This One Is For The Dog Lovers

We all know the Starbucks drive-thru is a haven for both coffee lovers and their furry companions. The joy is palpable in the eyes of dogs when they are treated to a signature Starbucks Pup Cup. This delightful freebie is a small serving of whipped cream, served in a petite cup, a special indulgence for our four-legged friends.

The Truth About The Starbucks Pup Cup

Before we dive into the yummy world of homemade treats, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential drawbacks of indulging your furry friend in commercial offerings like whipped cream from Starbucks. While the occasional treat might seem harmless, many commercially available whipped creams contain high levels of sugar, artificial flavors, and other additives that can wreak havoc on your pet’s digestive system and overall health.

Spoil Your Best Friend (While Also Prioritizing Their Health)

What if you could let your dog join in on the fun right at home? Imagine recreating the joy of a Starbucks Pup Cup, but with a healthier (and tastier) twist. Envision whipping up a delicious treat using dog-friendly ingredients like rich pumpkin, creamy coconut, wholesome oats, and succulent blueberries? By choosing natural, unprocessed ingredients for your homemade Pup Cups, you maintain control over what your dog consumes, guaranteeing the highest quality snacks for your cherished canine.

Make The Perfect Pup Cup Today

Let’s embark on a delightful journey as I, alongside my loyal companion Bentley and his playful buddy Buck, set off for a scrumptious picnic in the serene setting of Landa Park in New Braunfels. You can witness the sheer joy radiating from their faces, a testament to the simple pleasures that life has to offer our four-legged friends. Here’s a simple recipe that will be sure to get tails wagging!

The Perfect Pup Cup

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Ingredients

2 Tbsp Pumpkin Puree
1 Cup Heavy Cream Or coconut cream for the lactose intolerant
2 Tbsp Blueberries Fresh or frozen
2 Strawberries
1 Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit

2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
1 Cup Rolled Oats
1/3 Cup Dry Milk Or dry coconut milk for the lactose intolerant
1/3 Cup Cornmeal
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
1 Cup Hot Water
1/2 Cup Liquid Coconut Oil
2 Eggs

Instructions

Whipped Cream
Begin the process by taking your heavy cream (or coconut cream if your dog is lactose intolerant) and getting to whipping work!
There are several ways to whip cream and you can choose the one that suits you best. Whatever method you use just keep whipping until you see the soft peaks form.
Hint: It should look like whipped cream.
1. Whisk: If you prefer the good old-fashioned way - take a large bowl, pour in your cream and start whisking vigorously. This process requires a bit of elbow grease and can take about 5-10 minutes to achieve soft peaks.
2. Whipped Cream Dispenser: For this method, pour the cream into your cream dispenser and follow its instructions on how to charge it with the nitrous oxide canister. Once done, give it a few shakes and dispense.
3. Electric Mixer: Pour the cream into a large bowl, ensure that your mixer is set at medium speed, and start whipping. It should take about 2-3 minutes until the cream forms soft peaks.
Begin by filling the bottom of a small-sized cup with canned pumpkin puree.
Be cautious not to use pumpkin pie filling as it is not the same thing and can be harmful to your pet. Pumpkin puree not only adds a delightful taste but also provides your pup with a healthy dose of fiber and aids in healthy digestion.
The next step involves adding a layer of fresh or frozen blueberries on top of the pumpkin. This should be approximately 2 tablespoons.
Blueberries are a fantastic source of antioxidants and vitamins that are beneficial for your pup's health.
Now comes the fun part. Take the freshly whipped cream (or coconut cream) and layer it gently atop the blueberries.
Be sure to create a generous layer as this will be the part that your pup would probably enjoy the most. This delicious and fluffy topping is not only appealing to look at but also adds a creamy texture, making the pup cup a delightful treat.
The final step involves topping off the pup cup! Slice up a couple of strawberries and arrange them on top of the whipped cream.
Here I used a heart shaped cookie cutter to shape the strawberries, but with absolute certainty I can tell you that Bentley and Buck did not notice. Sprinkle a few more blueberries for added color and nutrition.
Then, garnish it all with a peanut butter dog biscuit (see recipe below). And voila! Your pup cup is ready to be served. Serve immediately or refrigerate it for later use.

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit

Preheat: Set your oven to preheat at a temperature of 375 degrees and arrange parchment paper on your baking tray.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, oats, dry milk, and cornmeal. If your pup is lactose intolerant, you can easily substitute the dry milk with dried coconut milk to ensure they can still enjoy these tasty biscuits without any digestive discomfort.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium sized bowl, mix the peanut butter, hot water, and coconut oil.
It's crucial to select a natural peanut butter variant for this recipe. Aim for peanut butter without any added sugars or stabilizers, as these are the most beneficial for your pooch. Beware of certain brands that include xylitol in their peanut butter, as this ingredient is hazardous for dogs. Carefully read the ingredients labels.
Combine Both: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and fully incorporate. I find it easiest to use my hands.
Shape the Biscuits: Flatten your dough until it's about 1/2 inch thick. Using a canine-friendly biscuit cutter or a standard cookie cutter, carve out your biscuits and arrange them on the baking tray you've lined with parchment paper.
If you don't have a cutter at the ready, you can just shape the dough into small rectangles. Don't worry—your dogs will savor them just the same! If you have leftover dough, simply roll it out again and continue the biscuit-cutting process until no dough remains.
Egg wash: Beat the two eggs in a bowl and use this as egg wash, brushing it over the biscuits before baking.
Bake: Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake the biscuits for 25 -30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your biscuits.