Your four-legged friend loves eating the same foods you do, but not all human food is safe or healthy for your pup. That’s why it’s essential to know exactly what is safe to feed your dog before doing it. If you’re a Starbucks fan, you probably know Starbucks has a doggie treat called the Puppuccino, which is a small cup of whipped cream. Giving your dog whipped cream from Starbucks might have you wondering whether you can give them some Cool Whip from your fridge.
Can dogs eat Cool Whip? Well, whipped cream and Cool Whip aren’t precisely the same thing. And while Cool Whip (the non-sugar-free version) isn’t toxic to canines, it’s definitely not the healthiest treat to give your pup. Here’s what you should know.
What Is Cool Whip?
You might have spent your life thinking Cool Whip is whipped cream, but it’s technically a whipped topping. Created in 1966, this tasty treat was developed as an alternative to whipped cream, as actually whipping cream takes some time (and muscle). It was billed as a strength and time-saver for busy at-home cooks who didn’t have time to waste on making whipped cream. And unlike real whipped cream, Cool Whip could be saved for longer and even frozen.
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The Difference Between Cool Whip and Whipped Cream
If Cool Whip is an alternative version of whipped cream, how is it different? Well, in its original incarnation, Cool Whip actually didn’t have any milk or cream! These days, it does contain just a hint of milk and light cream, but it also contains other ingredients, like high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, hydrogenated vegetable oil, artificial colors, and gums.
In contrast, whipped cream is just that—heavy cream that has been whipped. Sometimes, home cooks will add a tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar or even flavors, like vanilla extract, chocolate, or coffee. But in its simplest version, whipped cream is just cream that’s been whipped until fluffy and delicious.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Cool Whip?
As you can see, there are several differences between Cool Whip and whipped cream, and those differences are all the added stuff Cool Whip contains. While regular Cool Whip isn’t toxic to canines, the high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and dairy aren’t healthy for them at all. And if you’re venturing into sugar-free Cool Whip, you could be headed into extreme stomach upset territory.
Dangers of Feeding Cool Whip to Dogs
While your pup will be fine if they manage to sneak a lick or two of Cool Whip, giving it as a treat on a regular basis may harm your dog.
The main danger of feeding Cool Whip to your dog is the high-fructose corn syrup. This ingredient is just sugar (so much sugar!), and sugar isn’t something your pup needs to consume often. Just like us, if a dog eats too much sugar regularly, you could see them begin to pack on the pounds. Weight gain could lead to health problems, including diabetes, digestive issues, and metabolic changes. So, it’s best that your dog doesn’t consume sugar often.
The next problematic ingredient in Cool Whip is hydrogenated vegetable oil. Oil equals fat, and consuming too much fat also leads to weight gain, which in turn leads to health issues. Too much fat in the diet could also lead to pancreatitis, which is a serious and painful condition. Hydrogenated vegetable oil contains a lot of trans fats, in particular, which aren’t healthy for anyone and can cause inflammation.
Finally, though Cool Whip only contains a small amount of milk and cream these days, dairy still isn’t suitable for some dogs, as many pups are lactose intolerant. A small amount probably won’t hurt them, but larger amounts could cause stomach upset.
Again, none of these ingredients are toxic, but they can certainly be harmful in the long run for your pet!
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Sugar-Free Cool Whip
Sugar isn’t the best for your canine companion, but artificial sweeteners may be even worse. While some artificial sweeteners aren’t toxic to canines, the majority of them can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. However, xylitol is very toxic to canines even in small amounts, and should be avoided at all costs.
Luckily, the zero-sugar version of Cool Whip contains aspartame, which isn’t toxic but certainly isn’t healthy for pups and may upset their stomach immensely. If your dog has got into any sugar-free products it’s always best to double-check the ingredients list though to make sure xylitol isn’t on there and seek veterinary attention straight away if it is.
Conclusion
If your favorite four-legged pal got into the Cool Whip and had a lick or two, they should be perfectly fine. However, giving this food to your dog on a regular basis isn’t advisable as it contains way too much sugar and fat for dogs. You should also avoid the sugar-free version of Cool Whip, as it contains aspartame, which can greatly upset a dog’s stomach. If you want to give your pup a treat, stick with the ones made specifically for dogs; we promise they won’t know the difference. They’ll just be thrilled to have a tasty snack!
If you have recently purchased a hamster and have a pet dog in your home, you may wonder if your dog and your new hamster can share the same food. The short answer is no, they can’t, but keep reading to see if there are any exceptions to this rule and any specific brands you can use for both animals.
Is Dog Food Bad for My Hamster?
