Are Pup Cups Safe for Your Dog?

There's nothing like pulling up to a drive-thru window and having someone appreciate the cuteness of your dog. If they offer a pup cup—a doggy-sized serving of whipped cream—you might be tempted to say yes. But should you?

Yes and no.

A little bit of whipped cream probably isn't a big problem for most dogs, but it's important to understand the ingredients your dog is consuming. You should also know what potential risks your dog could face before you make it a habit to take all the pup cups your favorite local coffee shop offers.

Here's what the team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital wants you to know about the sweet snack.

What’s in a Pup Cup? 

Most pup cups just have whipped cream in them. But what type of whipped cream, and what does whipped cream usually have in it?

For store-bought whipped cream, the ingredients typically include:

• Heavy cream: This high-fat ingredient is the heart of any whipped cream.
• Sugar: Hopefully all of it is real, because xylitol (fake sweetener) is a no-no for dogs. But sugar isn't all that great, either. Your dog definitely doesn't need it in her diet!
• Vanilla extract: While vanilla extract isn't unsafe for dogs in tiny amounts, it does contain alcohol, which can be problematic in large amounts.
• Preservatives and stabilizers: Some brands include additives that can be hard on your pet's digestive system. And you won't know what those additives are unless you see the can of whipped cream.

So what’s the verdict?

Let’s find out.

Are Pup Cups Safe for Dogs?

For most healthy dogs, a pup cup here and there is a relatively benign treat. But if your dog is lactose intolerant, the heavy cream will bother her digestive system.

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, so make sure you avoid feeding whipped cream to your dog unless you're certain he isn't. Otherwise, bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain can afflict your poor pup.

Another reason to avoid frequent pup cups is the high fat and sugar content in whipped cream. Too much fat and sugar can cause your dog to gain weight and even put her at risk of developing pancreatitis.

If your dog is already overweight or has underlying health issues, avoid pup cups altogether.

Finally, make sure the pup cup doesn't contain any artificial vanilla or sweeteners, as both can contain xylitol or other harmful ingredients.

A quick check with the barista is all it takes to make sure you're not giving these bad ingredients to your pet in pup-cup form.

Healthy Alternatives to Pup Cups

If you want to treat your pup without the risks, consider feeding your pet a safe, dog-friendly alternative. Small amounts of unsweetened, unflavored whipped cream can be fine for dogs that aren't lactose intolerant.

Plain Greek yogurt is packed with probiotics and low in lactose, so it's an even better choice. To avoid dairy altogether, go for mashed banana or pumpkin.

If you’re worried your dog may be sick after consuming a pup cup or have concerns about his health, our caring team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital can help.

Call us at (916) 939-1705 to schedule an appointment today!