Pup cups, also known as puppuccinos, have become an increasingly popular treat for dog owners to get for their furry companions when visiting coffee shops like Starbucks. But what exactly are these pup cups made of?
The main ingredients in a pup cup are whipped cream and milk. Some coffee shops may also add a dash of carob powder or a pup-friendly syrup to add flavor. The whipped cream gives the pup cup its fluffy, frothy texture that dogs love to lap up, while the milk provides creaminess and a protein boost.
Pup cups are designed to be a safe, occasional treat for dogs to enjoy. They contain minimal ingredients and do not have any caffeine, sugar, or artificial flavors that could be harmful to dogs. The small size of a pup cup, typically just a few ounces, also prevents overindulgence.
Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is the primary ingredient and base of pup cups. The air whipped into the cream gives it a light, foamy texture that makes it easy for dogs to consume. Whipped cream contains small amounts of lactose, fat, and protein that dogs can digest.
Whipped cream provides a tasty flavor that dogs naturally enjoy. The sweetness comes from the lactose, or milk sugar, present in the cream. However, whipped cream only contains trace amounts of lactose, not enough sugar to be a concern for dogs.
When buying whipped cream to make pup cups at home, be sure to avoid brands with added sugars or flavorings. Go for plain whipped cream without any extra ingredients. A few small spoonfuls of whipped cream make the perfect special treat for dogs.
Milk
Milk is commonly added to whipped cream to make pup cups. Whole milk or nonfat milk work well. The milk gives the whipped cream a thinner, smoother consistency that is easier for dogs to consume.
Milk also adds nutritional value to pup cups. It provides protein, calcium, vitamins A and D, and other nutrients. These are all beneficial additions to a dog’s diet in small amounts. Too much milk could lead to an upset stomach in some dogs, so it’s best reserved for occasional treats.
Be sure to steer clear of chocolate or strawberry milk, as dogs cannot properly digest these. Plain milk, especially lactose-free milk, is the best choice for pup cups.
Flavorings
Some coffee shops add extra flavorings to their pup cups to make them more enticing to dogs. However, these ingredients need to be chosen carefully to ensure they are safe for canine consumption.
Carob powder is one popular flavoring addition. Carob comes from carob pods and mimics the taste of chocolate without containing caffeine or theobromine, which are both harmful to dogs. So carob offers a chocolate-like flavor dogs love safely.
Puppuccino syrups are also sometimes used. These syrups are specifically designed to add flavors like caramel and mocha in a dog-friendly way. They do not contain xylitol or other artificial sweeteners that are toxic for dogs.
Simple syrups and powders made for human foods usually contain sugars and preservatives that make them unsafe for dogs. Check that any extra flavorings used are made just for canine treats.
Toppings
Beyond the basic ingredients, pup cups can also be topped with various dog-safe mix-ins. Whipped cream and milk make up the bulk of a pup cup, but creative toppings make it even more special.
A common topping is a doggy treat crumbled up and sprinkled over the whipped cream. Bits of dog biscuits or tiny bone-shaped treats give an extra crunch. Shredded jerky pieces also work well as a topping.
Some coffee shops get elaborate with their pup cup toppings. Dog-friendly peanut butter, bananas, honey, and coconut flakes are often used as creative mix-in options. These provide extra texture and flavors dogs love.
It’s important to keep quantity in mind, as too many high-calorie toppings could lead to stomach issues. But experimenting with fun toppings makes pup cups even more enjoyable.
Pup Cup Recipes
Making homemade pup cups is easy and allows control over the ingredients. Here are some simple recipes to whip up pup cup treats:
Basic Pup Cup
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup plain whole milk
- 1⁄4 cup plain whipped cream
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine milk and whipped cream.
- Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Scoop into a cup or small bowl for serving.
Peanut Butter Pup Cup
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup plain whole milk
- 1⁄4 cup plain whipped cream
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine milk, whipped cream, peanut butter, and honey.
- Mix thoroughly until fully blended.
- Drizzle a bit of honey over the top.
- Scoop into a cup or bowl to serve.
Pumpkin Pie Pup Cup
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup plain whole milk
- 1⁄4 cup plain whipped cream
- 2 tbsp canned pumpkin
- 1⁄4 tsp cinnamon
- 1⁄8 tsp ginger
- 1⁄8 tsp allspice
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine milk, whipped cream, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice.
- Mix thoroughly until smooth and blended.
- Scoop into a cup or bowl to serve.
- Garnish with extra cinnamon.
Are Pup Cups Safe for Dogs?
Pup cups are designed to be a safe occasional treat for dogs. The minimal ingredients like whipped cream, milk, and small amounts of flavorings are pup-friendly. There are also some precautions to keep in mind when giving pup cups:
- Size – A few ounces or less is an appropriate pup cup serving for small or medium dogs. Giant breed dogs may be able to handle slightly larger serving sizes. Too much can lead to stomach upset.
- Frequency – Pup cups should only be an occasional special treat, not a regular part of a dog’s diet. Too much dairy fat and calories could lead to weight gain or diarrhea.
- Ingredients – Only choose pup cups made with dog-safe ingredients, avoiding chocolate, artificial sweeteners, excess sugar, and anything potentially toxic for dogs.
- Allergies – Dogs with milk or dairy allergies should avoid pup cups containing milk or cream.
Providing the pup cup is from a reputable source and fed in moderation, it can be a safe, enjoyable treat for most dogs!
