Where to Get a Pup Cup or Dog Ice Cream: 20+ Places to Treat Your Dog
If your dog has learned that a trip through the drive-thru sometimes ends with a little cup just for them, you are definitely not alone. Pup cups, doggie sundaes, and dog ice cream have become popular treats at coffee shops, ice cream stands, restaurants, and pet stores across the country.
Starbucks may have made the “Puppuccino” famous, but it is far from the only option. You can now find everything from a small cup of whipped cream to frozen desserts created specifically for dogs.
And yes—Ben & Jerry’s makes frozen Doggie Desserts specifically for dogs.
This guide covers where you can get a pup cup while you are out with your dog, where you can find actual dog-friendly frozen desserts, and which options may vary depending on the individual location.
Availability can change, especially at independently operated or franchised locations. This guide was checked and updated in August 2026.
What Is a Pup Cup?
The term pup cup does not describe one specific recipe.
Depending on where you order one, a pup cup might contain:
Whipped cream
Vanilla soft serve
Frozen custard
A dog biscuit
A dog-specific frozen dessert
A combination of several of these
That difference is important. A cup of regular soft-serve ice cream is not the same thing as a frozen treat that has been formulated specifically for dogs.
The American Kennel Club notes that many adult dogs have difficulty digesting dairy, and ice cream can also contain a lot of fat and sugar. Dairy may cause gas, diarrhea, vomiting, or other stomach upset in some dogs.
For most dogs, think of a pup cup as an occasional special treat, not something they need regularly.
Places That Offer Pup Cups or Dog Ice Cream
1. Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's deserves a spot near the top of this list because the company doesn't simply give dogs a scoop of its regular ice cream.
It makes Doggie Desserts specifically for dogs.
Current flavors include:
Pontch's MixA frozen dog treat with peanut butter and pretzel swirls.
Rosie's BatchA frozen dog treat with pumpkin and mini cookies.
Ben & Jerry's says its Doggie Desserts are made with sunflower butter and contain only limited amounts of dairy. The company specifically recommends choosing its dog treats rather than sharing regular human ice cream with your dog.
Some Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops also carry the Doggie Desserts. Current shop menus in several locations list both Pontch's Mix and Rosie's Batch.
You can also find them in the freezer section of some grocery and pet stores.
What to ask for: Doggie Desserts
Dog-specific product? Yes
Availability: Scoop shops and retail stores vary
2. Starbucks
The famous Starbucks Puppuccino, often simply called a pup cup, is a small serving of whipped cream.
Although you won't necessarily see "Puppuccino" printed alongside lattes and Frappuccinos on the regular menu, the treat is well established at Starbucks. A 2026 Starbucks story even describes employees preparing "two pup cups of whipped cream" for dogs visiting the drive-thru.
There is no coffee in the pup cup.
What to ask for: Pup cup or Puppuccino
Usually contains: Whipped cream
Dog-specific product? No
3. Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros is particularly enthusiastic about its canine customers and even refers to its version as the Dutch Pup Cup.
The company has featured pup cups in multiple official pet promotions and has created special Dutch Pup Cup packaging and merchandise. In 2024, it offered free pup cups during its National Dog Day promotion, and subsequent Dutch Bros promotions continue to reference its pup cups.
What to ask for: Dutch Pup Cup
Usually contains: Whipped cream; presentation may vary
Availability: Ask your local stand
4. Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee has one of the clearest official pup cup policies.
The company says it offers complimentary Pup Cups, consisting of a dollop of whipped cream in a small cup. You can request one at the register, and Caribou has also allowed customers to add one through its app.
What to ask for: Pup Cup
Contains: Whipped cream
Cost: Complimentary according to Caribou
5. BIGGBY Coffee
BIGGBY Coffee calls its version a Cup of Whip.
According to the company, the treat features whipped cream and may also include sprinkles or a dog treat depending on the location.
What to ask for: Cup of Whip or Pup Cup
Usually contains: Whipped cream
Extras: May include a dog treat
6. Scooter's Coffee
Scooter's Coffee regularly celebrates its dog customers with pup cups and pet-themed promotions.
