This pumpkin spice latte for dogs is a simple yet delicious way to include your pup in the fall festivities. With only a few healthy, dog-friendly ingredients, it’s a great treat to enjoy together during the beloved pumpkin spice latte season.

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Sharing Fall Flavors

As the weather cools down and we start to enjoy our warm drinks, it’s easy to feel a bit guilty when our four-legged friends give us those puppy-dog eyes, just begging for a taste.

Well, thanks to this recipe, pumpkin spice season isn’t just for humans anymore. Your dog can now have their very own pumpkin spice latte to savor.

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Why This Recipe Works

While traditional pumpkin spice lattes contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, such as coffee, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, this dog-friendly version uses natural and beneficial ingredients.

Not only is this homemade recipe simple, safe, and healthy, but this special treat also allows your dog to participate in the seasonal fun.

It is an excellent way to bond with your dog while introducing them to a new food experience. It’s always fun to introduce new flavors and textures to your dog, and this one is particularly entertaining!

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Ingredients for a Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Spice Latte

When crafting a pumpkin spice latte for dogs, it’s essential to use ingredients that are both safe and nutritious. This simple recipe includes only a few key ingredients that are packed with health benefits for your dog.

Plus, all are human grade, meaning you can enjoy this drink as well. It really is quite tasty!

• ½ Cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk: Used as the liquid base, it adds creaminess without the dairy. Coconut milk is rich in essential fatty acids, improving coat and skin health.
• ½ Cup Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient! Pumpkin is rich in fiber, supports digestive health, and contains beta carotene (vitamin A), essential for healthy skin and eyes. Important: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices harmful to dogs.
• Dash of Ground Cinnamon: Adds that classic pumpkin spice flavor. Cinnamon is safe for dogs in small amounts and offers anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation. Use sparingly.
• Dash of Ground Ginger: Adds a bit of warmth and has anti-nausea properties, soothing the digestive system.
• Dollop of Whipped Cream (Optional): For an extra treat, use all-natural whipped cream without added sugars or artificial ingredients. Give in moderation, especially to small dogs, as it's high in fat.

Health Tip: Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods. Like people, all dogs are different, and their tolerance for these ingredients depends on numerous factors including age, allergies, health conditions, and more.

Eco Tip: Once a pumpkin puree can is opened, the pumpkin will only last for a few days in the fridge. So plan to use the remaining pumpkin in another recipe or freeze it for later use to avoid waste.

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Supplies Needed:

To make a pumpkin spice latte for dogs, you’ll need the following supplies:

• Measuring cups & spoons
• Small pot or mixing bowl
• Blender or whisk

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Step-by-Step Recipe for a Pumpkin Spice Latte for Dogs

Here’s how to make a pumpkin spice latte for dogs in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Heat the Base
Pour ½ cup of unsweetened coconut milk into a small pot and warm it over low heat. You want it warm, not hot, as high temperatures can diminish the nutritional value of the ingredients. Plus, you want to keep the drink at a temperature that is safe for your pup. Alternatively, you can skip this warming step altogether.

Step 2: Blend Well
Add in ½ cup of pumpkin puree, along with the cinnamon and ginger. Blend until the ingredients are well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Serving
Pour the drink into a small cup (make sure it’s dog-safe), and double-check the temperature before serving it to your dog. If you have a small dog, be sure to adjust the serving size accordingly. While all the ingredients are dog-safe, this is NOT a low-fat treat!

Step 4: Add Some Extras
Optionally, add a small dollop of whipped cream to the top of the latte. You can either make your own using heavy whipping cream or use an all-natural store-bought option.

Step 5: Store Leftovers
If you have extra latte, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat it gently before serving again.

Health Tip: Whenever serving treats, remember the 90/10 rule. At least 90% of your pup’s daily calories should come from balanced meals, leaving no more than 10% for the fun stuff.

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Dog-Friendly Substitutions

While this pumpkin spice latte recipe is both delicious and healthy, there are also a few substitutions you can make based on your dog’s preferences or dietary needs.

• Yogurt: If your dog enjoys dairy, you can replace the coconut milk with Greek or plain yogurt. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and probiotics, which support digestive health.
• Goat Milk: Goat’s milk is another excellent dairy alternative that is easier for dogs to digest than cow’s milk. It’s high in calcium and can add a creamy texture to the latte.
• Honey: For dogs who enjoy a sweeter taste, you can add a small amount of honey to the latte. Honey has antimicrobial properties and can help soothe your dog’s throat and digestive system.

