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The Ultimate Dog Treat: The Pup Cup

Article by Hannah Echols Grieser

Photography by Hannah Echols Grieser

Originally published in Parker City Lifestyle

When you love your pups like family, you want to treat them like family–literally. Pup cups are the perfect way to treat your furry friend after a long walk or a shopping spree at the Parker Farmer’s Market. Typically, pup cups have a whipped cream base. Whereas some places keep it simple, others add more ingredients into the mix. We’ve rounded up three local spots who offer a creative spin on this classic dog dessert. So put Fido in the passenger’s seat and roll down the window. It’s treat time!

  1. Three Dog Bakery

Three Dog Bakery is a small woman-owned business that specializes in limited ingredient, all-natural pastries, treats, and birthday cakes for dogs. These delicacies are so adorable that owners will wish they could eat some themselves! And technically, they can. Three Dog’s human-grade products are made without salt, sugar, and other ingredients that could pose harm to pups. 

Three Dog’s take on a pup cup is called The Lickety Split. It’s similar to ice cream and is made with just three ingredients. Some summer flavors include Strawberry Banana, Blueberry, Smores and Cookies and Crème. During hot summer months, you can purchase a six pack to go. This bakery has much more than treats, including but not limited to premium dog food, accessories, and a self-serve dog wash station for dogs of all sizes. You can find more about their offerings at threedogbakerydenver.com.

  1. Swirls Frozen Yogurt

Swirls Frozen Yogurt is the ideal place to cool off with a treat after strolling down Main Street. And if you are on a walk, the chances that you have your dog with you are high! Luckily, Swirls has a number of dog-friendly flavors for two dollars (plus tax) in their freezer. They get their supply from Yöghund, a company that creates healthy probiotic treats for dogs. Flavors include apple juice and cheddar, pumpkin and bacon, and the more tame banana and peanut butter. Swirls has 12 flavors and 70+ toppings for humans too–that’s what we call a win-win.

3. Good Times PawBender

With no shortage of outdoor activities, Colorado is one of the most dog-friendly states there is. So, it makes sense that Good Times, Denver’s fast-food chain, has a menu that can please the whole family–including your pup. For just over two dollars you can purchase a beloved PawBender. This treat is a dog-friendly version of the frozen custard that Good Times has coined The SpoonBender. The Pawbender isn’t much different. It’s a veterinarian-approved, small cup filled with all-natural vanilla custard, dog biscuits, and a peanut butter drizzle. 

Make Your Own Pup Cup

Right about now you might be feeling inspired to create your own pup cup. It’s a simple way to celebrate your furry friend. All you need are a few ingredients. Check out our basic recipe below, and make your own fun modifications (but be sure to check that all components are safe for dogs.) 

Ingredients:

  • Plain Greek Yogurt

  • Whipped Cream 

  • Melted Peanut Butter

  • Two Dog Treats

  1. Crush up one dog treat and put it at the bottom of your cup.

  2. Layer in ¼ of a cup of plain greek yogurt.

  3. Spray whipped cream into the cup and drizzle melted peanut butter.

  4. Top with an additional dog treat and watch your dog have the time of their life!