The Starbucks Puppuccino + 15 Places to Get FREE Pup Cups
Call them puppuccinos or pup cups, this sweet dollop of whipped cream in a small cup has become a hugely popular treat for the canine set.
Some find the trend puzzling. It’s just whipped cream in a Dixie cup!
Oh, but no. It’s so much more. It’s the thrill of going to a well known establishment and getting something FREE… FOR YOUR DOG!
Where’s the fun in buying a can of cool whip and giving it to your pup alone? At home. So, it’s more about the getting of the puppuccino from an establishment, and well, who can resist watching a dog lap up that foamy goodness. Bonus points when a smidgen of cream gets stuck on the puppers nose. Weee!
So today we’re going to list all of the places you can go to get a (usually) free Pup Cup for your dog. If you know about a place that gives away puppuccinos that’s not listed here, please mention it below in the comments and we’ll add it.
1. The Starbucks Puppuccino
Much as already been written about the Starbucks puppuccino (AKA the Starbucks Pup Cup). Most locations will give out a small cup of whipped cream to any dogs who asks nicely! How much does a puppuccino from Starbucks cost? Nothing! They’re free.
2. Dunn Brothers
This midwest chain offers ‘off menu’ pup cups (shhh… it’s a secret). However, they regularly post photos of cute dogs on their facebook page so we wonder when they’ll officially add it to their menu.
3. Dutch Bros Coffee
This 500+ chain in the western united states is famous for its pup cups. Order one for your pup and you’ll make their day.
4. Dairy Queen
The Dairy Queen Pup Cup is not your average Pup Cup. Arguably, it’s even better. Order a Pup Cup next time you’re at Dairy Queen and you’ll get a FREE small vanilla soft serve ice cream.
5. Culver’s
Culver’s gives out milk bones to dogs coming through the drive thru. At some locations you can also request a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a bone on top!
6. Caribou Coffee
Treat your furry friend to a Caribou Pup Cup which consists of four ounces of whipped cream!
7. Chick Fil A
Not every Chick Fil A is dog friendly. But those that are, your pupper will score a nice scoop of IceDream topped with a dog treat. When you arrive ask for the Chick-Fil-a Pup Cup.
8. Shake Shack
Shake Shack is doing things differently by offering the “Pooch-ini” This variation on a theme includes a dog-friendly vanilla custard, a swirl of peanut butter and a few dog biscuits. We have not personally been here but we don’t think this one is free. Evenstill, sounds like it puts the Starbucks Puppuccino to shame.
9. Dunkin Donuts
Dunkin Donuts calls their version of the puppuccino- a puppy latte. So cute! So next time you’re there order your pupper a latte and they’ll enjoy a nice cup filled with whipped cream. Some locations might even top it off with a bone. The Dunkin Donuts Pup Cup price? Free!
10. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
While we couldn’t find anything official, it appears that at least some Coffee Bean‘s offer Puppuccinos!
11. Biggby Coffee.
Yes, this chain offers their Cup of whip which features whipped cream, sprinkles and sometimes, if you’re lucky, a dog treat to top it off.
12. Bark! Espresso.
Rumor is this Seattle favorite makes a rice milk and peanut butter dog latte. This sounds way better than the traditional Starbucks Puppuccino!
13. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt
This 40-unit ice cream chain serves Frosty Paws, a dog ice cream made with soy at their Redondo Beach, California location. The rest of the chain has Dogsters, a veterinary-approved dog treat available in peanut butter and mint flavors.
14 Flying Squirrel
This bakery and cafe in Talkeetna Alaska will offer puppuccinos to all good dogs!
15. Make A Pup Cup At Home
Come on, your dog doesn’t really need a Starbucks puppuccino, do they? Really, they aren’t difficult to make and you can even use healthier ingredients than whipped cream. Here’s a puppuccino recipe from Pet Chef Rocky Kanaka that is much healthier than the puppuccinos at Starbucks
16. Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets offer pup-friendly burgers and ice cream for dogs. However, availability may vary by location, so you may want to check the menu before you go
17. Sprinkles
This bakery chain offers a Sprinkles Pupcake, which is a dog-friendly cupcake made of butter, egg whites, buttermilk, salt, vanilla, and a sugar substitute and topped with a yogurt frosting. They are not free however.
18. Sonic
This fast-food chain offers a Sonic Pup Cup, which is a small cup of vanilla ice cream for dogs.
19. Tim Hortons
This coffee chain offers a Timbits Pup Cup, which is a small cup of whipped cream with a Timbit (a bite-sized donut) on top for dogs
20. In-N-Out Burger
This burger chain offers a Pup Patty, which is a plain hamburger patty without salt or seasonings for dogs. However, this treat is not free and may cost around $1
21. Shakes Frozen Custard
If you find yourself visiting Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, or Texas, you may have the opportunity to request a complimentary Puppy Cup of Custard for your furry friend during your visit at Shakes. (may require purchase).
