You’ve probably seen the pictures online, and spent loads of time oohing and aahing over them… a Bichon Frise with whipped cream all over their puff-ball face, a French Bulldog trying to shove their snout into tiny Starbucks cup and a Dachshund hungrily eyeballing a whipped treat-filled cup.
So what’s the deal? Are dogs the newest Starbucks fans?
That’s right, there is finally a Starbucks item especially for our furry friends.
It’s called the Puppuccino and we have all the details on what it is, how to get one, how much you can expect to spend for one, and whether they are actually safe for your dog.
What is a Puppuccino?
If you have ever ordered a Triple-shot, Venti, Half Sweet, Non-Fat, Carmel Macchiato, you know exactly how complicated a Starbucks order can be. But, a Puppuccino is the simplest “drink” available at the coffee chain.
Despite the fancy name, there’s just a single ingredient. A Starbucks Puppuccino is a swirl of whipped cream in either a sample-size or an espresso cup. That’s it!
It may not sound like much, but the simplicity of Puppuccino is its beauty. Caffeine is a no-go for dogs, so there are no dangerous or toxic ingredients in a Puppuccino.
It’s neither hot, nor overly cold, so you don’t need to worry about the temperature. It’s simply the same whipped cream that is usually popped on top of your own drink.
The only downside is that a Puppucino is a little messy. But, that mess is half the fun.
Is the Starbucks Puppuccino safe for my dog?
The basic answer here is, “yes.” An occasional Puppiccino is completely safe for most dogs.
As mentioned, there’s no caffeine in this treat, and there are no other ingredients that are poisonous to dogs. However, if your dog has any digestive or is sensitive to dairy products, you should probably avoid giving them this lactose-laden treat.
But, the deeper question is if it’s a good idea, in terms of nutrition, to give your dog a Puppuccino. There is certainly no substantial amount of protein or other helpful nutrients to be found in this treat.
On the other hand, there is a high amount of sugar and calories involved. It’s hard to determine an exact calorie amount, since a Puppuccino’s very in size depending on the location and barista.
But, a good guess puts on Puppiccino at around 120 calories. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, a 10-pound dog should have a between 180 – 200 calories each day.
Even a 90-pound dog needs just 1100 calories per day, just makes a Puppuccino a calorie investment no matter the breed. But, none of that means you shouldn’t give your furry friend this treat.
Every good dog deserves a treat once in a while, an a Puppuccino is the most adorable way to reward them. Just make Puppuccinos an occasional order and talk with your vet if you have any concerns.
How Do I Order A Puppuccino?
Ordering a Puppuccino might be the trickiest bit. But, there are a few tips that can help you get this treat for your best buddy.
First, the Puppuccino is not on the official Starbucks menu. But, just because it isn’t listed on the menu board doesn’t mean you can’t order it.
Puppuccinos are part of the “secret menu.” This means that, even though they are unofficial, they are widely known and most barista will happily make them for you.
In fact, many baristas will even offer one, if they see your pup.
You can request a Puppuccino at the majority of stand-alone Starbucks stores. While there may still be a few locations that won’t make a Puppucinno, they are very rare.
Thanks to the online popularity of the treat, they are a big part of Starbucks’ culture. Even if you stumble upon a barista who is unsure what a Puppuccino is, the single-ingredient item is easy to explain and they will probably be thrilled to please your pup.
The exception is Starbucks locations that are inside other establishments, such as a bookstore or supermarket. This type of location generally does not serve Puppuccinos.
The next tricky piece is where to order a Puppuccino. Dogs, other than service animals, are not allowed inside the coffee chain, so you won’t be able to order this item at the counter.
The easiest solution is to use the drive-through at locations that offer one. The other option is to head to a Starbucks location that offers outdoor seating.
You can then use the Starbucks app to place your order, wait a few minutes and then pop inside to pick up your items. Since your dog will need to wait outside, ask a friendly table neighbor to watch them for a few minutes.
Since you can’t order a Puppuccino on the app, you can ask the barista for one while you pick up the order. They will either make it immediately, or bring it outside for you.
How Much Does A Puppuccino Cost?
Any Starbucks fan knows that their delightful drinks can get a little pricey, so you might be wondering what you will need to shell out for a Puppuccino.
Here is the best news… Puppuccinos are free!
Depending on the store, the barista might need to enter the treat into the register at zero cost in order to account for the product usage. In these cases, you will see it on your receipt, but it will still be free.
However, there are a few well-understood rules for this freebie. Most importantly, you should tip your barista, especially if they offered the item.
Usually there is a tip jar on the counter, so it is appropriate to drop a few coins or a dollar in for the staff. Also, you should only request a Puppucinno when your dog is with you.
A Puppuccino from Starbucks is a fun treat to share with your furry friend. Pop over to your local shop and ask for one, and be sure to take photos.