Its 2026 National Dog Day promotion included special V.I.P. Pup Cups at participating locations, and the company has previously run "pup cups with a purpose" promotions benefiting animal organizations.
Because offerings can change outside promotional periods, ask at your local location.
What to ask for: Pup Cup
Availability: May vary by location or promotion
7. Bruster's Real Ice Cream
Bruster's may have one of the most fun options on the list: the Doggie Sundae.
Bruster's officially advertises free Doggie Sundaes at participating stores. The company notes that locations are individually owned and operated, so participation can vary.
The sundae is typically a small serving of ice cream with a dog biscuit.
What to ask for: Doggie Sundae
Usually contains: Ice cream plus a dog biscuit
Cost: Free at participating locations
Important: Contains regular dairy ice cream
8. Shake Shack
Shake Shack takes the dog dessert concept considerably further.
Its Pooch-ini appears as an actual dog-menu item rather than simply being an unofficial drive-thru request.
The Pooch-ini has been listed as vanilla custard with a ShackBurger dog biscuit and peanut butter sauce. Shake Shack also offers a Bag O' Bones, containing dog biscuits. Current company materials continue to reference both Pooch-inis and Bag O' Bones as menu products.
Shake Shack's menu also notes that the Pooch-ini is not intended for small dogs, so portion size is worth paying attention to.
What to ask for: Pooch-ini
Contains: Vanilla custard, dog biscuit and peanut butter sauce
Dog-specific menu item? Yes, although it contains dairy and sugar
Cost: Paid menu item
9. Rita's Italian Ice
Dogs don't have to sit out a visit to Rita's.
Rita's nutrition information includes an official Pup Cup made with vanilla custard. The listed serving contains 60 calories.
Because Rita's locations are franchised, it is still a good idea to check your local shop.
What to ask for: Pup Cup
Contains: Vanilla frozen custard
Dog-specific recipe? No
Pup Cups That May Depend on the Location
There is another group of restaurants where pup cups are widely reported but are not necessarily guaranteed as a nationwide menu item.
That distinction is important.
At many of these businesses, individual franchise owners or store managers decide whether to offer the treat, what goes in it, and whether they charge for it.
10. Dunkin'
Many Dunkin' locations will make a small whipped-cream treat sometimes called a Cup for Pup, puppy latte or pup cup.
The American Kennel Club includes Dunkin' among restaurant chains that provide dog treats, and Dunkin' locations have also participated in pup-cup events for animal shelters.
Availability and price can vary.
Try asking for: A pup cup or small cup of whipped cream
11. Dairy Queen
The Dairy Queen Pup Cup has become a favorite among dog owners.
It is generally described as a small serving of vanilla soft serve, sometimes with a dog biscuit.
The American Kennel Club includes Dairy Queen among chains offering Pup Cups, although the item does not appear to be a standard item on Dairy Queen's current national online menu.
That means your experience may differ from one DQ to another.
Try asking for: Pup Cup
Usually contains: Vanilla soft serve, sometimes with a biscuit
12. Culver's
Some Culver's restaurants offer treats for dogs, particularly through the drive-thru.
The American Kennel Club reports that participating locations may serve a small amount of vanilla frozen custard or ice cream with a dog biscuit.
Since Culver's restaurants are locally operated, don't assume every location has one.
Try asking for: Pup cup or dog treat
13. Sonic Drive-In
Some Sonic restaurants have become known for Wag Cups or pup cups.
Depending on the location, that might mean whipped cream or a small serving of vanilla frozen dessert. Recent reporting continues to find Sonic locations participating in the pup-cup trend, but this is not something I can confirm as a guaranteed nationwide Sonic menu item.
Try asking for: Wag Cup or Pup Cup
14. Chick-fil-A
Some Chick-fil-A restaurants give dogs small treats or pup cups through the drive-thru.
However, this is not a standard nationwide Chick-fil-A menu item, so availability depends heavily on the restaurant.
Try asking for: A dog treat or pup cup
15. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Pup cups made with vanilla frozen custard have been reported at Freddy's locations.