22. Andy’s Frozen Custard
Indulge your pup with a delightful treat at Andy’s Frozen Custard—a Puppy Cone awaits! With locations spanning across 10 states, bring your furry friend to Andy’s Frozen Custard and enjoy a complimentary Puppy Cone, specially made for dogs to savor! ????
23. Scooter’s Coffee
At Scooter’s Coffee, your furry friends are in for a delightful treat! They offer complimentary Pup Cups, featuring a cup of fluffy whipped cream with a tasty doggy bone treat nestled in the center. Bring your four-legged companion and let them indulge in this special treat, courtesy of Scooter’s Coffee!
24. Brusters Ice Cream
Indulge your furry friend with a delightful treat at Bruster’s! They offer a complimentary doggie sundae, available with or without a purchase. In certain locations, you might even have the chance to receive an additional doggie biscuit as an extra special touch. Treat your pup to a sweet surprise, because they deserve it! ???? There are over 200 locations in 22 states
25. Freddy’s Frozen Custard
Indulge your furry companion at Freddy’s Frozen Custard with their delightful free offering known as pup cups! A pup cup at Freddy’s is a small cup filled with creamy vanilla ice cream topped with a tasty dog treat. You can simply request a pup cup when you place your order for your own delicious frozen custard or mouthwatering steakburger. Treat yourself and your pup to a special visit to Freddy’s!
More Restaurants That Serve Pup Cups
Since we published this article, we have received tons of feedback on other places you can get free (or inexpensive) pup cups. So we are adding those here;
- Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: It’s reported that they give pups peanut butter Italian ice and vanilla ice cream!
- Graeter’s Ice Cream: 50 locations located on East Coast.
- Some Like It Hot: Davenport WA
Puppuccino Time!
Puppuccinos are so popular I opened up a puppuccino stand for dogs. Watch the video above.
Can cats have pup cups or puppucinos?
Cats can also have pup cups or puppucinos, but they may not like them as much as dogs do. Cats are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive issues after consuming dairy products. They also have different taste preferences than dogs and may not enjoy the sweetness of whipped cream. If you want to treat your cat to something special, you may want to look for catnip toys or treats instead
Can I add anything else to my dog’s pup cup or puppuccino?
Some Starbucks locations may add dog cookies on top of the whipped cream as an extra treat for your dog. You can also bring your own toppings, such as bacon bits, shredded cheese, or kibble. However, make sure they are safe and healthy for your dog, and avoid anything that contains chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onion, garlic, or xylitol
What are some alternatives to pup cups or puppucinos for dogs?
If you want to give your dog a frozen treat that is more dog-friendly than whipped cream, you can try making your own dog ice cream at home. There are many recipes online that use ingredients such as yogurt, peanut butter, banana, pumpkin, and honey. You can also buy ready-made dog ice cream from pet stores or online
Are there other coffee shops that offer pup cups or puppucinos?
Yes, there are other coffee shops that offer similar treats for dogs, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, which has Dunkin’ Pup Cups. These are also small cups of whipped cream that are free for dogs.
Can large dogs have pup cups or puppucinos?
Yes, large dogs can have pup cups or puppucinos, but they may need more than one cup to satisfy them. You can ask for a larger cup size, such as a kids’ or short-size cup, which are eight ounces instead of three ounces
How do I order a pup cup
You can order a pup cup or puppuccino at the counter or drive-through window of any Starbucks location. You can ask for a “pup cup” or a “puppuccino”, or simply request an espresso cup of whipped cream for your dog. The barista will know what you mean and will be happy to serve your furry friend
How much do pup cups or puppucinos cost?
No, pup cups or puppucinos do not contain caffeine. They are made of whipped cream, which is made of heavy whipping cream and vanilla syrup.
Are there similar treats available at other coffee shops, like Dunkin’?
Yes, some other coffee shops, including Dunkin’, also offer similar treats known as Dunkin’ Pup Cups. These are typically small cups filled with whipped cream for dogs to enjoy
Can my dog eat the entire Pup Cup
While dogs can consume the whipped cream in Pup Cups and Puppucinos, it’s important to remember that these treats are meant as a special indulgence. It’s recommended to give them small amounts and not the entire cup, as too much dairy can lead to digestive issues.
Can I make dog-friendly ice cream at home for my furry friend?
Yes, there are various dog-friendly ice cream recipes available that you can make at home. These recipes are often made with safe and dog-friendly ingredients such as yogurt, bananas, or peanut butter
Who popularized the term puppuccino in 2008?
It was Rocky Kanaka, a pet rescue advocate who also has dog bakeries throughout Los Angeles. He gave dogs free little cups of vegan whipped cream when they came into his stores, as a special treat.
@dutchbroscoffee 1000/10 pupper!!🐶💙 @elliethegolden9 #dutchbros #dutchbroscoffee #puppuccino #fyp
♬ original sound – Dutch Bros Coffee
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