- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Many dogs love the rich, sweet taste of whipped cream, so it’s no surprise that pup cups at drive-thrus and cafés have become so popular. But how much cream can dogs safely have, and is whipped cream okay for all pups?
In general, some cream is okay, as long as it’s an occasional treat and not an everyday part of your dog’s diet. Some pups, however, are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies, which means they’ll have an unpleasant reaction to dairy products like milk and heavy cream. Coconut whipped cream is a popular dairy-free alternative for these dogs—though it’s still important to offer in moderation.
Here’s what you need to know about how much cream dogs can eat, the differences between types of cream, why too much can be harmful, and the safest way to give your dog a tasty, creamy treat.
How Much Cream Can a Dog Eat?
If you’re a regular at your local Starbucks or independent café, your dog might get excited at the thought of a tasty pup cup—a tiny cup (usually around an ounce) of whipped cream. But how many of these can your dog safely enjoy per week?
Dr. Grant Little DVM, small animal veterinarian and expert with JustAnswer, recommends limiting your dog’s pup cup intake to two per week. “Once you start going higher than that, I’ve seen dogs come in with diarrhea, vomiting and upset stomachs,” he says.
It’s also important to consider the size and weight of your dog. Dr. Little adds that a small Yorkie will be more sensitive than a larger breed.
Some pet parents also like making their dogs creamy treats at home. This allows you to control the type of cream your dog eats. For example, you might choose to use a dairy-free coconut cream if your dog is lactose intolerant, or use a whole cream without additives to keep sugar levels as low as possible.
Are some types of cream safer than others?
For the most part, all types of cream (dairy, coconut, heavy cream) are relatively equal in their effect, says Dr. Little. He adds that while heavy cream may be a little higher risk for diarrhea compared to the others, he typically doesn’t see more or fewer issues with one type of cream.
The exception is cream with additives. The following can be dangerous:
- Sugar-free cream (which may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
- Creams containing flavors like chocolate
- Creams containing toxic foods like raisins
Why Is Too Much Cream Harmful for Dogs?
In the short-term, eating too much cream can cause gastric upset. Signs your dog has had too much cream include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas or burping
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of appetite
If your dog hasn’t eaten much dairy before, you might not realize if they’re lactose intolerant. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include things like stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
There are also long-term risks to consider. Cream is calorie dense, and over time, excess calories can lead to obesity, which can create a range of health concerns, including mobility issues, breathing problems, and orthopedic diseases.
Eating fatty food too often can also lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Symptoms can appear suddenly and be mistaken for other issues. Watch out for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- High temperature
- Lack of appetite
- Standing in the “pray” position, with back legs raised
Fast treatment is crucial, so if you suspect pancreatitis, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian right away.
The Safest Way To Give Cream as a Treat
If you love giving your dog cream, Dr. Little’s advice is to do it in moderation. Stick to a couple of small pup cups per week. If you’re going to a coffee shop like Starbucks, check that the pup cups are made with plain cream, without any additives, stabilizers, or flavorings.
Making pup cups at home can also be a fun way to treat your dog, while also using the type of cream they enjoy best. If you have a whipped cream dispenser or even a balloon whisk, it’s easy to whip any type of cream to make a small pup cup.
For a dairy-free alternative, use canned coconut milk, which is easier for most dogs to digest. Like other creams, it’s still high in fat, so moderation is key.
