Can Dogs Have Cool Whip or Whipped Cream? What to Know Before You Share

Most people love the taste of Cool Whip or Reddi-wip and want to share them with their favorite pet. Are they safe? A tiny taste is usually OK for most healthy dogs. However, just because they’re not dangerous or toxic doesn't mean you should give these whipped toppings to your pup. They offer no nutritional value and can upset your dog’s stomach or even cause health problems if consumed regularly.

We’ve put together a veterinarian-approved breakdown on the risks to consider, what to do if your dog eats a creamy dessert topping, and healthier alternatives you could share with them instead.

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Is Cool Whip safe for dogs?

First, you need to look at the ingredients in Cool Whip and other whipped-topping creams. They are usually made from water, hydrogenated vegetable oils, high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, and additives such as artificial flavors and stabilizers. A little taste given to healthy dogs is harmless, but there's absolutely no nutritional benefit to eating more. 

This product can irritate the digestive system, especially if your dog has any history of food sensitivity or lactose intolerance. Almost all Cool Whip products have dairy in them, and many adult dogs are lactose intolerant — this means they lack the enzyme lactase, so they can't digest lactose. In those situations, anything containing dairy is likely to cause gas, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort. 

Things to consider before offering your dog Cool Whip:

• Does your dog have a sensitive stomach?

• Is your dog overweight or prone to pancreatitis?

• Do they have diabetes or food allergies?

• Is there a sugar-free sweetener, such as xylitol, in the Cool Whip or other cream? Xylitol is toxic to dogs.

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, stay away from the whipped topping altogether.

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Potential health risks of dogs eating Cool Whip 

Several potential problems arise when you give your dog Cool Whip and other dessert creams.

1. Digestive upset: As already mentioned, a dog eating dairy products, sugar, or artificial ingredients could lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

2. Weight gain and obesity: Feeding Cool Whip regularly to your dog can contribute to weight gain and lead to obesity because it’s high in sugar and fat. This, in turn, can lead to diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart issues.

3. Pancreatitis: Dogs who are sensitive to developing pancreatitis can be triggered by high-fat foods, even in small amounts. Pancreatitis is painful and can be life-threatening.

4. Artificial additives: Cool Whip and similar creams can contain ingredients such as hydrogenated oils and high-fructose corn syrup. These can increase inflammation and offer no nutritional benefit.

5. Xylitol risk in sugar-free products: Xylitol can be found in some sugar-free whipped creams. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. Even the slightest amounts can cause rapid insulin release, bring on severe hypoglycemia, and lead to liver failure or death.

As you can see, there are several good reasons to keep your pup away from Cool Whip.

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What to do if your dog eats Cool Whip

Usually, a small amount of Cool Whip or other whipped creams doesn't require emergency care, but this depends on how much your dog ate and if the product contains a toxic ingredient like xylitol.

Step-by-step guide

Take the following actions if your dog eats Cool Whip.

1. Check the label: Watch out for xylitol or sugar alcohols. If those are listed, consider this an emergency, and contact your veterinarian right away.

2. Monitor your dog: Keep an eye out for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, restlessness, lethargy, drooling, or signs of abdominal pain.

3. Provide water often: Giving your dog extra water can help with mild stomach upset.

4. Withhold food briefly: If you give your pet’s stomach a rest for six to 12 hours, and then follow with a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice, this may help.

5. Contact your veterinarian: You should contact a doctor in the following cases.

• Diarrhea or vomiting lasts more than 24 hours.

• There are signs of pancreatitis, such as a hunched posture, belly pain, refusal to eat, or bloating.

• Your pup has an underlying health condition such as diabetes, obesity, or kidney disease.

Most of the time, your dog will be fine if the amount eaten was small, but it’s better to be certain.

Alternatives to Cool Whip for dogs

Of course, you enjoy sharing treats with your pup, but you want to ensure they are healthy and safe options. Fortunately, they will like some just as much as Cool Whip.

1. Unsweetened whipped cream has less sugar, but you should still give it only in moderation.

2. Whipped plain Greek yogurt is lactose-free, contains probiotics, and provides protein, making it better than Cool Whip.

3. Pumpkin purée, when 100 percent pure, is high in fiber and easy to digest, so it’s good for your pup.

4. Mashed banana or blended berries provide natural sweetness and antioxidants.

5. Dog-safe pup cups can be given if they are vet-approved recipes. They are often made with goat-milk yogurt or coconut cream.

6. For a frozen treat option, add banana or strawberries to plain Greek yogurt, blend, and freeze in silicone molds to achieve a dog-safe whipped snack.

Bottom line

Cool Whip isn't toxic to dogs, but it’s not healthy either. Sugar, hydrogenated fats, and artificial additives can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to long-term health problems. A small bite of Cool Whip won’t do any harm, but it should never become more than that and should not become a habit.

FAQs

How much Cool Whip can a dog have?

Give only a small amount to small dogs (less than a teaspoon) and a tablespoon to larger dogs.  Even with that small amount, Cool Whip should be given only occasionally, not as part of their regular diet.

What happens if a dog eats Cool Whip?

Most of the time, you won’t see any symptoms if your dog eats Cool Whip. Your dog may experience mild digestive upset, such as soft stool or diarrhea. However, if the product contains xylitol or large amounts of fat or sugar, this can lead to serious problems such as low blood glucose, pancreatitis, or vomiting.

What type of whipped cream is safe for dogs? 

You can give your dog plain, unsweetened whipped cream made from heavy cream, without artificial sweeteners. That’s the safest option, but again, give this only in tiny amounts. 

Can dogs have Cool Whip or Reddi-wip?

Both can be given in tiny amounts to healthy dogs, but it’s better not to give them any. Reddi-wip is real dairy cream, which isn't suitable for many dogs, and Cool Whip is mostly oils and sugar. Both are high in fat and sugar, and if you give them to your dog, it should only be in small amounts and as rare treats.

References

• Grandi, Monica, et al. “Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Increasing Doses of Lactose on Faecal Bacterial Populations and Metabolites and Apparent Total Tract Digestibility in Adult Dogs.” Italian Journal of Animal Science, vol. 17, no. 4, 18 Apr. 2018, pp. 1021–1029, doi.org/10.1080/1828051x.2018.1459210.‌

• Mansfield, Caroline S., et al. “Assessing the Severity of Canine Pancreatitis.” Research in Veterinary Science, vol. 74, no. 2, Apr. 2003, pp. 137–144. doi.org/10.1016/s0034-5288(02)00181-9.‌

• “Why Is My Dog Throwing up White Foam? A Veterinarian Explains | 33rd Square.” 33rdsquare.com, 27 Mar. 2024, 33rdsquare.com/why-is-my-dog-throwing-up-white-foam-a-veterinarian-explains.