Many dogs love foods meant to be for humans, and they view it as an extra special treat and a break from their typical mundane food routine. Some foods are fine for dogs to eat, others that can be eaten in moderation, and some that should be avoided.
In short, one of the foods that are okay for dogs to have in moderation is whipped cream. This fluffy dairy delight is a favorite amongst many dogs. Your pup might even look forward to Starbucks visits with you because they know that they might get treated to a famous Puppuccino!
While an occasional treat will not harm most dogs, you should still be mindful of how often, how much, and what kinds they are consuming. You should also be aware of symptoms of lactose intolerance.
So, is whipped cream safe for dogs to eat? Here is everything you need to know before you feed whipped cream to your dog.
Is Whipped Cream Safe for Dogs to Eat?
In general, yes, it is safe for dogs to eat on occasion, given that they are not lactose intolerant. Its main ingredients are cream, milk, and sugar, and it is mostly made up of fats, so giving your dog too much of it could cause them to gain excess weight.
Dogs who live a very active lifestyle might be able to eat it more often since they burn off more calories than sedentary pups. They also, like humans, might also have some trouble digesting dairy. It is a good idea to watch out for signs of lactose intolerance in your pooch when they eat whipped cream, but more on that later.
It is very important to note that you should beware of products labeled as sugar-free. They could contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol. This is extremely toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs.
Regardless of the off-limits sugar-free option, there is still a wide variety of whipped creams to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
READ MORE: How Long Does it Take a Dog to Digest Food?
Whipped Cream Nutritional Value, Analysis, and Comparison
As stated above, generally, the main ingredients are cream, milk, and sugar. The ingredients and flavors will vary depending on how much sugar is added, if the cream or milk is non-dairy, etc.
A classic and all time favorite is the brand Reddi Wip. Their nutrition facts label states that a serving size is two tablespoons (approximately five grams). It contains one gram of fat, including half a gram of saturated fat, one gram of carbs, and less than one gram of sugar. Its main ingredients are cream, water, sugar, corn syrup, and nonfat milk.
Any whipped cream labeled as “extra creamy” is made with heavy cream, and it is much more rich, dense, and fattening. If your dog is overweight, it is probably best to avoid this kind or give them smaller amounts.
There are also vegan-friendly options available, meaning they are dairy-free. An example is coconut whipped cream. It has about half the amount of calories and fats but contains a bit of added sugar. Its main ingredients are coconut cream, water, and sugar. Plant-based variations are excellent choices if your dog is lactose intolerant or has a sensitive stomach.
READ MORE: Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts?
Homemade Whipped Cream
Some dog owners believe that the best treats you can give them can be made right in your kitchen. Luckily, whipped cream is one of them!
It is very simple to make and it gives you peace of mind since you know what is going into it. There is no need to worry about additives or preservatives.
If you look up homemade recipes, many of them call for heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract as their main ingredients.
If you are making a small batch of whipped cream strictly for your dog, it is best to only use the heavy cream. Added sugar is not necessary. Most dogs will enjoy it just as it is!
You can purchase regular heavy whipping cream at any grocery store or supermarket. Simply pour a small amount, about a tablespoon or two into a vessel and use a battery-powered hand frother or electric egg beater to make it light and fluffy.
Start at a low speed and then gradually increase it until stiff peaks begin to form. Store the whipped cream in your refrigerator in an airtight container.
Homemade whipped cream will spoil more quickly than store-bought brands. Ensure there is no mold or any lousy smell before you give it to your dog, especially if it has been at least a few days. Try making just a small amount to start and see how long it lasts. It is always easy to whip up a new batch!
How Much Whipped Cream can I Give my Dog?
Remember, whipped cream is just like a dessert, so moderation is key. Dogs should be getting the majority of their nutrition from the food that they eat daily, not from treats.
Be mindful of the 10% rule. [1] This means that treats and other goodies should not make up any more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet, and a whipped cream diet should be limited.
If your dog likes to eat whipped cream and has no sensitivities to it, a few tablespoons per week will likely be fine. Preparing it homemade is going to be your best bet, but your pup will love and appreciate it regardless.
READ MORE: Can Dogs Eat Sour Cream?
How Should I Give My Dog Whipped Cream?
To feed your dog whipped cream, simply put a small amount into a small non-breakable cup or bowl and let them lick it clean. You could also place a small bit of it onto a dog biscuit to make the treat even more special.
Another idea is to use is to hide pills. If your pet doesn’t like taking medication, hide it in a dollop of a whipped treat just big enough to cover the pill.
You could also put whipped cream into an ice cube tray and freeze it. It can be a cool and refreshing treat to give your dog on a hot summer day.
Does Whipped Cream Give Dogs Diarrhea?
Is it bad for dogs under certain circumstances? Dogs certainly can have diarrhea when they eat whipped cream if they are lactose intolerant or if they eat too much of it. Some pups have sensitive stomachs to certain foods, just like humans.
If you’ve been giving your canine companion whipped cream for a while and haven’t noticed any diarrhea or signs that something might be wrong, there is no need to worry. Just remember to not go overboard and cause them to overindulge.
READ MORE: Can Dogs Eat Olives?
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance to be Aware Of
Are you wondering the signs and symptoms that you should watch out for if you think your dog might be lactose intolerant? They are quite similar to symptoms [1] that humans experience. They include:
- Bloating
- Stomach pain
- Excessive gas
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If you are unaware of how your dog reacts when they eat whipped cream due to them never trying it before, keep an eye on them afterward. It is never a bad idea to watch out for symptoms.
If they act like they are about to vomit or begin whining, indicating they need to go outside and relieve themselves, let them out immediately.
If your dog does appear to be sensitive to dairy products, you can try giving them a non-dairy whip cream such as coconut or almond. Just make sure there are no artificial sweeteners.
Whipped cream can be the perfect dairy (or non-dairy) delight for your dog. It is a human food that many dogs find to be delicious. As long as they don’t overeat of it or have any sensitivities, it is an excellent treat to give them in moderation.
FAQs
Is it okay if dogs eat whipped cream?
Yes, it is okay if dogs eat whipped cream as an occasional treat, and they should not have too much of it since they should be getting the majority of their daily calories from their food. Whip cream can be used as a special treat for them, and there are many ways for them to enjoy it.
What kinds of whipped cream are safe for dogs?
If your dog is not lactose intolerant, they can have regular whipped cream, small amounts of whipped cream, and non-dairy whipped cream.
The kind of whipped treat that should be avoided at all costs, regardless if your dog has sensitivities or not, is any kind labeled “sugar-free.” These often contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. It is also an excellent idea to make a homemade version of whipped cream for your dog, it is very simple to make, and you don’t have to worry about any potentially harmful additives.
Are Puppuccinos safe for dogs?
Starbucks Puppuccino is a secret menu item that has become a favorite amongst whipped cream-loving dogs. It is simply an espresso cup filled with whipped cream for your dog to enjoy. If the Starbucks location uses regular whipped cream (not sugar-free and that doesn’t contain xylitol) and your dog is not lactose intolerant, Puppuccinos are perfectly safe. You could always ask your barista to be definitely sure is it safe for your pup to enjoy.
Article Sources:
- “Puppuccino Problems: Is Whipped Cream Bad for Dogs?” Outward Hound, 24 November 2021. https://outwardhound.com/furtropolis/dogs/is-whipped-cream-bad-for-dogs/.
