Being a pet owner, you can have adorable pets including cats and dogs live together in harmony.
And you will want to treat these furbabies equally, but it’s worth remembering that they do have different needs.
If you offer some dog ice cream to your pooch, you also want to share it with your cat. But is dog ice cream safe for cats?
Though there is no toxic substance in dog ice cream, you should avoid feeding it to your cat in high amounts.
As canines and felines are different from each other, dog ice cream is best suitable for dogs only.
Besides, cats lack the enzyme to digest lactose found in dairy products. So, it’s better to keep your cat away from the dog’s treat, as well as human ice cream!
Here I will look into dog ice cream and its effects on cats in more detail to help you understand any potential hazards of offering dog ice cream to your feline friend. So, let’s dig deeper into it.
Can I Feed My Cat Dog Ice Cream?
No, you should not feed your cat dog ice cream. That’s because it is not appropriate for cats. The cat’s digestive system can’t deal with food intended for humans or any other pets.
Your cat can’t withstand many ingredients found in dog ice cream. So, it’s not a good idea to offer them a dog treat.
But, Is Dog Ice Cream Safe For Cats?
So although I wouldn’t recommend feeding dog ice cream to your cats, we all know that cats can be sneaky if they have a treat in their sights.
And they may well take the opportunity if your dog’s ice cream is left unoccupied for a moment.
As such, you might be wondering if dog ice cream is safe for cats? So, generally, all types of ice creams aren’t suitable for cats because of some unhealthy components in them – this includes doggy ice cream.
Sugar, milk, and cream are important ingredients of ice cream. However, homemade dog ice cream has yoghurt and fresh fruits instead of these ingredients.
Although cats are fine with fruits, yoghurt is not so good for them.
In short, avoid feeding your cat dog ice cream as it can be problematic for your pet. If your cat happens to gain access to a small amount, it’s unlikely to cause problems, but avoid your cat eating large quantities of it.
And, if you are worried that your cat has eaten some dog ice cream, it’s important to speak to your vet.
What Happens If My Cat Eats Dog Ice Cream?
Well, you should keep in mind that dog ice cream is particularly made for canines and isn’t designed with cats and their digestive requirements in mind.
Although, this dog treat doesn’t contain any extremely harmful substances for cats, in some cases, your cat might suffer from some problems like diarrhea and vomiting.
This happens due to lactose present in yoghurt, one of the ingredients of dog ice cream, which is not recommended for cats.
Although they can consume it without complications in small quantities, in some cases it can still lead to diarrhea.
I have one cat who does steal a lick of yoghurt if a pot is left hanging around, and this hasn’t proved to be harmful, but I would never allow her to consume any more than a few licks every now and then.
Also, yoghurt consists of high-fat content which dogs can tolerate. But that’s not the case with cats as they can’t consume too much fat.
On top of that, dog ice cream is formed to satisfy dogs, not cats. So, you should consider other alternatives for your feline friends.
I’ve provided some tasty ideas later on in this post.
Can Cats Eat Lactose-Free Ice Cream?
Yes, cats can consume lactose-free ice cream. Although, lactose is not present in all kinds of ice cream.
But it’s better to check the ingredients before offering it to your cat. Being a pet owner, your pet’s health should be your top priority.
And to be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid all types of ice cream that aren’t intended for cats altogether.
Alternatives To Dog Ice Cream For Cats
You can offer treats to your cats that are made only for them rather than offering dog ice cream.
Here are four delicious treats that you can offer your kitty while your dog enjoys his ice cream:
Cat Ice Cream
If you want to offer your cat a treat, then cat ice cream is a good option in this regard as it contains ingredients that are cat-friendly.
Cat ice cream can be simply made at home and it is also commercially available.
Remember to feed snacks and treats in moderation, and in accordance with your vet’s guidance.
Frozen Tuna Snacks
It’s unlikely your cat will ever turn its whiskers up at the opportunity of demolishing some tuna.
But did you know that you can turn this fishy treat into a frozen option for a hot summer’s day? This is something that is super easy to do at home.
Ice
The simple treat you can offer to your cat on a sweltering day is ice.
Make sure you use fresh water, as you would if you were preparing ice cubes for yourself.
When they are frozen, add the ice cubes to your cat’s water bowl. Not all cats will be a fan, but it can be a good option for many.
Additionally, ice helps to keep your kitties cool and keep them well hydrated in hot weather.
Some cats may even enjoy playing with the ice cubes which can help to keep their paws cool.
Cat Ice Lollies
As well as making your own cat ice cream at home, did you know that you can also make soothing ice lollies for your feline friend?
Homemade cat ice lollies are super quick and easy to create – and your kitty with LOVE them – take a look at this simple recipe.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, it’s not a good idea to offer dog ice cream to your cat.
Dog treats are made for canines so it’s better not to offer felines such treats. Felines can’t tolerate the ingredients of dog ice cream – mainly yoghurt – which can cause an upset stomach.
It’s unlikely to cause your cat serious harm if she steals a little dog ice cream while you (and your pooch) aren’t watching, but it’s important to keep an eye on her behaviour afterwards and contact your vet if you are concerned.
There are so many cat-friendly alternatives that you can choose. If you prep something in advance, you can offer a cat-specific frozen treat to your cat while your dog enjoys his ice cream.
