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 dogs while we treat ourselves to a coffee 🥰
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Puppuccinos — their origin, whether they’re safe, where to get one in Australia, and how to make one yourself at home. No barista experience required.
What Is a Puppuccino?
You might be wondering what the heck a Puppuccino is — or if they’re even real.
The Starbucks Origin
As far as we know, the trend started with Starbucks in the US serving whipped cream in a small cup to furry customers. Also known as a “Pup Cup”, it quickly went viral through social media, and 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.
Many coffee shops don’t follow the original whipped cream recipe, because even though most dogs will tolerate whipped cream as a rare treat, it can be full of sugars which aren’t healthy for dogs. To be 100% sure, it’s always 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?
⚠️ Safety at a Glance
- For adult dogs: Many adult dogs are lactose intolerant and shouldn’t indulge in saturated fat and sugar regularly. Modest amounts on occasion are rarely an issue, but opt for lactose-free options whenever possible.
- For puppies: Similarly, small amounts on rare occasions hardly ever cause any issues — but discuss with your vet first if you have any concerns.
- Ingredients vary: Individual businesses may use different ingredients. Always ask what’s in it before ordering if you’re concerned.
- Start small: Give your dog a small amount first. If you notice any digestive issues, stop and don’t offer it again.
- When in doubt: Talk to your vet 👩⚕️
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, so keep that in mind.
⚠️ Watch Out for Xylitol
If your almond milk is store-bought, be cautious of artificial sweeteners. In particular, Xylitol (a popular sugar alternative also found in some peanut butters) is known to be toxic to dogs. Always check the label.
How to Make a Puppuccino at Home
The old-fashioned way is simply to serve your pupper a small cup of whipped cream 😋 But if you’re concerned about sugar and fat, you can easily make a healthier version at home.
🍵 Homemade Puppuccino Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of lactose-free milk (or yogurt if serving cold on hot days)
- A piece of your dog’s favourite treat to garnish (we like Ziwi treats)
- Optional: 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree for extra healthy fibre
Directions
- Heat up the milk — warm, not hot.
- Pour into a small cup or bowl.
- Garnish with your dog’s favourite treat on top.
- Serve immediately.
🎃 Why Add Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is a fibre-rich food that contains important vitamins and minerals, and also acts as a prebiotic. Many dogs love the taste, and pumpkin is well-known for helping with digestive issues — which makes it a particularly good addition if your dog has a sensitive stomach 🎉
Where to Get a Puppuccino in Australia?
We have an ever-expanding list of dog-friendly cafés around Australia that spoil pups with Puppuccinos:
