08/28/2026
Pup cups, commonly offered at coffee shops like Starbucks and Tim Hortons, are typically small cups of whipped cream given to dogs. While a popular treat, concerns exist regarding their nutritional value and safety for dogs due to ingredients like sugar and dairy.
Common Pup Cup Ingredients
Whipped Cream: The primary ingredient in most commercial pup cups is sweetened whipped cream, which contains dairy and sugar. "Whipped cream isn’t even good for dogs anyway, so they shouldn’t be having much...most dogs become lactose intolerant after weaning just like a lot of humans do."
Added Sugars and Flavorings: Commercial whipped cream often includes vanilla and sugar. "I hated the puppucinno people when I worked at Starbucks. I think it's nasty that people actually expect whipped cream (which has vanilla and sugar added) for their dogs, for free."
Occasional Additions: Some places, like Tim Hortons, might add extra treats such as "Tim Bits."
Safety and Health Concerns
Lactose Intolerance: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy products can cause digestive upset. "What’s sad is that a lot of dogs don’t digest dairy very well. Whipped cream can cause upset stomach, bloating, diarrhea, etc."
High Sugar and Fat Content: The sugar and fat in whipped cream are not ideal for a dog's long-term health. "The sugar and fat in whipped cream isn’t all that good for a dog’s long term health either."
Portion Control: Due to these concerns, many recommend giving only a small amount, if any. "Whipped cream isn’t exactly the healthiest thing to give to a dog, so we used the shot cups so if their dog clocked out after eating it, they couldn’t blame us."
Homemade Pup Cup Alternatives
Fruit and Yogurt Blends: Healthier homemade options often involve dog-safe fruits blended with plain yogurt or goat's milk. "I’m thinking goats milk/yoghurt, banana and pumpkin would be a good starting point."
Frozen Purees: Freezing pureed fruits or vegetables can create a refreshing and healthier treat. "For this batch I took a tiny handful of a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and black raspberries and a filled the rest of the blender cup with water."
Peanut Butter and Pumpkin: Combinations like pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and Greek yogurt are popular for homemade "pupsicles." "Usually I freeze canned dog food for my pupsicles, but the other day I tried to make something similar to the premade ones since one of my dogs doesn't like hers to be frozen."
