As Aussies we love coffee, and we love to treat our dogs.
Big coffee chains and boutique cafes have cottoned on to this, and love to sell us Puppuccinos.
Quick tip: Always ask what they’re made from, as most Puppuccinos are actually unhealthy for your pooch.
In this Puppa-chuppa-puppuccino guide we’ll look at how you can make a healthy version at home (tailored to your dog’s true carnivorous nature), but let’s cover the whole cup while we’re at it:
What is a Puppuccino anyway?
Picture this – You’re at your favourite café, sipping on your flat white, and your dog gazes up at you with those “Where’s mine?” eyes.
This is what the Puppuccino is truly designed for – to stop you feeling guilty. You know I’m right!
The Puppucino was originally made famous by Starbucks in the US. It’s essentially a small cup of whipped cream.
Sounds cute, right? But hold on – while it’s an adorable idea, whipped cream is packed with sugar, and that isn’t particularly kind to your dog’s digestive system or their health over the long term.
Lactose may be another issue, although most dogs are fine.
Can we make a better Puppuccino?
Absolutely!
Dogs, unlike us, are carnivores at heart. At least I know I am, even if you’re not.
They thrive on nutrient-rich foods and have absolutely zero need for sugar, or milk for that matter. In fact, why would you give your dog anything which doesn’t benefit their health?
So, let’s rethink the Puppuccino. Let’s give it a makeover which would make even celebrity pups like Tom Hardy’s Woodstock or Chrissy Teigen’s Pippa wag their tails in tongue-slurping approval.
What goes into a dog-friendly Puppuccino?
Here’s the twist – our version skips the unnecessary sugar and focuses on ingredients which will truly benefit your dog.
Whether you feed kibble, raw, or whatever else. The purpose of this puppuccino is to provide a guilt-free nutrient boost, like a Puppuccino Health Shake!
So, what should we include?
Bone Broth Foam
Forget whipped cream – swap it for bone broth!
Bone broth is rich in glucosamine, which supports healthy joints, especially for larger breeds.
It’s also packed with amino acids, helping with digestion and boosting the immune system.
Bone broth really is one of the best ways to give your dog a very species-appropriate, very-nutritious super boost!
Plus, it’s something your dog will naturally love.
Pumpkin Puree
While your pooch may not be into pumpkin spice lattes, a bit of pumpkin puree in their Puppuccino can be a game-changer.
Pumpkin is a fibre-rich, low-calorie addition which supports digestion and helps keep their stools regular.
It’s especially useful for pups who sometimes get a bit, well, out of sync.
Lactose-Free Kefir or Goat’s Milk
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, so instead of standard milk or whipped cream, you can use lactose-free kefir or goat’s milk.
These options are easier on the tummy and full of probiotics, promoting healthy gut bacteria.
If probiotics are something you haven’t considered before, then it’s well worth doing to for the ongoing good health of your dog!
Dog-Friendly Toppings
We don’t like to be boring, so why not sprinkle a little something extra on top?
Here’s some funky ideas:
- Dried liver crumble
- Freeze-dried meat pieces
- A tiny bit of grated carrot.
These are not just yummy – these toppings are full of protein, which every dog needs to maintain muscle health, or in the case of carrot some essential vitamins.
So, how do you make this Super Puppuccino?
Here’s a simple recipe which will have your dog licking their chops in no time:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of warm bone broth (make sure it’s low sodium and free of onions)
- ¼ cup of pumpkin puree (make sure it’s plain, not spiced or sweetened)
- A splash of lactose-free kefir or goat’s milk
- Optional: Toppings like freeze-dried meat pieces or crumbled liver
Directions:
- Gently warm the bone broth – think lukewarm, not hot. Dogs can be impatient, but we don’t want any burned tongues!
- Stir in the pumpkin puree until well combined.
- Pour into a small cup or bowl, and add a splash of kefir or goat’s milk for some extra probiotics.
- Top with your dog’s favourite treat – whether that’s crumbled liver or a tiny bit of freeze-dried chicken.
Why is this Puppuccino healthier?
Unlike the sugary, dairy-laden versions often seen in cafés, this Puppuccino recipe is packed with health benefits.
Bone broth is golden for joint health, kefir aids digestion, and pumpkin helps keep everything moving smoothly in the gut.
Your dog gets a tasty, nutritious treat which is truly a real nod to their natural diet.
Is it safe for all dogs?
As with anything, it’s always best to start small and see how your dog reacts.
If your dog has a particularly sensitive stomach or any known allergies, a quick chat with your vet probably won’t hurt (and of course we must advise you do so, because, well, we should).
And remember, while this Puppuccino is healthier, it’s still a treat – so keep it occasional, not an over indulgence.
Puppuccino: The Celebrity Seal of Approval
If you were a celebrity dog parent, imagine the fun of treating your pooch to this.
Picture David Beckham’s Olive or even the royal corgis enjoying their very own puppuccino while their humans sip Earl Grey. You can just imagine, can’t you?
Your dog might not be famous, but they certainly deserve star treatment!
So, what do you think – are you ready to spoil your dog with a Puppuccino that’s both delicious and nutritious?
What do you think of our Puppuccino recipe?
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