As you may have guessed, a pup cup is a treat for your furry pet. Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Dairy Queen, Culver’s and many other chain restaurants give this treat to their customers’ pets all the time. At Starbucks, a pup cup is cleverly called a Puppuccino.
But despite its name, a Puppuccino is actually not a canine version of a cappuccino. It doesn’t have caffeine (caffeine is severely toxic to dogs!) but instead, it has whipped cream made from vanilla syrup and heavy whipping cream.
How much does a pup cup cost at Starbucks?
If you’ve never ordered a pup cup at Starbucks before, then I’ve got good news for you – pup cups are free! A spokesperson for Starbucks said:
“All customers have the ability to order extra whipped cream for a beverage, and we’ve seen customers order this for their dogs at no extra charge.”
Simply put, if you’re ordering something for yourself at Starbucks, then you likely won’t be charged for a puppuccino.
How to order a Puppuccino at Starbucks?
The pup cup is not on the Starbucks menu (yet!) so it may be possible that you’ll get weird looks should you order it the next time you’re at SBUX. But most baristas know what a pup cup is so chances are they won’t even bat an eye.
So, order away! But keep in mind that pets aren’t allowed inside Starbucks. You can only order the Puppuccino at the drive-thru window. Or if you have other people with you, then you can leave your pet with your companion, while you order some drinks and the puppuccino inside Starbucks. Pets are welcome at their patios and other outdoor areas.
Are Puppuccinos safe for dogs?
Yes, your pet can indulge in a Starbucks Puppuccino but with a few precautions. According to Yahoo News, while sweetened whipped cream itself isn’t toxic to dogs, dairy products can sometimes cause digestive issues for some pups. So don’t give them a pup cup often. If you have any concerns about giving your dog whipped cream, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian first.
Dr. Lindsey Bullen, a board certified veterinary nutritionist at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Cary, has said that pup cups from Starbucks are generally safe for dogs. But she cautions: “However, it is important to keep in mind that every pet is a unique individual!.”
If your dog has no medical problems (like a sensitive stomach), an occasional Puppuccino is ok.
“Some pets are more sensitive to lactose, so it is always recommended (no matter what the treat) to start small,” Dr. Bullen said.
And definitely don’t give it to your pet every day, even if you get coffee from Starbucks daily.
Are pup cups still free at Starbucks?
Yes the pup cups are still free at Starbucks in 2024. Here are some remarks shared by Starbucks employees on Reddit:
letthecoffeeflow
Pup cups are free and you can order them at the store with your regular order or ask for one when you come through the drive thru or inside to pick up your mobile. Super normal to do and baristas usually love to see a dog or cat enjoy one in drive thru.
Ristrettooo
I hand out countless pup cups every day. It’s not just a social media thing, they’re genuinely very popular. They are free.
Some baristas even give out puppuccinos even if the pet owners did not order anything for themselves. But this is of course not the proper thing to do.
LiaraDx
I saw this just the other day. Had a car pull up at the drive-thru and request two pup cups only – nothing for themselves. We let them do it. We enjoy seeing all of the adorable dogs that come through the drive-thru. However, if it was more than once like what you’re describing, I wish they would just come inside to ask for pup cups instead of holding up the DT, as it gets very busy!
Price of a Pup Cup at Starbucks
For now, the pup cup is absolutely free at Starbucks! So go ahead and get your pet this delightful treat the next time you’re there!