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If you love dessert, you’ve probably found yourself in your kitchen with a tub of Cool Whip.
But what happens when your furry friend is sitting by your side begging for a taste? Can dogs eat Cool Whip?
Dogs should not eat Cool Whip. The ingredients in Cool Whip are bad for dogs and can cause them to become sick. Cool Whip is made with cream, sugar, and stabilizers that can often be hard on dogs’ stomachs. While the occasional lick is likely harmless, It contains no benefits to a dog’s health.
Below we will go into more details about dogs eating Cool Whip, the dangers, what to do if they overeat, and much more.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Is Cool Whip?
Cool Whip is a brand of stabilized whipped cream, usually sold in a tub or aerosol.
Nutrition Facts
Per 3 Tbsp (45 mL): 35 calories, 3.0 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 0.1 g protein
Ingredients
Water, 22% hydrogenated coconut and palm kernel oil, glucose-fructose, corn syrup, sodium caseinate (from milk), polysorbate 60, natural and artificial flavor, sorbitan monostearate, xanthan gum, guar gum, color.
Can Dogs Eat Cool Whip?
Cool Whip should not be fed to dogs. It’s high in sugar and fat and contains harmful ingredients to your dog’s health.
According to Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH, and founder of Animal Acupuncture in New York City, the answer is no. “Cool whip contains xanthan gum and sodium caseinate, both of which can be hard for dogs to digest,” she says.
Cool Whip also often contains carrageenan, which is a “potentially harmful ingredient that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and ulcerations,” she adds.
Another common ingredient found in Cool whip recipes is vanilla.
Spruce Pets says, “Vanilla extract and flavoring are toxic to dogs due to the high alcohol content.”
The last thing I will mention is the dairy. Dairy is one of the most common food allergies in dogs. If your dog is lactose intolerant, they will have a difficult time digesting Cool Whip.
Overall, with all the ingredients that pose a risk to your dog, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog Cool Whip.
On rare occasions, is it okay for dogs to have a tiny bit of Cool Whip? Yes, although I have yet to hear a vet say it’s a good idea.
Can Dogs Eat Whipped Cream?
Whipped cream is very similar to Cool Whip.
The primary distinction between Cool Whip (or Reddi-Wip) and whipped cream is that Cool Whip is a mix of light cream, skim milk, high fructose corn syrup, and vegetable oil. In contrast, whipped cream is only created with heavy whipping cream.
Whipped cream It’s high in sugar and fat and can be hard on some dogs’ stomachs due to the dairy.
It also usually contains vanilla extract, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities.
It’s unlikely that the amount of vanilla in whipped cream would pose much concern, but it’s essential to know.
If your dog does have a bit of whipped cream, it shouldn’t pose a risk, but it’s not recommended as anything more than an occasional treat.
Is Sugar-Free Cool Whip Okay For Dogs?
Sugar-free Cool Whip is not okay for dogs to eat. Sugar-free products usually contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly poisonous to dogs. Even a small amount can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and even death. So please avoid giving your dog any products containing xylitol.
Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Cool Whip?
Cool Whip is safe In small amounts, infrequently. Otherwise, there are no nutritional benefits for dogs. It’s simply empty calories with more risk than benefits.
Dogs are not safe to eat Cool Whip frequently or in large amounts.
Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Whipped Cream?
Whipped cream is not hazardous in little amounts on rare occasions. Otherwise, there are no nutritional advantages for dogs, and it just provides empty calories with more danger than benefits.
It’s not safe for dogs to eat whipped cream frequently or in large amounts.
How Often Can I Feed My Dog Cool Whip?
Just because your dog can have a small amount of Cool Whip without being harmed does not mean you should make it a regular treat.
Cool Whip is empty calories and not good for your dog’s health.
It’s best to avoid feeding your dog Cool whip altogether or only give it to them on rare occasions.
Dangers Of Dogs Eating Cool Whip
With the popular rise of restaurants adding dog treats like “Puppuccinos,” people have started thinking it’s okay to have these kinds of goodies more often.
While things like Cool Whip and whipped cream may seem harmless, many dangers are associated with feeding your dog these things.
The dangers grow when feeding dogs these things becomes more frequent.
Here are a few dangers with Cool Whip:
High In Sugar & Fat
Cool Whip is high in sugar and fat, two things that can be detrimental to your dog’s health if consumed in large quantities or regularly. Too much sugar can cause obesity and diabetes, while too much fat can lead to pancreatitis.
Here are some of the common risks associated with feeding your dog too much sugary food like Cool Whip:
- Diabetes – Dogs that consume a lot of sugar are at a higher risk for developing diabetes.
- Obesity – Dogs that overeat, or eat high-calorie foods, are at a higher risk for obesity.
- Pancreatitis – Fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. This can be a serious condition and even lead to death.
- Joint Problems – Excess weight can put strain on your dog’s joints and lead to problems like arthritis.
- Heart Disease – Obesity and diabetes are both risk factors for heart disease. High sugary foods can lead to an unhealthy weight, which can then lead to heart problems.
- Diarrhea – Large amounts of sugar can cause diarrhea in dogs.
Lactose Intolerance
Many dogs are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest dairy. If your dog ingests any dairy product, such as Cool Whip, and experiences symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or gas, they likely have an intolerance.
Lactose intolerance is common in dogs and can cause significant gastrointestinal upset. So make sure you know if your dog can tolerate dairy before feeding them any.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Let Your Dog Have Puppuccinos?
To determine if you should give your dog a Starbucks Puppuccino, you should consider the main ingredient: whipped cream! While whipped cream isn’t great for dogs the Puppuccino was specifically made for dogs and is perfectly safe. Starbucks ensures there are no toxic ingredients included.
Can Whip Cream Make A Dog Sick?
Yes, whip cream can make a dog sick. While a little bit of whip cream is not going to hurt your dog, too much of it can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. If your dog has eaten too much whip cream, watch for signs of digestive distress and contact your veterinarian if they do not improve or worsen.
Can Dogs Eat Whipped Cream Cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat small amounts of whipped cream cheese. Some dog treats actually use whipped cream cheese as an ingredient. However, like anything else, too much can lead to digestive upset.
It’s safe for dogs to eat in small amounts as a treat every so often. However, some dogs may be lactose intolerant and could get an upset stomach from eating it.
If your dog has never had whipped cream cheese before, start with a small amount to see how they tolerate it. If they have any adverse reactions, stop feeding it to them.
Final Thoughts
While a little Cool Whip or Whipped Cream will not kill your dog, it’s still not the best for them to consume.
These products are high in sugar and fat and can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
Additionally, many dogs are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest dairy products.
If you do choose to give your dog a little bit of Cool Whip or whipped cream, make sure it’s only in small quantities and not on a regular basis.
It’s always best to check with your veterinarian first to see if they think it’s a good idea for your dog. My vet says a little bit of whip cream as a treat won’t hurt your dog but don’t make it a daily treat. Moderation is the key to a healthy diet.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Can Dogs Eat Boba? What You Need To Know (We Asked Vets)