When it comes to spices, be very careful with substitutions. Some spices can be very harmful to your furry friend. For example, ground cinnamon and ginger are fine in small amounts, but do not use pumpkin pie spice, as this mix likely includes nutmeg and allspice.

• Nutmeg contains myristicin and can cause vomiting, tremors, and more.
• Allspice contains eugenols which can lead to vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.

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Why this recipe is so great:

• Simple: Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
• Safe: Uses only natural and dog-friendly ingredients.
• Healthy: Packed with nutrients from pumpkin and yogurt.
• Fun: Allows your dog to participate in the seasonal fun!

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Tips and Tricks for Making a Pumpkin Spice Latte for Dogs:

• Consult Your Vet: Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog, especially if they have any health conditions or allergies.
• Choose Carefully: Ensure all ingredients are dog-safe and high-quality.
• Go Easy on Spices: Remember, cinnamon and ginger should be used sparingly. They are intended to add just a bit of ‘spice’, not to fully flavor the beverage. Using them is completely optional, and you can eliminate them if you prefer.
• Moderation: This is a treat, so feed it in moderation.

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The Best Ways to Share This Treat with Your Pup

This dog-friendly pumpkin spice latte is such a fun way to include your dog in seasonal activities, ensuring they don’t miss out on the fall fun.

For example, you can use the latte as a reward or distraction while you’re handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Or if you’re hosting a Halloween party, you can serve these lattes as a special treat for the dogs in attendance.

And during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, when all the humans are enjoying pumpkin pie and other mouthwatering desserts, your dog will feel special and included thanks to this fun and seasonal treat.

Of course, you don’t need to wait for a specific holiday to serve up this tasty drink. It’s also a great way to reward your dog in place of training treats during this time of year. Just use little spoonfuls at a time, and this unique treat will keep your pup’s attention for sure.

Or on a chilly autumn evening, curl up together and share a warm drink (in separate cups, of course)!

Regardless of how you choose to enjoy this homemade dog treat recipe, it has all the right ingredients to become a new favorite fall tradition for you and your pup!

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Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Yield: 1 Serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
• ½ cup pure pumpkin puree
• Dash of ground cinnamon
• Dash of ground ginger
• Dollop of whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Optionally, gently warm the coconut milk in a pot over low heat.
2. Combine the coconut milk, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and ginger in a blender.
3. Place a single serving in a dog-safe cup and top with a dollop of whipped cream (optional).
4. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Important Considerations for Ingredient Safety:

• General: Every dog is unique. It is important to consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into their diet.
• Pumpkin: If you are buying the pumpkin puree at the grocery store, be sure that you do not pick up pumpkin pie mix by mistake. These cans look very similar, and they are located right next to each other on the shelf. The only ingredient that should be listed on the label of the can you want is pumpkin.
• Milk: Coconut milk contains more ingredients than just pure coconut milk. You should check the ingredients list to make sure they are safe for dogs. You can substitute goat’s milk or cow’s milk for coconut milk if you prefer. Goat’s milk, cow’s milk, and coconut milk can cause gastrointestinal stress in dogs. It should be given to them in small amounts.
• Spices: Both cinnamon and nutmeg are used in this recipe in very minimal amounts. Use just the tiniest pinch to give the beverage a light flavor, not even 1/8 teaspoon. Dogs do not do well with spices. Do not add nutmeg or cloves to this beverage as they can cause serious adverse reactions in canines. Never use pumpkin pie spice in this recipe. It contains spices that your pooch cannot have.
• Whipped Cream: If you purchase whipped cream at the grocery store, check the ingredients for xylitol. This ingredient is found in sugar-free products and is toxic to dogs. If you would like to make your own whipped cream to top your pooches beverage, you can. Simply beat plain heavy cream until it becomes the consistency of whipped cream. Watch it carefully as you blend it, because if you let it beat too long after it turns to whipped cream it will become butter.

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Enjoying the Pumpkin Spice Latte with Your Dog

This treat is a fun way to include your dog in seasonal activities and make them feel special. Use it as a reward, a distraction during Halloween trick-or-treating, or a special treat for your furry friend.

Enjoy the autumn flavors with your dog and create a new fall tradition together! 🍂🐶🎃

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