For some of us, Starbucks is the happiest place on earth… But would you believe it if I said that your dog might feel the same way about this caffeine-infused paradise?
By this point, I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about the top-secret drink called the Puppuccino. If not, I highly suggest you do a search and watch a couple of the adorable viral videos of puppies slurping down their own Starbucks specialty order.
Now, you might be wondering—are Puppuccinos really safe for dogs? This is a great question, and one that we get asked a lot!
So without further ado, let me give you the rundown on this sweet treat.
What’s in a Starbucks Puppuccino?
As dog parents, one of our top priorities is always going to be the health and safety of our furry pals. Thankfully, when it comes to the Puppuccino, it is easy to keep track of the ingredients list.
The Starbucks Puppuccino is simply a cup full of the company’s freshly made whipped cream! If you’d like to break it down into even more refined details, the two primary components are cream and sugar.
Isn’t whipped cream bad for dogs?
In situations like these, it’s hard to say whether the treat is actually bad for a dog to consume.
Technically speaking, a Puppuccino isn’t the most healthy snack that your dog could choose to eat. It is high in fat and sugar, so if you take your companion to Starbucks one too many times, it could lead to an increased chance of weight gain.
Additionally, many dogs are considered to be lactose intolerant. Some can handle their stomachs better than others, but there is a chance that even a small amount of whipped cream could cause a digestive upset.
At the end of the day, it will be your decision to feed your dog the Puppuccino. That being said, my advice is to remember this one word: moderation.
What’s the size and cost of a Puppuccino?
The Puppuccino is served in a small, espresso-sized cup. For those of you who would prefer a more exact measurement, these cups can hold up to three ounces of liquid.
It may sound like an insignificant amount, but honestly, it’s the perfect size for most dogs to get a quick fix for their sweet tooth.
Most of the time, the Puppuccino will cost you absolutely nothing.
Yes, you heard me right! As long as you’re picking up a drink for both you and your pup, then the Puppuccino tends to be given as a complimentary gift.
If you only plan on getting the snack for your precious pooch, then there might be a slight charge. It really depends on the barista you’re seeing that day.
Do all Starbucks have a Puppuccino?
Unless, for some reason, the Starbucks you’re visiting has run out of whipped cream ingredients, then every cafe should carry Puppuccinos.
Considering how much we humans love our whipped cream, it’s highly likely that you will never run into a situation where your dog can’t get his treat, too!
Also, receiving a Puppuccino is extremely easy! If you ask for the drink by name, most baristas will know exactly what you want.
There is a chance that you may need to specifically ask for a small cup of whipped cream for your dog. Still, with how popular this doggie specialty has become, I doubt you would be met with confusion often.
Can I take my dog into Starbucks to order?
As a leader in the food industry, Starbucks has a reasonable request to only allow service dogs inside of the majority of their buildings.
However, that doesn’t mean your pup can’t join you in the drive-thru! Whether you’re returning home from a fun adventure, or you want to take a fast trip into town with your fuzzy BFF, it’s easy to stop into the Starbucks line.
Plus, any dog-loving baristas working the drive-thru will be thrilled to see your happy pup once he receives the delicious reward for his patience.
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But even without your dog there, you can ask for a Puppuccino to take home to him.
Those baristas who would love to fawn over your dog might be disappointed to find out that your fur baby did not accompany you to their store. Still, there is no way that you would ever be denied your drink.
Can I get a Puppuccino at other chains?
While they may be branded differently, other chains do serve their own variations on the Puppuccino:
Dunkin donuts
At Dunkin, a cup of whipped cream is referred to as a Puppy Latte. It only makes sense that Starbucks’ largest competitor would come out with a similar off-menu item, right?
Dairy queen
Whipped cream is already pretty heavy when it comes to the amount of lactose involved, but it has nothing on ice cream.
Dairy Queen offers dog parents a treat that they call a Pup Cup, which consists primarily of their classic vanilla ice cream. If your pup is visiting on a good day, there is a chance that the ice cream will also come with a dog treat.
Healthy? No. Yummy? Of course!
Shake shack
It may come as a surprise to you, but Shake Shack actually carries multiple treats for all the good boys that swing by their restaurants.
The most popular doggie snack by far is the Poochini, which closely resembles Dairy Queen’s Pup Cup. It is made from vanilla custard and dog biscuits.
In addition, New York’s Bocce’s Bakery supplies Shake Shack with what they call the Bag O’ Bones. This goodie bag contains five biscuits that are bound to send your dog into a snacking frenzy.
How can I make a Puppuccino at home?
There are two ways you can give your dog a Puppuccino at home:
Store-bought whipped cream
If you have a can or container of whipped cream at home, you can give your dog a small serving that will effortlessly simulate the Starbucks drink they adore.
Homemade whipped cream
The one downside about a store-bought option is the chemical preservatives. If you’re like me and prefer staying away from overly processed goods, making whipped cream at home is super fun and simple!
All you will need is sugar, cream, and vanilla (optional). You will also need a stand mixer or hand mixer to ensure you achieve the right level of fluffiness.
Want to skip the dairy?
No problem! Here’s how to make a delicious vegan whipped cream from scratch:
Bottom line
Puppuccinos are an exciting alternative to the typical dog treats you keep at home. They are safe for most dogs if served in moderation, so feel free to take your dog with you next time you’re craving a caffeine buzz!
In case your dog tries the Puppuccino only to suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, or gas, it is probably safe to assume that he should avoid any food containing lactose for the foreseeable future.
It all works on a case-by-case basis. No dogs are made the same. If, for any reason, you’re worried about your dog eating Puppuccinos, do not hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for advice.
