Our favorite vet weighs in.
You may wonder from time to time, “Are Pup Cups Bad For Dogs?” when you feel your canine companion merits a decadent treat.
You go to your neighborhood Starbucks and order an iced grande sugar-free vanilla soy latte. At the same time, you ask the barista to make you a Puppuccino (also known as a “pup cup”) for your dog.
But are Puppuccinos genuinely nutritious or risk-free for our four-legged pals to consume, or would it be best just to continue feeding them Milk Bones?
We’ve taken a comprehensive look into this delectable confection, and we contacted Dr. Stephanie Liff, Lemonade’s go-to veterinarian (and ardent Starbucks fan), for her input on the matter.
What is a Puppuccino?
The elegance of a Starbucks Puppuccino lies in its simple design, which consists of an espresso cup topped with whipped cream. Fin.
Rocky Kanaka, an animal rescue advocate and former barista at Starbucks, is credited with introducing the Puppuccino in 2008. At the time, he worked at his own establishment, where he began selling straightforward and delectable beverages to canine customers. The rest, as they say, is history.
In 2015, Starbucks made the “hidden” menu item known as a Puppuccino an official menu item, which is still free of charge.
It didn’t take long before other businesses jumped on the bandwagon of producing dog treats. As a result, you can get a drink similar to a puppuccino at several different restaurants than Starbucks, including Dunkin’ Donuts, Caribou Coffee, the Coffee Bean, Dairy Queen, and Culver’s, among others.
Is whipped cream bad for dogs?
According to Dr. Liff, consuming puppaccinos and the vast majority of dairy products is completely safe for your dog’s health.
In point of fact, her Labradoodle Kyrie likes to treat herself to a puppucino on an almost daily basis. Even more, we have evidence of it.
Puppuccinos are recommended by Dr. Liff to be presented as an occasional indulgence, just like any other delicacy. The whipped cream included in the typical Starbucks puppuccino is between one and two ounces, which is a suitable amount for most dogs regardless of their size.
In a nutshell, a caramel ribbon crunch Puppuccino is the same thing as a human caramel ribbons crunch Frappuccino. Worth it in terms of the return, but not daily.
Are some dogs bothered by whipped cream, though?
Even while whipped cream is safe for dogs to consume, this does not imply that it will agree with their stomachs.
If your dog has an upset stomach, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea after consuming a puppuccino, it’s possible that they have a sensitivity to high-fat treats or that they are lactose intolerant. Both of these conditions are possible. In addition, if your dog has a record of pancreatitis, is in danger of being overweight, or suffers from any other health problem, a puppuccino is probably not the best “drink” for them to consume.
What about other Starbucks snacks?
Suppose you are curious whether you can start sharing a distinct Starbucks cure or dessert with your dog. In that case, Dr. Liff says that you can safely start sharing a nip (but not much more than that!) among most items in the Starbucks restaurant with your dog, as long as the item does not contain fruit, dried fruit, or cocoa. Likewise, if you are wondering whether you can divide a distinct Starbucks cure or croissant with your canine companion, Dr. Liff says you can. According to reputable sources, canines like egg-white morsels in bite form.
To make a long tale short, the key to success when it comes to providing your dog with delectable “human food” is to do it in moderation. Are you curious to find out more? Then, learn all you can about the nutrition of your dog.
What about non-dairy whipped topping?
If you want to make a Puppuccino at home, you may believe that adding a dollop of Cool Whip would be a better option for your dog than using full-fat heavy cream cheese. This is because Cool Whip is lower in fat.
You would be very wrong.
The artificial sweetener xylitol, which is included in Cool Whip, is harmful to dogs and should not be given to them. It can induce seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea if it is ingested in high doses. It may also cause blood sugar levels to decrease, which can be potentially deadly. Of course, it’s possible to dog won’t become sick from a few licks or the rare scoop of human food, but why take the chance? Treats that include xylitol, such as the majority of peanut butter, numerous puddings, and a wide variety of “sugar-free” goods, should not be included in the meal plan.
Before we finally sit, stay, and get a treat.
One of the most delightful aspects of having a dog is being able to dote on your canine companion. Therefore, we are on board if you let your dog participate in risk-free activities that benefit their general health and pleasure. The only exception to this rule is if the activity involves a squeaky toy, which is very irritating.
Insurance for your pet is another method to provide them the pampered life they deserve, and although it may not be as tasty as a puppucino, it will ensure that they get the medical attention they need. Lemonade’s pet insurance for dogs is adaptable and reasonably priced and contributes to the care of disadvantaged animals via its Giveback program. To die for, wouldn’t you say?
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