What Exactly Is a Starbucks Puppuccino and Is It Safe For Your Dog?

If you are a Starbucks regular, then you have likely heard of the famous Puppuccino! You may have even seen a Starbucks employee pass a Puppuccino through the drive through window and to the customer, only for it to be enjoyed seconds later by an adorable pup in the passenger seat.

Dogs seem to love the famous Puppuccino, but is it really safe for our canine friends to eat? Let’s break down everything you need to know about this popular treat!

What Is A Starbucks Puppuccino?

Many assume that the Puppuccino is much more complex of a treat than it actually is! A Starbucks Puppuccino is nothing more than a small serving of whip cream in a Starbucks espresso cup. The branding for this sweet treat is downright adorable, making it a popular snack option for Starbucks-loving pet parents on the go!

Is A Starbucks Puppuccino Safe For Dogs To Eat?

Thankfully for the sweet treat loving pups in our life, the Starbucks Puppuccino is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. While many dogs will have a sensitivity to lactose, whipped cream contains so much air that it does not often lead to GI upset when consumed in small amounts. Just remember that every dog reacts differently to new food items, so we suggest monitoring your dog closely in the 48 hours after they eat their first Puppuccino.

Dr. Amy Nicole Lewis, a veterinarian with Worldwide Veterinary Services told A-Z Animals that while a Starbucks Puppuccino is safe for most dogs in moderation, it’s best to keep these treats away from any dogs with a sensitive stomach or chronic gastrointestinal disorders. A Puppuccino is more likely to trigger an upset stomach in these dogs.

Keep in mind that while Starbucks Puppuccinos are safe for dogs in moderation, this does not mean all forms of whip cream are safe. Some sugar-free whip creams contain an ingredient known as xylitol that is highly toxic to dogs, so it’s important to check any labels thoroughly before offering your pup a bite.

How Often Can My Dog Have A Puppuccino?

A Starbucks Puppuccino should only be a rare treat for your dog. Ideally, this is a treat that should follow occasional trips to the groomers, to the vet, or any other similar event. A Starbucks Puppuccino should not be a staple in your pet’s diet. If you have a healthy pup that is always on the go with you, then just be sure that you are not giving them a Puppuccino any more than once a week.

Always be sure that you are following the 10% treat rule when offering your little one a snack. Treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, and this stands true for a Starbucks pup cup!

Can All Dogs Eat Puppuccinos?

Puppuccinos are a generally safe treat, but it does not mean that all canine friends should eat them. Sweet treats like whip cream can lead to an upset stomach in dogs with underlying GI issues like food sensitives, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, and any other condition that leads to a sensitive stomach. If you really want to offer your sensitive dog a Puppuccino, then just be sure to run it by your veterinary team first.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Sick From A Puppuccino?

It’s important to monitor your dog for any sign of an upset stomach in the 48 hours after they eat their first Starbucks Puppuccino. Some of the most common signs that your dog is sick from their Puppuccino include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite

We suggest reaching out to your vet if your dog develops any of the above symptoms after eating whip cream.

How Much Is A Starbucks Puppuccino?

We all know that a good Starbucks coffee can cost a pretty penny, but does this stand true for the Puppuccino as well? Well, dog lovers will be happy to learn that the popular Starbucks Puppuccino is now free if you purchase any other product during your visit! Starbucks employees seem to love giving Puppuccinos just as much as dogs love eating them, so it’s a win for everyone involved!

Final Thoughts

The Starbucks Puppuccino is a safe and tasty occasional treat for our beloved pups. Just be sure to keep a close eye out for any sign of GI upset in the 48 hours after your dog eats their first Puppuccino!