sugar content and reduce the risk of your pup being poorly from a store-bought cool whip.
There are lots of whipped cream recipes available online. All you need is some heavy cream with low sugar content. Simply whip it up by hand or with an electric whisk until it reaches the desired consistency. Your dog won’t even notice the lack of sugar.
How often should you give your pup cool whip?
Feeding your dog whipped cream regularly is not advised. Foods that don’t offer any nutritional value to pups should only be given occasionally, in small amounts. Whipped cream is light and airy, making it easy to serve large portions without realizing how many calories and fat your dog has consumed. For large dogs, a quarter of a cup is plenty, while small dogs shouldn’t have any more than a spoonful.
Dogs and cool whip
Dogs can eat whipped cream, but it doesn’t mean that they should. There are much healthier sweet treats available to reward your dog with, but if you are thinking about giving your dog some cool whip, opt for a homemade version and only give it as an occasional treat.
