My Chihuahua had her sixth birthday last Wednesday. I made a small dog-friendly cake for her and wanted to add a little bit of Whipped cream on top. But I wonder if Whipped cream is safe for dogs to eat. I thought there may be other owners wondering the same thing so it inspired me to write this article.
Can dogs eat Whipped cream? Yes, dogs can eat Whipped cream but in moderation. Whipped cream is not toxic, but it does contain a lot of fat and sugar. Feeding it to your dog as an occasional treat is fine; making it a part of their diet is not a good idea.
While it is a human habit to add Whipped cream to desserts like milkshakes or ice cream, it’s always best to think twice before we add anything to our dog’s food. Popular dog treats like the Puppuccino from Starbucks for example should not be a staple in your dog’s diet. We need to consider their health, whether they are lactose-intolerant, and how much of the Whipped cream they can have. Let’s dive in and discuss this in more detail.
Table of Contents
Is Whipped cream safe for dogs?
Plain Whipped cream has only two ingredients: sugar and heavy cream. Besides these two ingredients, some additives like vanilla, coffee, or chocolate are often used to improve the taste. Let’s look at how these ingredients may affect your dog’s health.
1. Heavy or whipping cream is unhealthy for dogs
The cream used to make whipped cream is 30-36% fats. This high-fat content can be very unhealthy for dogs. Also, the cream is a dairy product, and dogs don’t digest dairy as well as we do.
Eating foods high in fats can lead to the following symptoms:
- Lethargy.
- Obesity.
- Cardiac disorders.
- Gastrointestinal issues.
- Diabetes.
- Pancreatitis.
Many dogs are sensitive to lactic acid in dairy products like milk or Sour Cream to some extent. Some dogs are allergic to dairy and can get sick from ingesting even a little bit. Excess of lactic acid in your furry friend’s diet can lead to the following:
- Bloating.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Gas.
2. Sugar is harmful to dogs
It is unnecessary for our canine friends to consume sugar. Sugar does not contain any nutritional value and it is known to cause many health issues in canines. Like humans, dogs can also get addicted to sugary food and crave treats all the time.
While regular whipped cream is high in sugar, commercial whipped cream may also contain sugar substitutes like corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. Both these syrups are just as harmful as sugar, if not more.
Sugar can harm your pup’s health, both in the short and long runs. Here are some of the short-term side effects of consuming too much sugar:
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach soreness.
- Stomach inflammation.
When dogs sugary food regularly, you may not see the harmful consequences until months or years later. These long-term harms includes:
- Tooth decay.
- Obesity.
- Hormone imbalance.
- Diabetes.
3. Vanilla extract is toxic to dogs
Vanilla extract is 35% alcohol and is a common addition to whipped cream. Alcohol, in general, is toxic to dogs. However, the amount of alcohol in the vanilla extract that is used in whipped cream is far too little to cause our canine friends any harm.
If the dog consumes too many vanilla-flavored desserts, it may run the risk of alcohol poisoning. Note that the risk is bigger if you have a smaller dog. Here are some symptoms of alcohol ingestion:
- Indigestion.
- Disorientation.
- Dehydration.
- Nausea.
- Breathing issues.
4. Caffeine is toxic to dogs
Chocolate, coffee, and food that contains caffeine are toxic to dogs. Ingesting a large quantity of coffee or chocolate flavoring may cause:
- Elevated heartbeat
- Hypertension
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
However, the caffeine in coffee or chocolate-flavored whipped cream is far too little to cause any real problem for dogs.
Fun Fact: Another drink that contains caffeine is Sprite. It’s best to avoid feeding our furry friends this and other sugary drinks.
5. Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs
While there is caffeine in chocolates, the main ingredient that makes chocolate toxic for dogs is Theobromine. Chocolate flavored whipped cream is dangerous for dogs as it may cause chocolate toxicosis.
Our canine friends are not able to metabolize and digest both the caffeine and the theobromine chemical properly. A key rule of thumb is that the more bitter or darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for our pups.
This can lead to:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Muscle spasms.
- Increased urination.
- Seizures.
- Stomach pain.
What is Whipped cream?
