More and more cafes, pubs, and even garden centres now offer a "pup cup" - usually a little tub of whipped cream or dog ice cream for your dog while you grab a coffee. It's become a sweet way to include them on a day out, and most dogs are thrilled about it.

But every now and then someone asks the obvious question: is this actually good for them?

Here's the honest answer, plus a simple way to make a better version at home.

So, Are Pup Cups Healthy?

Not really. But they're usually safe in small amounts, which isn't quite the same thing.

A standard pup cup is just whipped cream, and that brings two things dogs don't need much of.

The first is fat. Whipped cream is made from double cream, which is very rich, and too much fat too often can lead to weight gain, stomach upset, and in some dogs pancreatitis - a painful and potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas.

The second is lactose. Most dogs lose the ability to digest it properly as they grow up, so dairy can cause gas, bloating, and loose stools. Some handle a little without trouble; others react to even a small amount.

Many shop-bought versions also contain added sugar. And the one thing to watch above all else is xylitol, an artificial sweetener that's highly toxic to dogs. It's rare in standard whipped cream but can appear in sugar-free or "light" versions, so it's always worth a quick check.

None of this makes a pup cup dangerous. An occasional one won't harm most healthy dogs. But it's a treat, not a health food - and not the best choice for dogs who are overweight, prone to pancreatitis, or sensitive to dairy.

You Can Make a Better One at Home

The beauty of making your own is that you control exactly what goes in. With one simple swap, you can turn a sugary, fatty treat into something genuinely worth giving.

The swap is plain Greek yogurt, and it beats whipped cream on every front:

It's lower in lactose, because straining and live cultures reduce the lactose content (not lactose-free, so still introduce it slowly). It's higher in protein and lower in fat than double cream. And the live cultures are a natural source of probiotics, which can support gut health in dogs that tolerate dairy well.

Just make sure it's plain and unsweetened. No flavoured yogurts, no added sugar, and nothing containing xylitol.

A Simple Healthier Pup Cup Recipe

Two minutes, with ingredients you probably already have.

You'll need

• 2-3 tablespoons plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
• A small handful of dog-safe fruit (raspberries, blueberries, banana, or strawberries)
• Optional: a teaspoon of plain pumpkin puree (great for digestion)
• Optional: a little xylitol-free, unsalted peanut butter

Method

1. Mash or blend the fruit and stir it through the yogurt.
2. Add the pumpkin or peanut butter if using, and mix.
3. Spoon into a small cup or bowl.
4. Serve a small portion, sized to your dog.

That's it. No sugar, no double cream, no mystery ingredients.

Freeze It for Hot Weather

This is where the homemade version really comes into its own. A frozen yogurt pup cup helps your dog cool down on a hot day, and it lasts far longer than the few seconds it takes them to inhale whipped cream.

Three easy ways to freeze it:

• Silicone moulds or an ice cube tray - for bite-sized frozen treats you can pop out any time.
• A lick mat, frozen flat - the licking is calming and keeps them busy for ages.
• A stuffable rubber toy - one of the best hot-weather enrichment activities going.

Either way, a frozen treat does double duty: it cools them from the inside and gives them something to focus on. Far better than a cup of cream that's gone in three licks.

A Few Sensible Rules

• Keep portions small. Treats should stay within the 10% rule - no more than 10% of daily calories.
• Introduce dairy slowly. If your dog hasn't had yogurt before, start small and see how they get on.
• Skip it for sensitive dogs. A history of pancreatitis, dairy intolerance, or a delicate stomach means even Greek yogurt may not suit. Check with your vet if unsure.
• Always check for xylitol. In any peanut butter, yogurt, or topping. It's the one ingredient that turns a treat into an emergency.

The Bottom Line

Pup cups are a sweet little ritual, and the occasional whipped cream treat won't hurt most dogs. But they're not doing your dog any favours nutritionally, and they're not the best option for sensitive tummies.

A homemade Greek yogurt version gives you all the fun with far less of the downside. Frozen, it becomes one of the best hot-weather treats you can give.

Same ritual. Same happy dog. A lot more goodness in the cup.

P.S. Make a big batch of the frozen version and keep them in the freezer. A ready-to-go cool treat for every hot day this summer.