Your four-legged friend loves eating the same foods as you, but not all human foods are safe or healthy for your pup. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what is safe to feed your dog before you give it to him. If you’re a Starbucks fan, you probably know that Starbucks has a dog treat called a “pappuccino” that comes in a small cup filled with whipped cream. When giving your dog Starbucks whipped cream, you may be wondering if it’s okay to give him Cool Whip from the fridge.
Can dogs eat Cool Whip? Well, whipped cream and Cool Whip aren’t exactly the same thing. and Cool Whip (the sugar-free version) is not toxic to dogs, but it’s not the healthiest treat to give your pup. Here’s what you need to know:
What is Cool Whip?
You may have lived your life thinking Cool Whip was whipped cream, but technically it’s actually whipped topping. Created in 1966, this delicious treat was developed as an alternative to whipped cream because whipping cream is actually time-consuming (and labor-intensive). It was touted as a nourishing and time-saver for busy home cooks who don’t have time to spend making whipped cream. Also, unlike real whipped cream, Cool Whip has a long shelf life and can even be frozen.
Difference between Cool Whip and Whipped Cream
If Cool Whip is a substitute for whipped cream, how is it different? Well, in its original version, Cool Whip didn’t contain milk or cream. These days, it contains just a little milk and light cream, but also other ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, hydrogenated vegetable oils, artificial colors, and gums.
In contrast, whipped cream is just whipped cream. Home cooks may also add a tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar or flavorings such as vanilla extract, chocolate, or coffee. But in its simplest version, whipped cream is just cream whipped until fluffy and delicious.
Why shouldn’t dogs eat Cool Whip?
As you can see, there are several differences between Cool Whip and whipped cream, and those differences are all additional features included in Cool Whip. Regular Cool Whip is not toxic to dogs, but high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and dairy products are not healthy for dogs at all. And if you try sugar-free Cool Whip, you may be heading into extreme stomach upset territory.
Dangers of giving Cool Whip to dogs
It’s okay if your pup can sneak a lick or two of Cool Whip, but giving it as a treat on a regular basis can be harmful to your dog.
The main danger of giving Cool Whip to dogs is high fructose corn syrup. This ingredient is exactly sugar (Too much sugar!) And sugar is not something your pup needs to consume often. Just like us, if your dog consumes too much sugar on a regular basis, you’ll find that they start gaining weight. Weight gain can lead to health problems such as diabetes, digestive problems, and metabolic changes. Therefore, it is best for dogs not to consume sugar frequently.
The next problematic ingredient in Cool Whip is hydrogenated vegetable oil. Oil is the same as fat, and consuming too much fat can lead to weight gain and, in turn, health problems. Too much fat in the diet can also cause pancreatitis, a serious and painful condition. Hydrogenated vegetable oils are especially high in trans fatty acids, which are not healthy for everyone and can cause inflammation.
Finally, although modern Cool Whip only contains small amounts of milk and cream, many puppies are lactose intolerant, so dairy products are still not suitable for some dogs. Although it may be harmless in small amounts, it can cause stomach upset if consumed in large amounts.
Again, none of these ingredients are toxic, but they can certainly be harmful to your pet in the long run.
sugar free cool whip
Sugar isn’t the best for your dog, but artificial sweeteners may be even worse. Although some artificial sweeteners are not toxic to dogs, most of them can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. However, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and should be avoided at all costs.
Fortunately, the sugar-free version of Cool Whip does contain aspartame and is not toxic, but it is certainly not healthy for your pup and can seriously upset their stomachs. If your dog has ingested a sugar-free product, double-check the ingredient list to make sure it does not contain xylitol, and if it does, seek veterinary attention immediately. is the best.
conclusion
If your favorite four-legged friend hops on the Cool Whip and takes a lick or two, it shouldn’t be a problem at all. However, this food has too much sugar and fat for your dog, so it’s not recommended to feed it regularly. Also, avoid sugar-free Cool Whip as it contains aspartame and can cause major upset to your dog’s stomach. If you want to give treats to your puppy, use ones made specifically for dogs. I promise they won’t know the difference. They will be overjoyed just by eating a delicious snack.
Featured image credit: MaraZe, Shutterstock