Because I could not confirm a current nationwide Freddy's pup cup policy on the company's official menu, I would treat this as a call-ahead option rather than a guarantee. Freddy's does, however, currently serve vanilla frozen custard as part of its regular dessert menu.
Try asking for: Pup Cup
Likely treat: Small vanilla custard
16. Andy's Frozen Custard
Some Andy's Frozen Custard locations offer a small Puppy Cone or similar dog treat.
This appears to be location-dependent rather than a guaranteed national menu offering.
Try asking for: Puppy Cone
17. Baskin-Robbins
Some Baskin-Robbins franchises provide small pup cups, which may contain whipped cream or vanilla frozen dessert.
This is another one where availability and price can vary significantly by store.
Try asking for: Pup Cup
18. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
Some Handel's locations reportedly sell or provide frozen treats for dogs.
The exact product and price differ by location, so checking before making a special trip is a good idea.
19. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Some Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations have been reported to provide small cups of whipped cream for dogs.
Because this does not appear to be a guaranteed nationwide menu item, ask at your local store.
20. Wendy's
You may occasionally find a Wendy's location willing to make a small frozen treat for a dog, but this one is particularly location-dependent.
I would not make a special trip expecting one without calling first.
Where to Buy Dog Ice Cream for Home
You don't have to go through a drive-thru every time your dog wants a frozen treat.
The selection of dog ice cream and frozen dog treats at pet stores has expanded considerably.
PetSmart
PetSmart currently carries an entire category of frozen dog treats and dog ice cream.
Depending on inventory, options include:
Ben & Jerry's Doggie Desserts
Pup Cup frozen dog treats
YoPup frozen yogurt cups
The Bear & The Rat frozen dog treats
Broth-based frozen treats
PetSmart currently lists Ben & Jerry's Rosie's Batch and Pontch's Mix along with several other frozen dog products.
This can be a particularly good option if you want something made for dogs rather than ordinary ice cream or whipped cream.
Petco and Independent Pet Stores
The company behind Pup Cup! makes at-home whipped treats and frozen yogurt products specifically for dogs.
The brand says its frozen products can be found in PetSmart, Petco and independent pet stores, although individual store inventory will vary.
Grocery Stores
Ben & Jerry's says its Doggie Desserts are also distributed through grocery stores.
Depending on the retailer, you may find them:
With frozen dog food and treats
Near pet products
Alongside Ben & Jerry's frozen novelties and mini cups
The company recommends using its store locator because distribution differs by area.
Quick Pup Cup Guide
Place | What Your Dog May Get | Made Specifically for Dogs? | Availability |
Ben & Jerry's | Doggie Dessert | Yes | Shops + retail |
Starbucks | Whipped cream | No | Widely available |
Dutch Bros | Pup cup | No | Ask location |
Caribou Coffee | Whipped cream | No | Official offering |
BIGGBY Coffee | Cup of Whip | No | Location may vary |
Scooter's Coffee | Pup cup | No | Location/promotions vary |
Bruster's | Doggie Sundae | No | Participating stores |
Shake Shack | Pooch-ini | Dog-menu item | Official menu |
Rita's | Vanilla custard Pup Cup | No | Participating stores |
Dunkin' | Whipped cream | No | Location-dependent |
Dairy Queen | Vanilla soft serve | No | Location-dependent |
Culver's | Custard/ice cream + biscuit | No | Location-dependent |
Sonic | Wag Cup | No | Location-dependent |
Chick-fil-A | Dog treat/pup cup | Varies | Location-dependent |
Freddy's | Vanilla custard | No | Check location |
Andy's | Puppy Cone | No | Check location |
Baskin-Robbins | Whipped cream/ice cream | No | Check location |
PetSmart | Several frozen dog desserts | Yes | Retail |
Petco | Frozen and whipped dog treats | Yes | Retail varies |
Is a Pup Cup Safe for Dogs?
For many healthy dogs, licking a small amount of whipped cream or plain vanilla frozen dessert once in a while may not cause a problem.
But that doesn't mean every dog should have one.