Whipped cream is a delicate foam of sweetened cream widely used for decorating cakes and other confectionery.
What is Whipped cream made of?
The primary ingredients in Whipped cream are icing sugar and dairy cream with about 30-36% fat content. This makes Whipping cream and heavy cream ideal for whipping. Sometimes vanilla, coffee, or cocoa powder is also added to make flavored Whipped cream.
How is Whipped cream made?
Whipped cream is made by whisking chilled whipping or heavy cream in a chilled bowl with a whisk, food processor, or hand mixer (also preferably chilled).
Once the cream begins to thicken, powdered or icing sugar can be added, along with vanilla, cocoa powder, or any other flavoring.
After that, the mixture is whipped until it forms a sturdy foam.
When shouldn’t you feed Whipped cream to your dog?
If your furry friends are diabetic, obese, or lactose intolerant, they should avoid Whipped cream altogether.
The high fat and sugar content in Whipped cream can worsen the health of a diabetic or overweight dog. Foods that are high in fat can also cause pancreatitis. Dairy cream can trouble a lactose intolerant dog’s tummy.
If you have small dog breeds, be very careful when feeding them foods high in sugar and fat. Small dogs can easily exceed their daily caloric, fat, and sugar quota.
Does Whipped cream provide any nutritional benefit for your dog?
Not exactly. Whipped cream is about 70% fat and the rest is sugary carbs. Your four-legged friend is much better off getting their calories from proper dog food than consuming empty calories from Whipped cream.
There are traces of calcium, vitamin A, and protein in Whipped cream, but your pooch can get these nutrients from much better sources such as Brussel sprouts, pumpkin, fish oil, liver, or carrots.
What if my dog accidentally eats a lot of Whipped cream?
Unless your dog is lactose intolerant, there is no cause for alarm. Whipped cream—unhealthy as it may be—is not poisonous.
After eating calorie-dense food such as Whipped cream, expect the dog to lose interest in food temporarily.
Dogs with no dairy allergy can still get an upset stomach if they consume too much dairy. Eating lots of Whipped cream can cause gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. In most cases, though, your pup will get better by himself.
To comfort a dog’s gassy stomach, you may try giving them Pepcid. However, it is best to consult the vet first.
Fun Fact: Most people love to mix Strawberry Jam with Whipped cream and make homemade Strawberry whipped cream. If you are making this, avoid feeding Strawberry whipped cream as dogs should not eat Strawberry jam in general. These two food items combined contain way too much sugar for your pooch.
Symptoms to watch for
Your pooch must be healthy and shouldn’t have any lactose allergy for you to consider Whipped cream safe. You should know whether your canine friends are lactose tolerant or not before giving them any dairy product. Symptoms of lactose intolerance are:
- Gas. Excessive flatulence is to be expected after consuming an unsafe amount of dairy products.
- Vomiting. The dog’s stomach will try to expel the food it doesn’t accept.
- Diarrhea. Loose stools are a sign of indigestion and food allergy.
- Stomach pain. Gas and indigestion can cause pain in your furry friend’s belly. Your pooch will seem uncomfortable and make wincing sounds.
- Bloating. Excessive gas can often get trapped in the dog’s stomach. The belly will seem inflated and stiff. Bloating can lead to more severe problems that may require surgery.
- Loss of Appetite. If your canine friend isn’t eating or doesn’t want to eat, it could be that he is feeling nauseous from gastrointestinal issues. Dogs that are lactose intolerant may not feel well after licking some Whipped cream.
- Constant scratching from itchiness. Dogs with dairy allergies may start to scratch their ears excessively or lick their paws frequently. Sometimes, they may even lick their bottom. Thus, you may see that the skin around their ears, paws, or bottom is very red.
- Face swelling. You’ll notice your dog’s face swells up after they consume dairy products.
- Breathing difficulty. After your dogs have licked a bit of Whipped cream off of your mixer, they may experience difficulty breathing.
Handy Hint: Is your furry family member drooling a lot or licking your floor constantly? This could indicate that your pooch is feeling nauseous and may start vomiting. A dog’s vomit color can tell you a lot about the root cause of their vomiting. Check out our article Dog Vomit Color Guide to learn more!
