Starbucks is known well for its secret menus that have a lot of unique items. Another item on it is the Puppuccino – a special beverage made especially for canines who love accompanying their owners to the coffee branch. They are not on the menu, but like it is with secret items, upon being asked, the barista can hand you one.
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The Puppuccino is made using whipped cream – the healthiest one with organic cream and non-dairy items that can be harmful to dogs. Hence, a Puppuccino will make for a great beverage and comes in a safe, expresso-sized Pup Cup that is safe to eat for most dogs.
Check out this dog on twitter enjoying his Starbucks Puppucino for the first time.
Larry’s first #Puppuccino! 💕🐕☕ pic.twitter.com/50ee3x8oVs
— Tegan G. (@TeganG_) November 29, 2019
My pup responded the same way to his first taste. But, I do limit him having this treat to bi-monthly or so.
What Is The Starbucks Puppuccino?
The simplicity of a Starbucks Puppuccino—an espresso cup with whipped cream—is what makes it so beautiful. Rocky Kanaka, a former Starbucks barista and animal rescue champion, invented the Puppuccino in 2008. He began serving the straightforward, delectable treat to eager canines at his establishment.
In 2015, Starbucks officially added frappuccinos to its “secret” menu; they are still entirely free. Other franchises quickly jumped on the pup-treat bandwagon. In addition to Starbucks, you may find Puppuccinos at:
- Dunkin Donuts
- The Coffee Bean
- Caribou Coffee
- Culver’s
- Dairy Queen
What Whip Cream Does Starbucks Use For Dogs?
Starbucks uses sweetened whipped cream for its Puppuccinos, which are safe for your furry friends to consume! However, if you are planning to make a Puppuccino for your little doggo at home, some good options would be vegan or coconut whip cream.
A Puppuccino comes in just one size, however depending on the shop, you might get it in an espresso cup or a little cup and as of now, these little treats are completely free for your puppy.
Can Dogs Eat Whipped Cream?
When consumed in moderation, plain whipped cream is completely safe for dogs. Puppuccinos are probably not the best treat for your dog if they have dairy sensitivity, pancreatitis, or are at risk for canine obesity.
As long as they do not contain grapes, raisins, or chocolate, many Starbucks menu items are actually appropriate for dogs to sample. Alternatives to dairy whipped cream (like Cool Whip) frequently contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.
Most dogs, regardless of size, can safely consume the 1-2 ounces of whipped cream found in the typical Starbucks Puppuccino. However, it’s better to keep this treat for occasions, instead of doing it on a daily basis as whipped cream has a much higher fat content than typical dog food.
Additionally, according to a Starbucks barista, the whipped cream also contains several pumps of vanilla syrup. Vanilla syrup is toxic for dogs as it is high in alcohol content.
Can Lactose Intolerant Dogs Have Starbucks Puppuccino?
Usually, a Puppuccino is safe to get for your dog as an occasional treat. However, every pet is unique and has different circumstances. As long as your dog is healthy and does not have any digestive issues, they can occasionally enjoy a Puppuccino. No matter the treat, it is advised to start lightly because some animals are more sensitive to lactose.
In other words, if your dog has never eaten whipped cream before, do not immediately hand them a giant cup of it, and certainly do not make it an everyday affair, by any means. Puppuccinos should be viewed as an infrequent treat, similar to a prize for being a model pet at the groomer that month.
Even if whipped cream can be consumed by dogs, it’s best not to overdo it. Treats of any kind, or a daily dosage of the fluffy stuff, can add too many calories to a nutritious diet and cause your beloved pooch to gain unneeded weight.
What Whip Cream Is Safe For Dogs To Eat?
Whether or not a food is safe for dogs to consume is the first thing people will want to know about. Thankfully, dogs may safely consume little amounts of whipped cream, but I only give my dogs one type of whipped cream because it is much healthier than the others.
Whipped cream has a substantial quantity of dairy in addition to sugar and fat, which could upset a dog’s stomach. Hence, I choose vegan, coconut, oat, or sugar-free whipped cream when shopping exclusively for my dogs. Since none of these kinds include much dairy, they all present less of a risk to your dog’s digestive tract.
When purchasing whipped cream for your dog, it’s also important to pay attention to the ingredients list. Never offer xylitol-containing products to dogs! This artificial sweetener, which is present in a variety of items including gum and whipped cream, is extremely harmful to dogs even in little doses.
Whipped creams made with nuts should be avoided since they may upset the stomach. Dogs cannot digest almonds, one of the most widely used dairy alternatives in whipped cream.
What Are Healthy Alternatives To Whip Cream For Dogs?
There are many options to reward your dog; there is the general dog treat and peanut butter and there are sweet treats too, however, make sure to give these treats in moderation as they are higher in calories. Instead of whipped cream, try giving your dog one of these healthier options:
- Raspberries or other dog-friendly fruits
- Dog-Friendly Ice Cream
- Coconut milk whipped cream
- Peanut Butter
- Sweet Potatoes
Unsweetened whipped cream is the best kind of cream to be given to your dog as a treat. It will be healthier for your dog’s weight and general health to consume anything without added sugar.
Related Questions
- Is There Coffee In A Starbucks Puppuccino?
No, there is no coffee in the Starbucks Puppuccino. The drink is made entirely of only sweetened whipped cream.
- What Sizes Are There For Starbucks Puppuccino?
Unlike normal drinks that come in three drinks, the secret menu item, Puppuccino, is only available in one size – a pup-sized, small cup made specifically for that purpose.
- Can Eating Whipped Cream Be Harmful To Dogs?
When consumed in moderation, plain whipped cream is completely safe for dogs. Puppuccinos are probably not the best treat for your dog if they have dairy sensitivity, pancreatitis, or are at risk for canine obesity.
- How Much Does It Cost For A Puppuccino?
Being a miscellaneous item, the Puppuccino comes for free at only $0, so you will not have to spend extra for your pup and can just enjoy the sweet item for free. However, to get it, you will have to order a normal, menu-item drink first.
Final Thoughts
The Starbucks Pupppuccino is safe for your little pooch to consume, so feel free to get it when you are getting something for yourself at the coffee place. However, ensure that it’s only once a month or so, and not more.