Here in Australia, it’s no secret that we’re a coffee and dog obsessed nation 🐶😋 So, it really comes as no surprise that many coffee shops all around the country have started to put Puppuccinos on their menu – a special treat for our dog while we treat ourselves with a coffee 🥰
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into all the frequently asked questions about Puppuccinos.
We’ll learn about their origin, if they’re safe for dogs, where you can get one, and even how you can make a Puppuccino yourself at home – no barista experience required!
What Is A Puppuccino?
Let’s start with the basics first ✌️ You might be wondering what the heck a Puppuccino is, or if they’re even real?!
Starbucks Puppuccino
We’ve done some research, and as far as we now know, the trend started with Starbucks in the US serving whipped cream in a small cup to furry customers. Also known as “Pup Cup”, it quickly went viral through social media, and many coffee shops all around the world have picked up on it.
What’s In A Puppuccino?
Dog-friendly local coffee shops will often sell their very own variation of a Puppuccino.
So, if you order a “Pup Cup” for your dog, it may not always have exactly the same ingredients.
We noticed that in particular, many coffee shops don’t follow the original whipped cream recipe. The reason behind this appears to be that even though most dogs will tolerate it a a rare treat, whipped cream can be full of sugars, which aren’t healthy for dogs.
To be 100% sure, it’s best to ask your local coffee shop directly about what ingredients they use.
That said, a lot of the time it’s either lactose-free milk or yogurt with a yummy treat on top.
Are Puppuccinos Safe?
This leads us to the most important question there is – Are Puppuccinos safe? The short answer is that it depends on your dog and the ingredients. Many adult dogs are lactose intolerant and shouldn’t indulge in saturated fat and sugar 🙅🙅
On top of that, individual businesses may use different ingredients for the Puppuccinos they are selling. If you’re concerned, ask what their ingredients are before you order 🙋🐶
Give your dog a small amount first, and if you notice any digestive issues stop giving Puppuccinos to your dog.
Modest amounts on occasion are rarely an issue, but opt for lactose-free options whenever possible, and if in doubt, talk to your vet 👩⚕️
Are Puppuccinos Safe For Puppies?
Similarly to adult dogs, the short answer is that it depends on your puppy and the puppuccino ingredients.
While small amounts on rare occasions hardly ever cause any issues, it’s always best to discuss the topic with your vet first if you have any concerns.
Can Dogs Drink Almond Milk?
It depends. Dogs shouldn’t eat whole almonds but a moderate amount of almond milk may be considered safe. It always depends on the full list of puppuccino ingredients though, so keep that in mind too.
For example, if your almond milk is store-bought, be cautious of artificial sweeteners. In particular Xylitol (a popular sugar alternative that can also be found in peanut butter) is known to be toxic to dogs.
How To Make A Puppuccino (At Home)
Finally – how can you make a Puppuccino yourself? As we learned above, the old-fashioned way would be to just serve your pupper a small cup of whipped cream 😋
That said, if you’re concerned about the sugar and fat, you can easily make a healthier version of a Puppuccino.
Homemade Easy Puppuccino Recipe
There are many different recipes you can follow, but we decided to share one with you that has just two ingredients and is super easy to make.
If you know that your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, don’t forget to speak to your vet before you add new ingredients to their diet 🙌
Puppuccino Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of lactose free milk (or yogurt if you’re serving the Puppuccino cold on hot days)
- A piece of your dogs favourite treat (we like to sprinkle Ziwi treats on top)
Optional: Add 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree for extra healthy fiber
Directions
- Heat up the milk (but don’t make it hot, just warm)
- Serve immediately, garnished with your dogs favourite treat on top
That’s it. Super simple, right? 🙂
Why Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is a fiber-rich food that contains important vitamins, minerals, and also acts as a probiotic. Many dogs love the taste of pumpkin, and it’s well-known that pumpkin can help with digestive issues, which is an added benefit 🎉
Where to get a Puppuccino in Australia?
We have an ever-expanding list of dog-friendly cafés around Australia that spoil our pups with Puppuccinos.
