Homemade Pup Cup (Healthier Puppuccino)

Coffee-shop pup cups are whipped cream in a cup. This homemade version whips Greek yogurt with a little peanut butter until it is fluffy, so it looks the part with far less fat and sugar.

Top with a mini biscuit and take a photo before your dog finds it.

Why your dog will love this

• Looks like the coffee-shop version
• Less fat and sugar than whipped cream
• Ready in five minutes

Ingredient notes

• Plain Greek yogurt Caution

  Unsweetened, no xylitol.

  Plain and unsweetened only, with no xylitol. Some dogs are lactose intolerant.

• Xylitol-free peanut butter Caution

  Only use brands without xylitol (also sold as birch sugar). High in fat.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Homemade Pup Cup

Homemade Pup Cup takes about 5 minutes from start to finish and makes 2 pup cups. It is an easy recipe. You will need small cups and whisk. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.

Ingredients and why they are here

You need 3 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for dogs.

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Unsweetened, no xylitol. Plain and unsweetened only, with no xylitol. Some dogs are lactose intolerant.
• 1 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter: Only use brands without xylitol (also sold as birch sugar). High in fat.
• 2 small homemade dog biscuits, for topping

Step-by-step instructions

1. Whisk the yogurt hard for 1 minute until it looks lighter and fluffy.
2. Swirl in the peanut butter without fully mixing for a marbled look.
3. Spoon into two small cups, piling it high.
4. Top each with a mini biscuit and serve right away.

Tips for success

• Chill the bowl and whisk first; cold yogurt whips up fluffier.
• Use espresso cups or 4-oz paper cups for the coffee-shop look.
• Skip the peanut butter and use pumpkin for a lower-fat version.

How to store it

Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Serve right away; it deflates in the fridge. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.

How much to serve

One small pup cup as an occasional treat. Each cup has about 60 calories. Treats and toppers should stay under 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories, so cut back their regular food a little on days you serve extra.

Swaps and variations

No plain Greek yogurt? Use plain cottage cheese, blended. No xylitol-free peanut butter? Use plain pumpkin purée. Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.

Why dogs love it

Looks like the coffee-shop version. Less fat and sugar than whipped cream. Ready in five minutes.

Feeding tips for dogs

Introduce any new food slowly, starting with a small piece, and wait a day to see how your dog’s stomach handles it. Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis, kidney disease or diabetes may need changes, so check with your vet first. Keep fresh water out, especially with dry or salty-tasting treats, and count every treat toward the daily allowance so meals stay balanced.

Make it ahead

To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.

Safety notes

Yogurt: Plain and unsweetened only, with no xylitol. Some dogs are lactose intolerant. Peanut Butter: Only use brands without xylitol (also sold as birch sugar). High in fat. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your dog. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is in a coffee-shop pup cup?

Usually whipped cream. It is fine as a rare treat, but it is high in fat and sugar.

Can puppies have a pup cup?

Yes, in a small amount, if your puppy handles dairy well.

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