Who can resist the smell of soft, warm pancakes for breakfast? Whether it is a special treat or a Sunday brunch, many of us love the comfort and unmatched influence of pancakes. If you are a dog parent, you must have seen your furry friend staring at your plate and hoping for a delicious bite. It makes many dog owners wonder, “Can dogs eat pancakes?”
Before you share this treat with your pooch, it is crucial to understand whether or not it is safe. And, if it is safe, how much should you feed, then? This guide covers everything in this regard. It also answers other frequently asked questions, such as:
- Can dogs eat pancakes with syrup?
- Can dogs eat pancakes with butter?
- Can dogs eat blueberry pancakes?
- Can dogs eat Kodiak pancakes?
- Can dogs eat human pancakes?
Let’s get into further specifics now.
Can Dogs Eat Pancakes?
Your dog (who continuously stares at your plate at breakfast) would be happy to know that he can eat pancakes. However, make sure that you give a plain pancake to your canine as an occasional treat. Remember, this is a human food item and therefore, it does not offer any nutritional benefits for your furry friend.
The common ingredients used while preparing pancakes include milk, eggs, and flour. They are generally safe for most dog breeds. Still, some dogs may have sensitivities or wheat allergies to grains or dairy products. One thing you should keep in mind is that fat content, sugar, and high carbs in pancakes may cause some health issues, such as weight gain.
I once gave two bites of pancakes to my canine for a few days with a gap of one week and experienced the weight gain issue. Later, I consulted a vet and found out that this human food does not have many benefits to offer to my dog.
Are you wondering, “Can dogs eat blueberry pancakes?” Yes, blueberries are safe ingredients for your pet. Similarly, banana and strawberry pancakes are also a safe treat for your dog. On the other hand, ingredients such as chocolate chips, butter, and raisins are not considered safe for dogs.
Read more: Can Dogs Eat Cake? How to Feed Rightly?
Are Pancakes Good for Your Dog?
As a pet owner, you may have already given a bite of pancake to your dog and are now worried about whether it is safe. Right?
Although a small bite of pancakes once in a while is considered safe for dogs, they are not really good for them. The ingredients, like sugar, egg, milk, and flour, are not toxic to your pet. At the same time, these ingredients do not offer nutritional benefits either.
Some toppings may also be unsafe for your pooch. For example, if pancakes are topped with whipped cream, syrup, butter, or chocolate, they can add unnecessary fat and sugar. At the same time, these toppings may upset your pet’s stomach. Moreover, too often consumption of pancakes and similar treats may lead to several health issues, such as digestive problems, weight gain, and diabetes.
Since pancakes are not harmful to your dog when eaten in small amounts, you should consider them as an occasional snack, not part of your dog’s routine diet. Simply put, when giving pancakes to your dogs, be sure to ensure they are plain and free from harmful ingredients.
You may also want to read, “How Are Fig Newtons Good for Your Dog?”
When Can Pancakes Be Bad for Dogs?
As you know, pancakes are safe for dogs when consumed in small amounts. But the question that arises here is, “Can they be harmful?” If yes, then when?
Well, pancakes can be bad for your furry friend if they are filled or topped with foods that dogs can’t consume. When it comes to fruits, grapes are toxic to your pet. Giving one grape to your dog may result in severe health problems.
Similarly, avoid adding toppings like jam or lemon juice, as they have high sugar content and can upset a dog’s stomach. Gluten, sugar, and dairy can also lead to stomach upset.
Never feed chocolate-based pancakes to your dogs, as chocolate can create issues once consumed. Raisins are also not safe and can lead to kidney failure in your canine. Do you know Xylitol is a deadly artificial sweetener? Don’t give it to your pooch, even in small amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Pancakes with Cream or Honey?
They may love eating pancakes and honey or cream, but they shouldn’t. Pancakes topped with honey, whipped cream, or syrup may taste good to humans, but they are not good for dogs due to their high sugar content. Syrup or too much sugar can cause diabetes, obesity, and stomach upset in your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Pancakes with Butter?
Avoid giving your pet pancakes with butter. Too much oil and butter may add unnecessary calories and fat. It may further lead to pancreatitis (a severe and painful health condition). I’m sure you will never want to put your pooch in such a condition.
Can Dogs Eat Pancakes in Large Quantities?