Benefits of Pup Cups
When fed sporadically and in small amounts, pup cups can provide some benefits for dogs:
- Enjoyment – Dogs love the taste of pup cups! The sweet flavor provides sensory enjoyment. It’s a fun bond-building treat to share.
- Hydration – The liquid in a pup cup provides hydration, which helps dogs stay healthy.
- Protein – The milk and dairy contain protein to support dogs’ dietary needs.
- Vitamins – Milk provides vitamin A, D, and calcium for stronger bones and teeth.
- Mental Stimulation – Laping up a pup cup keeps dogs’ minds engaged with a fun activity.
- Cooling – The icy temperature helps keep dogs cool and refreshed on hot days.
As the occasional extra treat, pup cups give dogs something exciting to look forward to while also providing nutritional and hydration benefits.
Potential Downsides of Pup Cups
There are also some potential downsides to be aware of with pup cups:
- Weight gain – Too many pup cups could lead to excess calories and obesity if not balanced with proper diet and exercise.
- Stomach issues – Some dogs may get diarrhea or vomiting from too much milk/dairy or sugar substitutes like xylitol.
- Allergies – Dogs with dairy/milk allergies or sensitivities can experience itching, upset stomachs, or other reactions.
- Choking hazards – Eating too quickly, not chewing thoroughly, or aggressive gulping could potentially lead to choking on ingredients.
- Toxic ingredients – Accidental ingestion of ingredients like chocolate, raisins, or sugar-free syrups can be very dangerous for dogs.
- Dental issues – Sugar and milk can allow bacteria growth leading to dental problems if pup cups are given too frequently.
Being aware of these potential issues allows pup cup enjoyment to stay safe and healthy. Consulting a veterinarian about any concerns is also wise.
Popular Brands of Pup Cups
Starbucks is credited for first offering “puppuccinos” on their secret menu back in the early 2000s. Since then, many brands have joined in on the pup cup trend.
Starbucks Pup Cup
As the OG creators of the puppuccino, Starbucks remains a go-to place for pet parents to get pup cups. Their in-store pup cups have just a bit of whipped cream, served in a small cup.
Dunkin’ Pup Cup
Dunkin’ offers pup cups with whipped cream for dogs too. They may add a sprinkle of carob powder on top for flavor. Their pup cups are served in little lidded cups for easy portability.
Caribou Coffee Pup Cup
Caribou Coffee serves their pup cups with just a dollop of whipped cream topped with a dog biscuit treat. Their pup cups come in personalized cardboard containers with dog illustrations.
Dutch Bros Pup Cup
Dutch Bros calls their version “pupaccinos.” Their pup cups consist of whipped cream with a touch of carob powder for chocolate flavoring. Store locations with doggy drive-thrus make getting them convenient.
Einstein Bros Pup Cup
Einstein Bros Bagels now offers pup cups also made of whipped cream and milk. For an extra treat, they may include a bit of dog-friendly peanut butter as well.
DIY Pup Cups
It’s easy to replicate pup cup treats at home. Simply whip up some plain whipped cream and milk, then scoop it into a cup, bowl, or interactive dog toy.
To enrich the experience, add a few dog-safe mix-ins like:
- Crumbled dog biscuits or jerky
- Sliced bananas or strawberries
- Peanut butter
- Shredded coconut
- Carob chips or powder
Freeze ahead in ice cube trays for a cool summer treat. Adjust recipes based on dog’s size and dietary needs.
With the right ingredients and supervision, DIY pup cups can be a fun way to bond with dogs at home. Creative combinations allow endless variety.
Traveling with Pup Cups
Many pet owners enjoy picking up a pup cup for their dog when running errands together or going through the drive-thru. Here are some tips for smoothly traveling with pup cups:
- Use a cup with a secure travel lid to prevent spilling in the car.
- Buckled the pup in their safety restraint in the back seat before handing them their treat.
- Drive carefully over bumps and turns to avoid sloshing and spills.
- Hold the cup and assist the dog with drinking if needed.
- Bring pup cupnapkins and wipes for any drips or messes.
- Only serve a portion of the full cup while moving to prevent overindulging.
- Feel free to save leftovers, stored safely, for later.
Remaining cautious and attentive allows pup cup fun even on the go. Always prioritize safety first.
Pup Cup Alternatives
While the whipped cream and milk pup cup recipe is the most popular, some dogs may do better with an alternative option:
Frozen Yogurt
For dogs that don’t tolerate dairy well, substitute frozen yogurt for the whipped cream. Just confirm the yogurt doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners.
Frozen Fruit Puree
Blending up frozen bananas, mangos, or other fruit makes a creamy sweet treat. Great for pups with allergies.
Beef or Bone Broth
Savory bone broth or beef broth makes a nutritious drink full of dog-appealing flavors
Goat Milk
Lower in lactose than cow milk, goat milk can work for some sensitive pups.
Seed Butters
Smearing the inside of a lick mat with sunflower or pumpkin seed butter provides a fun challenge.
With creativity and adjustments, pup cup excitement can work for almost any dog.
Conclusion
Pup cups from coffee shops have become a popular special treat for pet parents to order for dogs. The simple ingredients of whipped cream and milk provide a safe, nutritious drink that dogs find delicious. While tasty, it’s important pup cups remain an occasional treat to prevent overindulgence. When care is taken with ingredients and serving guidelines, pup cups can be a bonding experience that provides enjoyment through yummy flavors. With a homemade version, dog owners can whip up pup cup treats to share in anytime. So treat your special pup to a pup cup for a bit of joy and excitement they can lap right up!