Starbucks Puppuccino

✔ Updated October 19, 2026 · new dog-safety guide, plain unsweetened cream, portion sizes

A puppuccino, or pup cup, is simply a small cup of whipped cream for dogs, made famous as a Starbucks treat for four-legged customers. I see happy pups getting them in the drive-thru line at the Starbucks near us all the time.

This homemade puppuccino recipe keeps it as plain and dog-friendly as possible: just cold heavy cream whipped with nothing added, no sugar, no sweeteners and no flavorings. It takes five minutes, and a spoonful or two is plenty. Below you'll find portion sizes by dog size, the ingredients dogs should never have, and dairy-free ideas for pups with sensitive stomachs. As with any new food, check with your vet first if your dog has health issues.

Why Dog Owners Love This Pup Cup

• One ingredient: plain heavy cream, so you know exactly what your dog is eating.
• Ready in 5 minutes with a whisk or a hand mixer.
• Sized right, with portion guidance from small dogs to large breeds.

Pup Cup Portion Guide

Whipped cream is rich, so a little goes a long way; I would stick to a spoonful or two. These portions are for healthy adult dogs as an occasional treat. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions should check with a vet first.

Dog size	Weight	Whipped cream	Approx. calories
Toy / small	Under 20 lb	1 tablespoon	About 25 kcal
Medium	20 to 50 lb	1 to 2 tablespoons	About 25 to 50 kcal
Large	50 to 90 lb	2 to 4 tablespoons	About 50 to 100 kcal
Giant	Over 90 lb	Up to 1/4 cup	About 100 kcal

Is a Puppuccino Safe for Dogs?

For most healthy dogs, a small amount of plain whipped cream now and then is fine. But it's a high-fat dairy treat, and many adult dogs digest lactose poorly, so a big portion can cause gas, vomiting or diarrhea. Rich, fatty foods can also be a trigger for pancreatitis in dogs that are prone to it.

• Skip it for dogs with a known dairy sensitivity or lactose intolerance, a history of pancreatitis, diabetes, or dogs on a weight-loss plan.
• Never add xylitol (birch sugar) or other sweeteners, chocolate or cocoa, coffee or caffeine, or nutmeg.
• Skip the extras people often add, such as sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon and syrups. Your dog won't miss them.
• Check with your vet before offering any new food if your dog has health issues, takes medication or has a sensitive stomach.
• Call your vet right away if your dog eats something containing xylitol or chocolate, even in a small amount.

Dairy-Free Pup Cup Ideas

If dairy doesn't agree with your dog, there are simple swaps I like better anyway. A spoonful of plain canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, which has sugar and spices), a few pieces of frozen banana, or a lick of plain, unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter in a cup all make a fun treat. Keep portions small and introduce one new food at a time.

Step-by-Step Photos

Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.

Tips for Success

• Plain cream only. Use heavy whipping cream with no added sugar. Skip vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa and any syrup, even the small amounts used in drinks.
• Be careful with canned whipped cream. Aerosol toppings contain sugar and sometimes other sweeteners or additives. Read the label and never use anything containing xylitol (also sold as birch sugar), which is toxic to dogs.
• Keep portions small. Treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of a dog's daily calories. Whipped cream is rich, so 1 to 2 tablespoons is plenty for most dogs.
• Make it occasional. A pup cup is a once-in-a-while treat, not a daily snack.
• Start small the first time. Offer a teaspoon and watch for an upset stomach, gas or loose stools over the next day before serving a full portion.
• Ask your vet first if your dog has a dairy sensitivity, a history of pancreatitis, diabetes, weight issues or a sensitive stomach.

More Starbucks Recipes for the Humans

While your pup enjoys their cup, make something for yourself. Our copycat Starbucks whipped cream is the sweetened, vanilla version for your own drinks (not for dogs). Browse all of our Starbucks copycat recipes for lattes, Frappuccinos and bakery favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in a Starbucks puppuccino?

A puppuccino is typically just a small cup of whipped cream. This homemade version uses only plain, unsweetened heavy cream whipped to soft peaks, so you know exactly what your dog is getting.

Is a puppuccino safe for dogs?

Plain whipped cream in small amounts is fine for most healthy dogs as an occasional treat. It's high in fat and contains lactose, so skip it for dogs with dairy sensitivity, a history of pancreatitis, diabetes or weight problems, and check with your vet if you're unsure.

How much whipped cream can a dog have?

Keep it small: about 1 tablespoon for a small dog under 20 pounds, 1 to 2 tablespoons for a medium dog and up to 1/4 cup for a large dog. Serve it only occasionally, and count it toward the roughly 10 percent of daily calories that treats should make up.

What ingredients should never go in a pup cup?

Never add xylitol (birch sugar) or other sweeteners, chocolate or cocoa, coffee or anything with caffeine, nutmeg, or grapes and raisins. It's also best to skip sugar, vanilla extract and syrups. Plain cream is all a dog needs.

Is there a dairy-free puppuccino?

For dogs who can't have dairy, offer a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling) or a few small pieces of frozen banana in a cup instead. Check with your vet before trying new foods, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Can humans eat a pup cup?

Yes. A pup cup is just plain whipped cream, so it's safe for people too, though it isn't sweetened. For a sweetened version for your own drinks, see our copycat Starbucks whipped cream.