Larger amounts of any treat are not good for dogs or even humans. Therefore, giving large quantities of pancakes to your dog is not recommended. Though dogs can eat plain pancakes, even larger amounts of these pancakes can cause different health issues, including diarrhea, bloating, or digestive problems.
Also read: Potential Health Risks Associated with Feeding Lemon Cake to Your Dog
Can Dogs Eat Pancakes with Syrup?
No, dogs should not consume pancakes with syrup, as syrup comes with a high sugar content and can upset the stomach within minutes. Syrups are made with natural sugars that are not safe for dogs.
Some syrups have additives that can be very harmful to your furry friend. Giving sugar-free syrups to your dogs is also not recommended, as they contain Xylitol – a toxic ingredient to your dogs.
If you want to share a bite of pancake with your dog, make sure it is free from syrup and other sugary ingredients.
How to Prepare Pancakes for Your Dog Effectively?
Now that you know small amounts of pancakes are safe for dogs. It is time to learn how to prepare them appropriately. It is always good to feed your dog plain pancakes, but it does not mean that you cannot be creative.
You can introduce toppings that are safe to eat. Try using dog-friendly veggies or fruits, like blueberries, bananas, or sliced apples. If you want to give your canine a crunchy surprise, wrap a dog biscuit inside the pancake when preparing it. This is how you can make pancakes more interesting and safe for your pet. Let’s now look at the ingredients required and a step-by-step preparation guide.
Ingredients
- Egg – 1
- Flour – 1 cup
- Baking powder – ½ tablespoon
- Mashed banana (to introduce sweetness) – ½ cup
- Water or unsweetened milk – ¾ cup
Preparation Guidelines
Step 1: Mix baking powder and flour in a bowl. Then, add mashed banana and water. Stir the mixture well until it becomes smooth.
Step 2: Use a low to medium flame to heat a non-stick pan. You can use a little amount of coconut oil to grease the pan (only if needed).
Step 3: Put small circles of batter onto the non-stick pan. Cook the batter from both sides until it becomes golden brown. It may take 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Step 4: Allow the pancake to cool completely. Once done, cut it into small pieces that your dog can easily chew.
6 Toppings that are Safe for Dogs
Different websites list different information. It often becomes confusing for dog owners. As we have discussed in this article that toppings are not safe, but it is not true for all toppings. It mainly depends on what you choose as a topping. Below is a list of safe mix-ins and toppings you can use on the pancake.
1. Blueberries
Adding blueberries to pancakes is safe for dogs, as these fruits are packed with antioxidants. Though you can give blueberries to your dog, you should limit their intake, as they have high sugar content, to avoid health issues like diabetes.
2. Strawberries
These fruits are safe for your pooch. Plus, they contain vitamin C and malic acid (an enzyme) that eliminates stains on your dog’s teeth. At the same time, strawberries are high in sugar, so feed them only once in a while.
3. Honey
It is high in natural sugars, but non-toxic for your furry friend. If you want to share honey on a pancake with your dog, make sure you use a small dollop. If the immune system of your dog is compromised, avoid feeding him raw honey, as it may contain harmful bacteria.
4. Banana
Eating raw bananas is safe for dogs. They are also safe to use when preparing pancakes. As bananas are full of sugar, give just a bite or two of banana pancakes to your dog. Moreover, bananas are rich in fiber, so too much consumption may lead to an upset stomach.
5. Cinnamon
It is non-toxic to your pup, so you can add small amounts of cinnamon while preparing the pancake. Don’t allow your dog to inhale cinnamon powder, as it may cause a cough or irritate the mouth. Therefore, baking the cinnamon powder into the batter is preferable to sprinkling it on top of the pancake.
6. Peanut Butter
Unsweetened peanut butter is an incredible topping for pancakes if you want to feed them to your dogs. There is nothing better than preparing peanut butter at home. If you can’t do it on your own, choose unsweetened and low-sodium peanut butter (which does not have harmful Xylitol).
4 Toppings that are Hazardous to Dogs
The mix-ins and toppings listed below are unsafe for dogs, so ensure the pancakes your dogs eat are free from them.
1. Syrups
Sugar-free and artificial syrups contain the deadly sweetener Xylitol. High calorie and sugar contents make natural maple syrup not suitable for dogs, especially in large amounts.
2. Macadamia Nuts
They are not only toxic to your furry friend but can also cause allergic reactions. Almost all nuts have high-fat content. Plus, they are all potential choking hazards.