There are a few reasons that you shouldn’t feed your hamster dog food, and we’ll look at each of them now.
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Natural Diet
The biggest reason to avoid feeding your hamster dog food is that dogs and hamsters have different natural diets. While both animals are omnivores capable of eating plants and animals, dogs are much closer to the carnivorous side. They have only become omnivores from living with humans. Up to ⅔ of the dog’s diet can be animal meats and proteins, with vegetables and grains making up only a tiny part. In contrast, the hamster will eat next to no animal proteins and spend most of their life happily consuming Timothy hay, grass, vegetables, and other grains.
Protein
The protein content in dog food is typically a little higher than what you will find in hamster food. Brands like Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food have 20% protein or more. Hamster food like Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Blend Gerbil & Hamster Food only contains about 15% protein, which only makes up a small part of the hamster’s diet.
Fat
By looking closer at the two pet foods we’ve mentioned earlier, you can see that the dog food has a much higher fat content than the hamster food. This higher fat content can lead to heart disease and obesity in hamsters. Because being overweight can reduce your hamster’s lifespan, it’s best to avoid foods with high-fat content and stick to Timothy hay, grasses, and vegetables.
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Fiber
Another difference between hamster food and dog food is that dog food does not contain nearly as much fiber as hamster food. Hamsters require plenty of fiber in their diet and can get constipated if they don’t have enough.
Things Your Hamster and Dog Can Both Enjoy
Corn and Soy
While most wet and dry dog food brands have too much fat and animal protein to be suitable for your hamster, dog treats make a great occasional treat for your pet. A dog treat like Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe Dog Treats is suitable for your hammy because they usually contain many fillers like corn and soy. These ingredients may not be great for your dog, but your hamster will love them, and they are closer to the ingredients they naturally eat.
Chew Toy
Dog treats also tend to be very hard, and they can help your hamster wear down their front teeth so they don’t get out of control. Timothy hay is the primary way your hamster will wear down their teeth, but they will occasionally appreciate tasty food like a dog treat.
Vitamins and Minerals
Many dog treats like the Milk-Bones also contain some vitamins and minerals that can benefit your pet. The ingredients include vitamins A, D, and E, as well as calcium and phosphorus, which can help your hamster develop strong bones. Vitamin B12 can boost our pet’s energy levels, help fight obesity, and promote a strong metabolism.
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How Can I Feed My Hamster Dog Food?
As mentioned earlier, dog food isn’t suitable for a hamster in either wet or dry form because it contains too much fat and animal proteins. However, several dog treats are suitable, so while they can’t share the same food, they can bond over a great snack.
Unlike your dog, who can eat several treats in the blink of an eye, your hamster will nurse a single treat for several days. If only provided occasionally, these treats can add variety to their lives while providing something to chew. We recommend serving dog treats to your pet no more than once per month to ensure they stay healthy and don’t put on additional weight. In between treats, make sure they eat plenty of Timothy hay to get the fiber they need.
Summing Up
If you caught your hamster munching down on some of your dog’s food when you weren’t looking, they should be fine. However, you should not give your hamster dog food on purpose because it’s not in line with their nutritional needs, and it could quickly lead to health problems if provided regularly. You could give your hamster the occasional dog treat, but it’s probably better to stick to food that hamsters are supposed to eat, like Timothy hay, grass, fruits, and vegetables.
High-value dog treats are an indispensable tool to have on hand when you begin training your dog. The reason is simple: your dog will be much more motivated to perform the actions you’re asking them to if the reward they’re receiving in return is special and delicious. However, if you’re not sure what your dog considers to be “high value,” it can be challenging to motivate them to perform as expected. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the ten best high-value dog treats that nearly every dog will go wild for.
Read on to find our reviews for these 10 treats, as well as a thorough buying guide to help you choose the perfect one for your pup.
These single-ingredient treats are made from 100% pure beef liver and are therefore packed full of protein your dog needs to support their muscles. They also contain coat- and skin-supporting fatty acids and vitamin D. They are freeze-dried to preserve the nutrient integrity and ensure your pup gets the healthiest (and tastiest) reward for their hard work. Stewart manufactures these treats in America in small batches to ensure their freshness. They’re available in several flavor options, so if your dog isn’t wild about the beef liver flavor, you can try chicken liver, salmon, or chicken breast instead.
The size of each treat can vary. Some consumers reported that their treats have been getting progressively smaller every time they order them, while others reported that they’re too big for their dogs.