The AKC advises that many adult dogs have some degree of lactose intolerance. Dairy can cause symptoms such as:
Gas
Loose stool
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal discomfort
High-fat foods may also be inappropriate for dogs with certain health conditions.
Dogs with diabetes, pancreatitis, obesity, food allergies, sensitive stomachs or other dietary restrictions may need to skip traditional pup cups altogether.
Never Assume Every Ice Cream Flavor Is Safe
If a restaurant doesn't have a pup cup, don't simply choose another flavor from the menu.
Some human ice cream ingredients can be dangerous for dogs.
In particular, avoid products containing:
Chocolate
Xylitol
Macadamia nuts
Coffee or caffeine
Alcohol
Other ingredients you aren't sure are dog-safe
The AKC specifically warns against chocolate and products containing xylitol when choosing frozen treats for dogs.
Dog Ice Cream vs. Regular Ice Cream: Which Is Better?
If you have a choice, a frozen dessert formulated specifically for dogs is usually the more sensible option.
Regular ice cream is designed for humans. It can contain substantial amounts of dairy, fat and sugar.
Dog frozen desserts are created with dogs in mind.
That doesn't make them unlimited snacks, however.
A good rule is to count frozen desserts along with all the other treats your dog receives. The commonly recommended guideline is that treats should account for no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories, with the remaining calories coming from a nutritionally complete diet.
For a small dog, even one restaurant pup cup can be a surprisingly large treat.
What If Your Dog Can't Have Dairy?
Your dog can still join the frozen-treat fun.
Some easy alternatives include:
Frozen blueberries
Small pieces of frozen banana
Frozen watermelon with the rind and seeds removed
Plain pumpkin frozen in a silicone mold
Low-sodium broth frozen into small cubes
A dog-specific dairy-free frozen dessert
Plain unsweetened yogurt, if your dog tolerates it
The AKC recommends several similar frozen alternatives and notes that yogurt is often easier for dogs to digest than traditional ice cream, although dogs with dairy sensitivities may still need a dairy-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pup Cups
Are pup cups always free?
No.
Starbucks, Caribou and some other coffee shops frequently provide them complimentary, while establishments such as Shake Shack sell their dog desserts as regular menu items.
Franchised businesses may also set their own pricing.
Is a Puppuccino actually coffee?
No. A Starbucks pup cup is whipped cream, not a cup of coffee. Starbucks itself described employees preparing pup cups of whipped cream for dogs in a 2026 company story.
Can dogs eat whipped cream?
Some dogs tolerate a small amount, while others experience digestive problems from dairy.
Start small if your veterinarian has no concerns about giving your dog dairy.
Can dogs eat vanilla ice cream?
A small taste of plain vanilla may be tolerated by some dogs, but regular ice cream isn't an ideal dog treat because of its dairy, sugar and fat content. Dog-specific frozen treats are generally a better choice.
Does Ben & Jerry's really make dog ice cream?
Yes—although Ben & Jerry's calls them Doggie Desserts rather than dog ice cream.
The frozen treats are made specifically for dogs and currently come in Pontch's Mix and Rosie's Batch.
Can I give my dog regular Ben & Jerry's ice cream?
It's better to choose the company's Doggie Desserts.
Ben & Jerry's specifically explains that traditional dairy ice cream may cause digestive problems in dogs, which is why its dog treats are formulated differently.
Make the Pup Cup Part of the Adventure
A pup cup doesn't have to be the entire outing.
It can become a fun little stop after:
A walk at a new park
A trip to the beach
A dog-friendly shopping trip
A birthday adventure
A hike
A visit to a dog-friendly patio
A road trip
A gotcha-day celebration
A trip to pick out a new toy
For many dogs, the best part probably isn't the whipped cream or frozen dessert anyway. It's getting in the car, going somewhere with their person, sniffing new smells and realizing that this time, something at the drive-thru window is for them.
And with pup cups now available everywhere from Starbucks and Dutch Bros to Ben & Jerry's, Bruster's and Shake Shack—and dog ice cream filling the freezers at pet stores—you have more ways than ever to include your dog in the occasional frozen-treat tradition.
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