Treatments if your dog has Whipped cream poisoning
Plain whipped cream is a hazard for lactose intolerant dogs. But even if your pooch doesn’t have a dairy allergy, they too can get sick after slurping too much Whipped cream.
In most cases, the problem will solve itself after your pup expels the foul food naturally. Expect a few sessions of vomiting and diarrhea. Monitor their condition for at least 24 hours and if it doesn’t improve, take them to the vet right away.
It is also essential to know if the Whipped cream your dog ate had any toxic ingredients. Flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, coffee, and lemon can be hazardous for dogs. Call the vet if that’s the case.
Bloating can be very dangerous. In severe form, bloating can lead to a condition called Gastric Torsion. It requires immediate medical attention and may even need surgery.
If your pooch is diabetic, any sugary treat they’ve ingested is a cause for alarm. Call your vet and follow their advice. If your pup has any medical conditions, make sure you always keep the remedies stocked at home.
How to properly feed Whipped cream to your dogs
Whipped cream is sugary and thick, making it an excellent reward treat for your canine companions. Dogs love the taste and you can use Whipped cream for motivation during training.
When considering commercial Whipped cream for your dog, it’s best to check the label. Look to see how much sugar and fat content the Whipped cream contains. Excessive sugar can lead to diabetes and tooth decay in dogs, while high fat can lead to obesity.
Hint: If your pooch is currently diabetic or overweight, it’s best to avoid the extra sweet snacks like Reese’s Pieces or other sugary candies. Ingesting food with high sugar content will worsen your pup’s health.
How often can dogs have Whipped cream?
The answer depends upon the age, size, and health of your pooch. An average 33-pound adult dog needs no more than 14 grams of fat in a day. A cup of Whipped cream contains about 13 grams of fat. As you can see, just one cup of Whipped cream can almost fill a dog’s daily fat quota.
A good rule is to feed your pup a Whipped cream portion the size of their paw.
Smaller breeds need less fat per day, and Whipped cream can easily exceed their daily fat quota. Similarly, dogs suffering or recovering from obesity shouldn’t be given any fatty foods at all. However, if your furry friend is still growing, their fat needs are slightly higher.
Pregnant and lactating dogs need high-fat foods and their daily fat requirement is significantly higher than average. Consult with your vet on how best to fulfill your mommy dog’s fat needs.
Canine-friendly and safe alternatives to Whipped cream
While Whipped cream is acceptable as an occasional treat for your pooch, there are healthier alternatives that your pup will love even more.
- Greek yogurt is high in probiotics—organisms that improve digestion and keep food allergies at bay.
- Fruit yogurt is easier to digest for dogs. Adding fruits will make it tastier and sweeter without needing sugar.
- Cottage cheese is a fermented food that your canine friends will love. It makes for a great reward or snack. Cottage cheese is low in fat and packed with vitamins and proteins.
- Peanut butter is another rich, creamy, fatty food for dogs. Unlike Whipped cream, peanut butter contains good fats, vitamins, and protein.
- Coconut milk. While it too should be fed in moderation, coconut milk makes for a far better treat than Whipped cream. It improves fur quality, freshens breath, and helps build immunity in dogs.
- Fruit mash. You can mash bananas, pineapples, pumpkin, apples, and other dog-friendly fruits to make a sweet, creamy, and healthy treat.
If I sense that my furry friends want some ice cream, I give them this one:
We feed our pups these dog treats and they love them:
How do I make Whipped cream for my dog at home?
Homemade treats are always safer than their commercial alternatives as you know what you put in them.
If you’re planning to make Whipped cream specifically for your canine friends at home, it’s best to make coconut Whipped cream. You only need one ingredient. Yes, you read that right!
Coconut milk.
Using just coconut milk, you can make puppuccino for dogs that is dairy-free.
Here are just 10 steps:
- Use 1 can of coconut milk that is from the can. The canned coconut milk helps to stabilize the cream due to its fatty and thick content.
- Pour both the solid and the liquid out of the can of coconut milk.
