Dogs want to be part of whatever you love in life.
It’s what makes them beg for a piece of your dinner and jump in the car whenever you leave the house.
Even though it’s tempting to want to share your joy, it may not always be in your dog’s best interest.
Food can be an especially complicated thing to share with your dog, but it doesn’t have to be. Stop wondering if your dog can eat certain foods and learn more about their digestive needs.
Can dogs eat whipped cream?
Here’s a guide that will explain if whipped cream is good for your dog and everything you need to know about sharing it with them.
Can Dogs Eat Whipped Cream?
Photo by Don LaVange (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Whipped cream is one of those special treats people like to keep stocked in their home.
You may eat it straight from the can or put a dollop on a slice of pie or some waffles.
Either way, here’s what you should know if you want to give your dog a taste too.
Answer: Only a Little Bit
If your dog gets a tiny bit of whipped cream on their nose or licks your dessert plate clean, it isn’t a cause for concern.
Unless they’re severely lactose intolerant, they shouldn’t experience any digestive upset. Dog owners must remember that whipped cream is based in whole milk, which isn’t something all dogs can digest.
If your dog gets a mouthful of whipped cream somehow, that’s when they may have to run to the bathroom or even vomit.
Portion sizes that are too large may disrupt their digestive system and cause them discomfort.
What About Canned Whipped Cream?
You may have whipped cream in a can instead of a plastic container.
Sometimes it’s cheaper or tastes better to some people.
Either way, it’s the same product in either container unless it’s flavored, so it’s okay to give your dog a taste on your fingertip or a small spoon.
Artificially flavored whipped cream should stay away from your dog, as the artificial ingredients could bother them more than the sugar or fat content.
Is Whipped Cream Good for Dogs?
If you were to visit a nutritionist, they wouldn’t recommend eating whipped cream to round out your diet.
It has little nutritional value for humans and is even considered bad for your health if eaten in large amounts frequently.
So is it good or bad for dogs?
That’s the question you might ask yourself. If they don’t have an immediate bad reaction to it, does that mean it’s good for them?
Whipped cream isn’t good for dogs, even if a small bit is safe to eat.
It’s a high-fat food even if you get a product labeled “low-fat.”
Compared to food formulated for dogs, it’s higher in fat than they need and contains sweeteners they aren’t meant to digest.
Sugar and other sweeteners become toxic in large doses[1], inflaming their gut and passing through their digestive system.
Dog’s aren’t able to break down and absorb sugar and saturated fats[2], so a bowlful of whipped cream won’t agree with them.
Possible Dangers of Whipped Cream
Even if your dog has had a bite or two of whipped cream in the past, bigger servings aren’t a good idea. That’s when the real dangers come in, which are easy to avoid.
Eating too much whipped cream could result in your dog experiencing symptoms such as[3]:
- Gas
- Loose stools
- Abdominal swelling or pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
The fatty nature of whipped cream could also cause lethargy and coordination issues, if your dog has existing gallbladder problems[4].
Any dog with gallbladder issues (such as orange poop!) should be kept to a strict diet recommended by your vet to keep them healthy and happy.
How to Serve Whipped Cream to Your Dog
The first rule of allowing your dog to eat human food is to always supervise them while they consume it.
They can enjoy a taste of whipped cream, but should never be alone with an open container of it.
A dollop in your dog’s bowl is fun for them to lick, or they can eat it off a spoon or finger.
You might also indulge them in a treat when you’re at Starbucks, which provides Puppuccino whipped cream cups to dogs in the drive-through.
How Much Can You Feed Your Dog
It’s easy to read about giving your dog a spoonful of food, but what’s the limit?
Dogs should never eat more than a quarter-cup of whipped cream at a time, and only if they’re considered a large-breed dog. Small dogs can enjoy a tablespoon at most.
You’ll also discover portion sizes with trial tests.
If your large dog has diarrhea after a spoonful of whipped cream, their personal serving size may be smaller than traditional guidelines.
Conclusion
It’s always smart to research what your dog can or can’t eat before giving them any human food.
Many dogs enjoy whipped cream and it may be safe for your four-legged best friend to eat too. It all depends on how sensitive their stomach is and how much you give them.
FAQs
Should Dogs Eat Whipped Cream?
Dogs can eat little bits of whipped cream as a treat, but should never rely on it as part of their daily meals.
It isn’t meant for canine consumption in the same way their kibble is.
What Type of Whip Cream Can Dogs Eat?
Original and unflavored whipped cream is fine for most dogs, although if your dog has a sensitive stomach, they may prefer a low-fat or sugar-free version.
Does Whipped Cream Hurt Dogs?
A tiny taste of whipped cream here and there shouldn’t hurt your dog, but it could make them experience uncomfortable side effects if they eat large portions all the time.
Use it as an infrequent treat, like on their birthday or a holiday, and they should be just fine.
You can always consult your dog’s vet if you think their pre-existing health conditions could complicated things.
Resources
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/6-reasons-why-your-dog-shouldnt-have-sugar
- https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/03/the-skinny-on-fat-part-1/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-drink-milk/
- http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/what-you-need-to-know-about-canine-gallbladder-disease