You may have heard of Frosty Paws, which is ice cream made specifically for dogs. While this product is safe for dogs, can you also treat your cat with it?
When presented with the question of whether cats can eat Frosty Paws, the general opinion is a clear no. While the obvious harmful ingredients in regular ice cream are not present in this treat, the digestive system of a cat can not handle the ingredients of this dog treat.
But the fact that Frosty Paws are best reserved for our canine friends does not have to stop you from sharing an ice cream moment with your cat. Why is it that dog ice cream is not a good choice for your feline companion? And how can you provide your cat with a cold treat during the warm summer months?
Frosty Paws and Cats
Frosty Paws have been developed with the digestive system of a dog in mind. And even though both cats and dogs have a digestive system that can not handle lactose and is better off without having to handle massive amounts of sugar, they are not the same. While dogs can handle higher amounts of carbs and fat, the digestive system of a cat is a bit more delicate. Therefore the ingredients that are used in Frosty Paws can cause stomach discomfort in cats. A tiny amount of Frosty Paws ice cream is not going to make a notable difference, but it’s better not to put your poor furry companion through the pain. But when your cat has accidentally ingested a lot of it, a trip to the vet may be wise.
Alternatives
Frosty Paws is not the only pet ice cream on the market, so besides the dog ice creams, there are also ice creams made specifically for cats. However, when buying a ready product it is a good idea to confirm the safety of a product first. Some store-bought products may be safe, but can be simultaneously unhealthy or not living up to the specific dietary requirements of your cat. This can make them ok for a rare treat yet unsuitable for daily use.
Homemade recipes can be a great way to make sure the ice cream is healthy or fit for specific dietary needs. For this, you will be needing a blender, an ice cube tray, and a freezer. All that is left is picking a recipe to your cat’s liking and you are good to go.
Final Thoughts
Regular ice cream isn’t a good idea for pets, since it contains lactose and sugars. Yet manufacturers understand the love we have for sharing things we enjoy with our best friends. To cater to that desire, they have created ice cream for pets.
While giving Frosty Paws as a treat to your cat isn’t the best idea, this does not mean that you have to give up on some bonding time with your cat over a bowl of ice cream. Besides ice cream for dogs, there is also a store-bought option for cats.
However, as with lots of ready options, these ice creams can be unsuitable when your cat enjoys them as a treat and loves to eat them regularly. But with a bit of effort and equipment most households already own, it’s easy to make a homemade version for your cat to enjoy.
Hi! My name is Joan. I’m 25 years old, and I live in The Netherlands. I work in healthcare and study applied psychology. Besides this, I am helping my dog Chester recover from a bad start in life.