Dutch Bros Coffee is a popular American coffee chain that specializes in hot coffee and pastries. Founded in 1976 by Dutch brothers Dick and Dan Kroon, the company has grown to over 1,500 locations across the United States and Canada. Dutch Bros Coffee is known for its unique coffee drinks (such as Dutch Bros Frosty Mug), as well as its delicious pastries. But does Dutch Bros have a drink on their menu for dogs? And if so, what is it?
Yes and no. Dutch Bros does have an offering called the “Pup Cup”, but it’s not necessarily a drink, but more of a treat that they offer for pups. The treat is a cup filled with a dog bone-shaped cookie and topped with whipped cream. Note that you’ll never find any coffee drinks for your dog and a cafe or other coffee establishment. Why? Because these drinks have three things that do not simply don’t do well with—caffeine, coffee, and sugar.
Can Dogs Have Caffeine?
The short answer is no. Dogs should never consume caffeine in any form. Remember that caffeine is a stimulant and can cause serious health problems in dogs. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning in dogs include restlessness, increased heart rate, vomiting, and in some cases, it can even be fatal.
Even small amounts of caffeine can be dangerous, so it’s best to keep your pup away from it. So, while you may enjoy your morning cup of joe, it’s best to keep it out of your pup’s reach. If you think your dog has ingested something with caffeine, contact your vet immediately.
Can Dogs Have Coffee?
This is a “no” as well. Dogs should never consume coffee—be sure to keep those coffee bags in the kitchen on high counters and out of their reach. Coffee contains caffeine, which, as mentioned earlier, is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues. Even decaf coffee, though it has a small amount of caffeine, can still cause issues with your cup. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways you can give your pup a caffeine-free “coffee fix.”
For starters, you can offer your pup a soothing cup of chamomile or rooibos tea. These teas are caffeine-free and can relax your pup while also providing some essential antioxidants and nutrients. You can also make them a decaffeinated coffee-like beverage using chicory root.
Chicory root is an herb that’s often used as a coffee substitute. It’s caffeine-free and can provide a rich, coffee-like flavor.
Can Dogs Have Sugar?
Just like us, dogs can get cavities and other dental issues from too much sugar. And since sugar can also cause obesity, diabetes, and other health problems in dogs, it’s really best to keep it to a minimum. That being stated, if you want to give your pup a treat, there are plenty of sugar-free options.
For example, there are sugar-free dog treats made from ingredients like applesauce, honey, and peanut butter. Or you can make your own treats with ingredients like oats, yogurt, and pumpkin. There are also sugar-free chews, like bully sticks and dental bones, which can help with your pup’s dental hygiene. Just be sure to always read the labels and check for added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
DIY Dog Treats to Make at Home
Note that you can always make your dog right in your own kitchen. These treats take no time to make and best of all there really affordable.
Frozen Fruit Treats
These frozen blueberries are a particular favorite among dogs, probably because of their abundance of antioxidants. Other great options for frozen fruit treats include blueberries, strawberries, apples, and peaches (but not grapes because they’re toxic to dogs). For this recipe, you’ll need 1/2 cup of fruit and 3 tablespoons of peanut butter. Simply mix the peanut butter with the fruit and toss it in an ice tray (or another tray) and in the freezer for about 2 hours.
Peanut Butter and Banana Bites
Peanut butter is a great source of protein for growing dogs and is also a great source of energy for active pooches. Bananas are packed with fiber and are great for keeping pups regular. So, these banana and peanut butter treats are a great pick for active dogs, since they provide lots of energy and help with bowel movements. The added flaxseed is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
For this recipe, you’ll need 1/2 cup of peanut butter per dog and one banana per dog. To make the treat, simply mix the ingredients together and toss them in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 hours until it hardens. Then serve to your pup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need snacks?
Snacks are a great tool for training your dog to learn new commands, and they can also be used as a reward when they’ve done something good! They’re also an excellent source of nutrition and can help keep your pup’s teeth healthy. Beyond that, they can also help to control your dog’s weight by keeping their metabolism working efficiently.
What ingredients should I look for when buying store-bought dog snacks?
When selecting the best store-bought snacks for your pup, it’s important to look for ingredients like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that are high in fiber. Granola bars are also a great option if you want to avoid feeding your dog cookies and other treats that are high in calories. In general, you should look for snacks that are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
What should I avoid feeding my dog as a snack?
While feeding your dog human food or store-bought treats are fine, it’s important to avoid feeding them certain things as a snack. In particular, you should avoid feeding your dog avocado, grapes, macadamia nuts, and anything caffeinated like chocolate or coffee.
Wrapping Things Up
Dogs love to snack, and many of them benefit from a daily treat. The “pup cup” from Dutch Bros is a cool treat to give your dog every once in a while. But keep in mind that this treat has sugar so it should only be given in moderation. When it comes to snacks, there are so many options out there today, and you can even make homemade snacks for your pup. The best thing to remember is to avoid foods & spices that are bad for dogs and to take note of any allergies.
Featured Image Credit: Sorin Gheorghita, Unsplash
