Before you start drooling over your computer screen, this isn’t for you! This is what dog owners order for their dogs to be able to take part in the “dog-friendly” atmosphere that Starbucks offers.
The Puppucinno is a treat, or dog drink, for your dog that you can order at Starbucks. Essentially, it is a small paper cup filled with just whipped cream. It is not a coffee, so there’s no caffeine inside.
How Do You Order a Starbucks Puppuccino?
Despite the popularity of Puppucinos, it’s something you won’t find on a Starbucks menu or on their app because it is not an official Starbucks item.
Many people refer to the dog menu or secret menu at Starbucks, which confusingly, officially doesn’t exist.
In addition to this, not all Starbucks outlets will offer to make this for you as it is up to the discretion of your local Starbucks.
When I order my favorite coffee at my local Starbucks, I just ask the barista for a small Puppucino, or a pup cup. The response I usually get is “Anything for your furry friend sir!”.
How Much Do Starbucks Puppuccinos Cost?
This is the best part of a Puppucino, for you as a dog owner at least. A Puppucino costs absolutely nothing, mainly because it is not an official Starbucks item.
However, it is always a good idea to tip the barista to say thanks because as mentioned previously, they offer to make it at their own discretion.
Are Starbucks Puppuccinos Safe for dogs?
I wouldn’t consider a Puppucino to be a healthy treat for dogs, but it will more than likely not have an adverse effect on most dogs.
With that said, due to the sugar content in a Puppucino, it can lead to certain health problems if your dog consumes large quantities of it:
– Upset Stomach
– Dental Issues
– Weight Gain
– Diabetes
It is also worth noting that certain dogs can be allergic to dairy, and it can cause them to get ill. So it is best to make 100% sure that your furry friend is not allergic to dairy before treating him to a Puppucino.
What is in a Starbucks Puppuccino?
As mentioned previously, a Puppucino is just a pup cup with whipped cream. The whipped cream, however, consists of the following:
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 20mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
How many calories are in a Starbucks Puppuccino?
A Puppucino can have as many as 240 calories per serving, depending on the size of the cup that it is served in.
This will raise a few eyebrows with certain dog owners as the calorie count is quite high. Depending on the type of dog you have, their calorie intake should be limited to a certain amount each day.
Jack Russells for instance, should only get approximately 450 to 650 calories per day. It is therefore to take into consideration how many calories your dog has consumed already, or planning to consume, before treating him to this special dog drink.
Where Can My Dog Go at Starbucks?
Certain Starbucks outlets claim to be dog-friendly, but this means that your dog will only be allowed on the patio if there is one. Only service dogs will be allowed indoors.
Should I buy my dog coffee?
While I wouldn’t recommend giving dogs coffee, there are certain dog owners that do it anyway.
However, please bear in mind that caffeine is known to increase a dog’s heart rate and can also cause increased blood pressure. These symptoms typically appear quite quickly. So it is not something I would recommend for your dog.
If you are going to give your dog coffee, he should only be given a small amount at first to see how he reacts to it.
A healthier alternative
If you’re not sure how your pup will react to a Puppucino, or if you don’t want to risk giving him this sugary treat, you can give him healthier treats that he will enjoy.
If you’ve ever tried a fresh mango, you know how delicious they are. However, not only are dogs able to eat mangos, but they also love the sweet flavor of this fruit. The most important ingredient, according to our furry friends, in mango is sweetness.
This means that even though mangos have fiber and many other nutrients, it’s the natural sugars that dogs are drawn to. The high amount of sugar found in mangos has been linked to increased brain function for dogs.
Conclusion
A Starbucks Puppuccino is a dairy treat for your dog that you can get for free at your local Starbucks. It is not an official Starbucks item, so you won’t find it on the menu and not all Starbucks outlets will let you order one.
While it will be safe to consume for most dogs, you have to be wary of the fact that the whipped cream contains sugar and dairy which can be unhealthy for certain dogs if it is not consumed in moderation.