- You’ll want to mix the solid and the liquid together by using a small whisk. The mix in the bowl should be foamy and frothy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic or cling wrap and put it into the fridge to chill overnight. The goal is to get the cream to stay firm.
- Alternatively, you can leave the bowl in the fridge for about 4 to 5 hours until the cream is very cold and firm.
- Before you start to whip the cream, you’ll want to stir the coconut in the bowl again.
- Next, pour the coconut milk into the canister of your whipped cream maker and close tightly.
- You’ll want to also add the whipped cream charger.
- Give the coconut milk a good gentle shake.
- Finally, spray the coconut Whipped cream onto your pup’s mouth, puppuccinos, or their favorite treats.
You can also add chicken broth, coconut oil, or peanut butter to the Whipped cream.
If you don’t have a whipped cream maker, you can use your mixer or a balloon whisk to beat the chilled coconut mixture. Keep beating the mixture until you notice the stiff peaks forming.
So, can dogs eat Whipped cream?
Dogs can eat Whipped cream, but moderation is key. Feeding it as an occasional treat is fine. However, it shouldn’t be a regular part of a dog’s diet.
Can dogs eat Whipped cream on cakes?
Whipped cream on cakes is often flavored with coffee, vanilla, or chocolate. Dogs cannot digest these ingredients, and eating cream with any of those can cause severe discomfort. Chocolate is especially dangerous, as it is toxic to dogs.
If the cream on the cake is plain whipped cream, it is a much safer option and in that case, yes, dogs can eat Whipped cream on cakes.
What kind of whip cream can dogs eat?
Unflavored whipped cream is safe for dogs in moderation. Homemade whipped cream can be made without using sugar, making it slightly better than the store-bought variety.
Flavors like vanilla and cocoa powder can be toxic to dogs and must be avoided at all costs.
Related Questions
For customers with canine companions, Starbucks offers Puppuccino, which is a small cup of Whipped cream. Since a little Whipped cream is safe for healthy dogs, there’s no harm in letting your pup enjoy the occasional sweet treat.
Starbucks serves Whipped cream without coffee for dogs and it is safe for lactose-tolerant canines. The serving size is very small, which is ideal for most dogs. However, it can still be pretty fatty.
Canned Whipped cream is whipping cream mixed with gas. As with all commercial products, check the label for any ingredient unfit for doggy consumption.
The gas in the canned whip cream can cause bloating in dogs. Bloating is when the canine’s belly gets filled with too much gas. The condition can be quite uncomfortable. It can also lead to gastric torsion which is a painful condition that requires immediate medical care.
If you suspect your pooch has gastric torsion, be sure to contact your vet right away.
Cool whip is basically sugary and syrupy oil. Unlike whipped cream, cool whip is made from water, vegetable oils, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup mixed with skimmed milk and a host of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Cool whip’s high corn syrup content makes it very unhealthy for dogs. Products with preservatives are also generally unsafe for canines.
Whipped cream can be very fatty, but it isn’t toxic. If your pooch eats whipped cream, there is no need to worry. Some lactose-intolerant dogs may get an upset stomach after eating milk-based products.
If you know your pup is lactose-intolerant, be sure to keep diary food products away from them and do not allow them to devour any dairy derivatives.
While Whipped cream is not toxic to dogs, there may be negative consequences to feeding Whipped cream to your canine friends on a regular basis.
If your furry friends are lactose-intolerant, avoid feeding them Whipped cream as it can give them gastrointestinal upset.
Whipped cream also contains heavy cream, sugar, caffeine, and vanilla extract. All of these ingredients are considered harmful to our canine friends. These ingredients are made to satisfy the human taste buds and are not made for doggy consumption.
If you would like to feed your dogs Whip cream, you can give them canine-friendly options like the Coconut Whipped Cream.
Coconut Whipped Cream is generally dairy-free and sugar-free. You can make this at home using one of these pieces of equipment to help you – a mixer, a balloon whisk, or a whipped cream dispenser. Simply whisk the coconut milk until they turn into whipped cream.
Your canine family member will love this aromatic and delicious coconut Whipped cream if you add it to their canine-friendly dog treats, puppuccinos, or pastries.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding dietary needs.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whipped_cream
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Whipped-Cream
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