Pros
Single-ingredient recipe
Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients
Made in small batches
Available in other flavors
Chock full of protein and fatty acids
Cons
Treat sizes can vary
2. Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites Bacon Flavor Dog Treats – Best Value
These low-calorie treats can be a guilt-free indulgence for your dog as they each contain just 1.5 calories. They’re made without corn, soy, or artificial flavorings and have a natural pork liver base that most dogs go wild for.
The treats are pretty small and best suited for smaller breed dogs.
Pros
Low calorie
No corn or soy
Made with natural pork liver
Highly palatable
Cons
Treats are very small
3. Best Bully Sticks Beef Trachea Dog Treats – Premium Choice
If you’re not working with a strict budget and don’t mind spending a little extra to help ensure the success of your pup’s training, the Best Bully Sticks Beef Trachea Dog Treats are a great pick.
The beef trachea comes in a pack of 50 and is made with 100% free-range, grass-fed cattle. They do not contain any additives or preservatives. The trachea has a naturally grooved texture that may promote dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar. These sticks are a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine, natural compounds that can support joint function.
The treats may be too large for smaller dogs to eat comfortably.
Pros
Large package size
Made with 100% beef trachea
May promote dental and joint health
Cons
Not recommended for smaller dogs
4. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe Training Dog Treats – Best for Puppies
Growing puppies need a high-value treat that not only tastes good to get them interested in training but a treat that will promote health, too. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe Training Dog Treats are fortified with vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and zinc. These low-calorie treats feature real peanut butter as their first ingredient and are super soft and easy for your puppy to tear into. Your pup may want to keep using these for training sessions well into adulthood, too!
There appears to be some consistency issues with the packaging. Some bags have a poor seal, so when they arrived on the consumer’s doorstep, they were dried out and stale. The packaging is resealable, however, so once you open them, they can be resealed to maintain their freshness.
The pawTree Freeze Dried Duck & Mangoes treats are a limited-ingredient option that’s as highly digestible as they are tasty. Their digestibility makes them excellent treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs. They’re high in protein thanks to their single-source protein formula. Since they’re freeze-dried to preserve nutrient integrity and don’t have any fillers or artificial additives, pawTree’s treats are a guilt-free option for health-conscious dog owners.
These treats may be hard to find in stores or online and are higher priced than some of the other options on our list.
Pros
Single-source protein formula
Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Highly digestible
High in protein
Cons
Can be hard to find
Expensive
6. Vital Essentials Chicken Hearts Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats
Vital Essentials Chicken Hearts Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats are a single-ingredient option, offering a preservative-free treat for your hardworking pup. The treats are frozen at peak freshness, so you always have a tasty, fresh treat on hand for your pup’s training sessions. They’re naturally abrasive in texture, which may promote teeth and gum health. The treats are low in calories and high in protein. Because they’re made with chicken hearts, they offer a good source of micronutrients like zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
The treats may be too crunchy for some dogs, and since they’re pretty small, they may not be suitable for larger breeds.
Pros
High in protein
Single-ingredient formulation
Frozen at peak freshness
Low in calories
Good source of micronutrients
Cons
May be too crunchy
Too small for larger breeds
7. Dr. Marty Tilly’s Treasures Beef Liver Dog Treat
Dr.Marty Tilly’s Treasures Beef Liver Dog Treat is a freeze-dried raw beef liver treat great for owners looking for high-quality nutrition wrapped up in a tasty package. These bites contain just one ingredient and are chock full of nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamins A and B.
There is no per-treat calorie count available. Owners whose pups are on a diet may need to reach out to the company directly to find out how many calories are in each treat. Additionally, they are priced relatively high, which may make them inaccessible for some dog owners.
Pros
Single-ingredient treat
High in protein
Good source of vitamins A and B
Cons
Expensive
No caloric information
8. Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Hearts Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats
Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Hearts Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats are another single-ingredient treat fantastic for pups with food sensitivities. These 100% freeze-dried raw chicken hearts offer your pup a hefty dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins. They’re made without any artificial ingredients and are easily digestible. Though the source is not named, the company says their meats are all responsibly sourced and do not contain added hormones or antibiotics.
The treats may be too big right out of the bag and may need to be chopped up before your training sessions. Some consumers reported the treats can be dusty and flaky.
Pros
Offers a good dose of zinc and iron
No artificial ingredients
Easily digestible
Single-ingredient formulation
Cons
May need to be cut up
Flaky and dusty
Unclear where meat is sourced from
9. Pet Botanics Training Reward Bacon Flavor Dog Treats
The Pet Botanics Training Reward Bacon Flavor Dog Treats are a low-calorie, high-value treat that’s perfectly sized for repetitive rewards. The packaging is easy to carry in your pocket, and the treats’ moist texture makes them easy to eat and chew. The treats are made from real pork liver and enhanced with vitamins and the manufacturer’s BotaniFits, a proprietary blend of botanicals like chamomile and rosemary. No artificial flavors or colors were added to this product.
