Can Dogs Eat Whipped Cream? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Considerations
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Whipped cream is a perfect addition to any dessert. Unfortunately, not all foodstuffs that humans find tasty are ideal for dogs.
So, can dogs eat whipped cream, and is it safe for them?
The short answer is yes. Dogs can eat whipped cream. Whether it makes a safe treat depends on whether your doggo is lactose tolerant and the amount you offer per serving.
Read on to find out whether whipped cream has any nutritional benefits for dogs.
What Is Whipped Cream?
Whipped cream is commonly used to make whipped toppings for pies, hot chocolate, cakes, and desserts. Although preparing it involves a somewhat complex process, it generally contains only three main ingredients: heavy cream, sugar to sweeten, and flavor.
Whipping cream is mostly fat, which makes up 76% of the treat. It also contains 19% carbohydrates, 5% protein, and trivial amounts of calcium, vitamin A, and vital nutrients.
Is Whipped Cream Nutritious for Dogs? Is It Harmful?
Whipped cream does not provide high nutritional value for dogs. It offers little or no health benefits, although it can be a welcome treat for underweight pets or those struggling to gain weight. It can also make an excellent food incentive for reinforcing desired behaviors, but there are many better options out there.
Dairy products are top on the list of the most common sources of food intolerance in dogs. Many canines are lactose intolerant and cannot digest dairy milk products effectively. Providing treats like whipped cream can lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
It’s best to only offer whipped cream occasionally as a reward and not a regular part of your dog’s usual meals. The high levels of fats and sugars can easily lead to obesity.
What About Sugar-Free Whipped Cream?
Sugar-free whipped cream is a definite no for dogs. Why? Sugar-free whipped cream often contains xylitol, a sugar alcohol used in some sugar-free foods and drinks. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, causing the following signs:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Coma
- Low blood glucose
- Liver failure
- Death
How Much Whipped Cream Should I Feed My Dog?
Whipped cream should never be a daily food for your dog. It has little nutritional value to your furry friend. Also, it is packed with calories that can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
The general rule is to avoid it, but if you are certain that your dog is not lactose intolerant, you can offer the treat occasionally and in small amounts. A teaspoon of whipped cream can be given to small dogs and a tablespoon to large ones.
Offering substantial amounts of whipped cream in one serving or offering the treat too frequently can have negative health implications. For instance, a medium-sized dog only requires about 14 grams of fat daily1. Providing a cup of pressurized whipped cream containing roughly 13 grams of fat means your furry friend should not have more fat for the day.
Whipped cream is made from whole milk, which can cause gas, diarrhea, and bloating in lactose-intolerant dogs. If your dog’s tummy cannot stand milk products, you must not offer whipped cream, not even in small amounts.
Which Is the Best Whipped Cream to Feed Your Dog?
There are two main types of whipped creams: commercial and homemade products.
Canned or tub-whipped creams are readily available in local grocery stores. Although they are a convenient option, they are not the best for your dog because they often contain chemical preservatives.
A better alternative to feeding your dog commercial whipped cream is to prepare a preservative-free homemade product. However, we still recommend that you only let them have a small taste on rare occasions. There are better suitable treats for dogs out there, including ones focusing on a natural ingredient that is high in protein, such as plain boiled chicken. You can also opt for a small piece of apple or a blueberry. These fruit treats have antioxidants and are less sugary and calorie-dense.
Final Thoughts
Final ThoughtsWhile whipped cream is a nice treat for most people throughout the year, it doesn’t offer dogs much nutritional value or health benefits.
If your furry companion deserves a treat, offering a small amount of whipped cream is safe. Don’t make this their everyday treat, though, because it is low in protein, vitamins, and minerals and rich in fat and sugar. Moreover, whipped cream is not suitable for lactose-intolerant canines.
