How to Make a Puppuccino: Easy 4 Ingredient Recipe

How to Make a Puppuccino

Have you every been through the Starbucks Drive Thru with your dog and the barista at the window asks if your dog would like a pup cup? Their pup cup is typically just a cup filled with whip cream. What if you could easily whip up this delicious treat for your pup right in your kitchen? We aren’t talking about the whip cream pup cup, we are talking about a fun version of this called a puppuccino. The best part about this recipe is the 3 or 4 ingredients it takes and how fast you can make it. Carry on if you would like to learn how to make a puppuccino and become your dog’s favorite barista.

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What is a Puppuccino?

Traditionally, a puppuccino is a small cup of whipped cream served at coffee shops, notably Starbucks, for our furry friends. It’s a secret menu item often ordered by pet owners who want to give their pups a special treat that they can enjoy while their humans sip their coffees.

This dog-friendly “cappuccino” has become quite the rage on social media, with dog lovers sharing adorable pictures of their pets enjoying their mini treat. The starbucks pup cup, as it is sometimes known, is indeed a sweet, endearing concept.

However, many pet owners have begun to create their own version of a homemade puppuccino, ensuring that they are providing a healthier and easily accessible version of the popular original puppuccino.


ingredients for a DIY pup cup

Ingredients Needed for a Homemade Puppuccino

Creating your own homemade puppuccino for your dog is an easy task. There are only four main ingredients required to create this special treat: oat milk, pumpkin puree, sugar-free whipped cream, and a pinch of cinnamon.

  • 1 cup of oat milk
  • 1-2 tbsp. of pumpkin puree
  • Sugar-free whipped cream (Check the label- NO xylitol or birch sugar; these are toxic to dogs)
  • Pinch of Cinnamon

Ingredient Details:

  • Oat milk forms the foundation of our puppuccino. With its creamy consistency and subtle taste, it’s the perfect non-dairy option that is also friendly for dog’s sensitive stomachs.
  • Next, we add the pumpkin puree – not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling! A tablespoon or two should suffice. Pumpkin not only provides a lovely flavor, but also comes with health benefits for your four-legged friend. It’s a source of fiber which can aid in digestive issues and can also be a tasty treat dogs truly enjoy.
  • The third ingredient is the sugar-free whipped cream. Make sure the whip cream is free from xylitol or birch sugar. These are toxic to dogs. 
  • Finally, a small pinch of cinnamon gives the puppuccino that special touch. Not only does it add an enticing aroma and flavor, but it can also help with bad doggy breath!

Recipe Alternatives 

It’s worth mentioning that not all pups are the same. Some may have allergies or other digestive issues. No worries – there are plenty of alternatives. For example, you can substitute the oat milk with another lactose-free milk option such as almond milk or coconut milk. The latter also provides beneficial fatty acids.

If whipped cream doesn’t sit well with your pup, Greek yogurt is a good alternative. It’s a probiotic, promoting healthier digestion. Regardless of the changes, keeping quantities small is crucial to prevent any upset stomachs.

And remember, this recipe may be a delicious treat, but it’s not meant to replace meals. Also, avoid the temptation of adding much sugar to sweeten your homemade puppuccino. Dogs and sugar don’t mix well, and the natural sweetness from pumpkin and oat milk is just right for them.


how to make a puppuccino

Making a Puppuccino at Home

Now that we are well-equipped with all our puppuccino ingredients, it’s time to learn how to make a puppuccino at home. This delicious treat is not complicated to make and provides a great way to spoil your dog (because they deserve it). So, grab your large bowl, whisk, ingredients, and let’s dive in!

Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients

Start by pouring your 1 cup of oat milk into a large bowl. To this, add 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree. The taste of pumpkin is usually a hit with our dogs and is a staple in pumpkin puppuccinos.

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth

Once you have added both the oat milk and pumpkin puree, use a whisk and stir these ingredients together until smooth. This is to make sure there are little to no lumps, and your pet can easily enjoy this special treat.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

After blending, pour your homemade puppuccino into a small cup. Next, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Remember, small amounts of cream are all you need as we don’t want much sugar in our pet’s diet. For the finishing touch, sprinkle a small pinch of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream. The cinnamon not only adds a dash of flavor but also makes the puppuccino smell inviting.

There you have it, your own homemade puppuccino is ready! Sure, you could drive to the local Starbucks or your favorite local coffee shop, but this DIY recipe provides a great alternative to your typical Starbucks Pup Cup.

It’s a perfect treat for a small dog or any size dog really! By preparing it at home, you can ensure that only healthy, clean ingredients are used, protecting your pet from potential digestive issues.


pup cup recipe

Homemade Puppuccino FAQs

What if my dog is allergic to oat milk?

If your dog is allergic to oat milk, there are plenty of alternatives you can use. Options such as coconut milk, almond milk, or greek yogurt can serve as wonderful lactose-free milk substitutes in this recipe.

Can I use regular whipped cream instead?

It is recommended to use sugar-free whipped cream for this recipe to ensure that it is a healthy treat for your pet. Regular whipped cream often contains high amounts of sugar which can be harmful to your dog. 

How much pumpkin spice Puppuccino can I give?

A small cup of this homemade Puppuccino is an appropriate serving size for most dogs. It’s essential to focus on small quantities to ensure your pet’s stomach is not upset as larger quantities may cause digestive issues.

Is this Puppuccino a regular treat or should it be given occasionally?

This homemade Puppuccino should be seen as a special treat, to be given occasionally rather than a regular part of your pet’s diet. As with any treat, these should be given in moderation.

Why should I make a homemade Puppuccino instead of getting one from Starbucks?

Homemade Puppuccinos give you control over the ingredients, enabling you to adjust for your pet’s specific dietary needs and restrictions. Plus, they are super easy to make! 


Feel like making more? Check out our other fun dog treat recipes.

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