Can Cats Eat Frosty Paws?

Here's the thing about Frosty Paws: it's dog ice cream, not cat ice cream, and that difference matters more than you'd think. You might have Frosty Paws in the freezer for your dog and wonder if your cat can have some too. A few licks probably won't cause a crisis, but Frosty Paws isn't formulated for feline digestion. It contains dairy, which most cats can't digest well. It has sugar and additives cats don't need. And depending on the variety, it might contain ingredients that are problematic for cats. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs, and treats made for one aren't always safe for the other.

Frosty Paws isn't toxic to cats in the way chocolate or grapes are toxic, but it's not ideal either. The main issue is dairy. Most Frosty Paws varieties contain milk or cream, and most adult cats are lactose intolerant. When lactose-intolerant cats consume dairy, they get gas, cramping, and diarrhea. Frosty Paws also contains sugar, which cats don't need and which can contribute to weight gain. Some varieties may contain artificial sweeteners—if xylitol is present, that's extremely dangerous for cats. The product is formulated for dog digestion, not cat digestion. A tiny taste probably won't cause serious problems, but it's not something you should be giving your cat regularly.

The logic makes sense on the surface. You have Frosty Paws for your dog, it's a frozen treat, your cat seems interested, so why not share? Cats and dogs are both pets, so treats should work for both, right? But cats and dogs have completely different digestive systems and nutritional needs. Dogs can handle more variety in their diet, including moderate amounts of dairy and grains. Cats are obligate carnivores with sensitive digestive systems. A treat that's perfect for a dog can cause stomach upset in a cat. Plus, on hot days when you're giving your dog a frozen treat, it seems unfair to leave your cat out—but the solution isn't Frosty Paws.

Frosty Paws comes in several flavors, all designed for dogs.

Frosty Paws is formulated based on what dogs can digest and what flavors dogs enjoy. Dogs handle dairy better than cats do—while many dogs are also lactose intolerant, they tend to have milder symptoms than cats. The sugar content in Frosty Paws is designed for dogs' energy needs, which are different from cats'. Cats don't taste sweetness the way dogs and humans do, so the sugar provides no enjoyment—just empty calories. The texture and temperature might be appealing, but the nutritional profile is all wrong. And because Frosty Paws is marketed as a treat, not a complete food, it doesn't provide anything cats actually need nutritionally.

Problems are more likely with regular feeding or large amounts.

Yes, but they're not as widely available. Some pet stores carry frozen treats made specifically for cats. These are usually lactose-free or use cat-appropriate ingredients. Brands like Ben & Jerry's have made limited-edition cat ice cream that's lactose-free and formulated for feline digestion. Pet specialty stores sometimes stock frozen cat treats. You can also make your own—freeze low-sodium chicken or fish broth in ice cube trays for a cat-safe frozen treat. The key difference is that cat-specific frozen treats avoid dairy, use appropriate protein sources, and don't include sugar or artificial sweeteners.

If you want to give your cat a frozen treat on a hot day, there are much better options than Frosty Paws. Freeze small amounts of low-sodium chicken broth in ice cube trays—cats can lick them as they melt. Mix wet cat food with a little water, freeze in small portions. Freeze plain lactose-free cat milk. Some cats enjoy frozen pieces of cooked chicken or fish (though supervise to prevent choking). Ice chips in fresh water can be fun for some cats. But remember that cats don't regulate body temperature through panting like dogs do, so they don't need frozen treats as much as dogs might. A cool, quiet place and fresh water are usually enough.

No. Kittens have even more sensitive digestive systems than adult cats. The dairy in Frosty Paws would almost certainly cause diarrhea in a kitten.

If your cat had a few licks of Frosty Paws, they'll probably have some digestive upset but be okay.

Most original Frosty Paws varieties do not contain xylitol, but peanut butter-flavored varieties might. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that's extremely toxic to cats (and dogs). It's becoming more common in peanut butter products as people try to reduce sugar. The problem is that xylitol can cause liver failure and death in cats, even in small amounts. Always check the ingredient list before giving any product to your cat. If xylitol is listed—even near the end of the ingredients—do not let your cat near it. This is non-negotiable. Xylitol toxicity is a medical emergency.

Yes. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose (milk sugar). Frosty Paws contains dairy as a primary ingredient. When lactose-intolerant cats consume dairy, the undigested lactose sits in their intestines, causing gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. Some cats are more lactose intolerant than others—a few licks might cause mild symptoms in one cat and severe diarrhea in another. Even lactose-reduced versions of Frosty Paws aren't lactose-free, so they can still cause problems. If you want to give your cat a frozen dairy-like treat, use lactose-free cat milk instead.

Dogs and cats have fundamentally different nutritional requirements. Dogs are omnivores who can digest both meat and plant materials. Cats are obligate carnivores who need nutrients that only come from animal tissue. Dog treats are formulated based on what dogs need and can digest—they often contain grains, dairy, and vegetables that cats don't handle as well. Dog treats may also lack taurine and other nutrients cats require. Some dog treats contain ingredients like onions or garlic in amounts safe for dogs but toxic to cats. Frosty Paws specifically is designed around dog digestion, which tolerates dairy better than cat digestion does. When in doubt, stick to treats made specifically for cats.