The ingredient list is quite long, which may be off-putting for some dog owners and pups with allergies. Additionally, they do contain added sugar to help maintain their texture.
Pros
Low calorie
Made with real pork liver
Small, easy-to-carry packaging
Cons
Long ingredient list
Contains added sugar
10. Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
The Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats are freeze-dried and made in the USA. They contain beef liver and beef heart to offer a protein- and vitamin-rich treat that’s as healthy as it is tasty. They don’t contain any chemicals, colors, or fillers, and each treat contains one calorie or less, so you can feel good about giving them to your pup.
These treats may be too hard and small for some dogs to eat. Additionally, they’re pretty expensive for the size of the bag.
Pros
Made with real beef liver and heart
High in protein
No chemicals or fillers
Cons
May be too hard and small for some breeds
A little on the expensive
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best High-Value Dog Treats
What Are High-Value Treats?
High-value dog treats are any food or treat that your dog loves but doesn’t get very often. They’re something your pup goes wild for and will do almost anything for. Essentially, high-value treats are extremely valuable because they’re special and occasional. It is imperative not to give them to your dog too often; otherwise, they’ll lose their value.
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Factors to Consider When Shopping for High-Value Dog Treats
Flavor
The flavor of your dog’s treats will be a huge deciding factor in which you choose. You know your dog and their preferences best, so choose a flavor they’ve already expressed interest in. If you don’t know which your pup prefers just yet, accept that you may need to do some trial and error to see which they prefer.
Nutrients
When we think about treats for ourselves, our minds typically first go to things like cookies and ice cream or otherwise delicious and calorically dense foods. However, our dogs don’t need these kinds of foods that are lacking in nutrients. That’s why the treats on our list aren’t chock full of unnecessary fillers or preservatives and instead focus primarily on optimizing your pup’s tradition.
That said, some of the treats on our list are more nutrient-dense options than others, particularly those that are made with just one ingredient. But don’t let “nutrient-dense” trick you into thinking these treats are less tasty and won’t be as rewarding for your pup.
Smell
A dog’s sense of smell is incredibly strong. As a result, you may find your pup more interested in treats with an odorous, meaty scent. The stronger smelling your treats are, the more motivated your dog will be to perform as you want them to.
Please note that you may find that the treats smell incredibly offensive, but remember, these are for your dog and not you.
Texture
Some of the training treats on our list are hard, while others are soft and moist. The texture you choose will depend on what type your pup prefers.
The treat’s texture can also determine how easy it is to deliver them. Some of the options above are nice and moist, which makes breaking them in two super easy to do while you’re on the go. Others are hard and may require cutting beforehand if you need to break them down for your smaller dog to eat safely.
Size
Not all training treats are the same size or consistency, so consider your pup’s breed before deciding which treats to try. In our reviews, we mentioned that some may be too small for larger breeds or too big for smaller breeds, so keep that in mind before you buy.
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When to Use a High-Value Treat
High-value treats should be reserved to reward good behavior and reinforce your training sessions.
Some examples of perfect times to offer high-value treats include:
When your dog is in a highly distracting environment (e.g. when training recall outdoors)
If you don’t want to buy dog treats to use as high-value rewards, there are plenty of other foods you can offer your pup to reinforce the behaviors you’re seeking. In many cases, dogs are highly motivated by human food.
Some of the most popular high-value human foods include:
Cheese
Plain, roasted chicken
Scrambled eggs
Beef jerky (unsalted and unseasoned)
Peanut butter
Salmon jerky (unsalted and unseasoned)
Apples
Carrots
Conclusion
For the best overall high-value dog treat, Stewart’s Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Treats are great for their freshness, nutritional integrity, and single-ingredient recipe. Folks looking for a budget-friendly option should consider Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites for their affordability and low-calorie count.
We hope our reviews have helped you find the best training treat for your pup. Remember, to amplify your training success, reserve these treats for outstanding behavior only. Offering them too often will lessen their “sparkle.”
High-value dog treats are an indispensable tool to have on hand when you begin training your dog. The reason is simple: your dog will be much more motivated to perform the actions you’re asking them to if the reward they’re receiving in return is special and delicious. However, if you’re not sure what your dog considers to be “high value,” it can be challenging to motivate them to perform as expected. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the ten best high-value dog treats that nearly every dog will go wild for.
, a proprietary blend of botanicals like chamomile and rosemary. No artificial flavors or colors were added to this product.