3. Vanilla
Vanilla extract is used to prepare vanilla pancakes. The ethanol alcohol content of this extract makes it harmful to dogs. Therefore, avoid using vanilla as a topping or inside the pancake.
4. Chocolate Chips
Pancakes made with chocolate chips are a delicious treat for humans, but they are not safe for pets. If you mistakenly give any amount of chocolate chips to your dog or he consumes them himself, contact your vet immediately.
How Many Pancakes Can a Dog Eat?
It all depends on the size of your dog. But you should not give a human-sized bite to your pet. Let’s look at how many pancakes different-sized dogs can eat.
- Extra-Small: These dogs usually weigh between 2 and 20 pounds. A square piece of 2-inch plain pancake is enough for them to feed on once a week. Common examples of these dogs include Pugs, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians.
- Small: They weigh between 21 and 30 pounds. You can feed them a 3-inch square piece of plain pancake once a week. Common examples include Miniature American Shepherds, Basenjis, and Beagles.
- Medium: The weight of medium dogs ranges from 31 to 50 pounds. They can have a 4-inch square plain pancake piece per week. Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, and Basset Hounds are common medium-sized dogs.
- Large: These dogs weigh between 51 and 90 pounds. One small pancake or a 6-inch square piece of plain pancake is enough for them to eat weekly. Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, and Labrador Retrievers are a few examples of large-sized dogs.
- Extra-Large: Dogs weighing more than 91 pounds are known as extra-large dogs. You can feed them one large pancake or a 9-inch square piece of a plain pancake. Common examples include Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands, and Saint Bernards.
How to Give Pancakes Safely to Your Dog?
If you follow the practices below, you will not have any guilt or regret after giving pancakes to your dog.
1. Consult a Vet
If you want to add anything other than the dedicated dog food to your pup’s diet, always consult a vet first. If your dog is diabetic, avoid giving him pancakes because they are high in carbs and sugar.
2. Give in Moderation
The diet of your dog should be low in sugar and carbohydrates. At the same time, it must be high in protein. Since pancakes are high in carbs and sugar, you can only give a bite or two per week to your dog. Additionally, consider this food as an occasional treat for your dog, rather than a regular part of his diet.
3. Serve Plain Pancakes
Though certain mix-ins and toppings are acceptable for dogs, it is always best to feed plain pancakes. Wheat-based pancakes are safe for almost all dogs, so stick to them. Some dogs can be allergic to alternative flours, so it is recommended to stick to whole wheat pancakes.
4. Avoid Adding Harmful Ingredients
Ingredients like macadamia, vanilla, syrups, butter, and chocolate chips are not safe for dogs, so avoid adding them while preparing pancakes. If you top the pancake with dog-friendly fruit, keep its portion small. Doing this will prevent your dog from consuming excessive sugar.
Other Recipes Your Dog May Love
Some dog parents want to share creative treats with their canines, but they look for homemade and safer versions. Below is a list of healthy and safe alternatives you can give to your dogs without worrying about anything.
- Frozen chicken broth cubes
- Raspberry cookies
- Sweet potato mash
- Biscotti
- Oat dog cookies
- Blueberry yogurt bites
Final Words
Wondering, “Can dogs eat human pancakes?”? Yes, they can eat plain pancakes prepared for humans as long as they are free from harmful toppings and ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners, grapes, butter, and chocolate chips.
If a pancake is purely made with dog-friendly ingredients, you can give a piece or two of this treat to your pup occasionally. Avoid using syrups, sugary toppings, and any ingredients that contain Xylitol or chocolate.
If you are searching for “Can dogs eat Kodiak pancakes?”, you can give them to your dog in smaller amounts, but don’t treat them as part of your dog’s regular diet. Kodiak pancakes are made with protein powder, whole grains, and added salt or sugar. These ingredients are not suitable for dogs, so use them in smaller amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Is my dog allowed to eat pancakes?
Ans.Yes, you can give a small piece of plain pancake to your dog. Make sure to give it occasionally, not regularly. Don’t forget to ensure that the pancake does not contain ingredients like artificial sweeteners, syrup, chocolate chips, or raisins.
Q.Can dogs eat flour in pancakes?
Ans.Yes, you can give small amounts of flour to your dogs in pancakes. Oat and whole wheat flour are more nutritious and safer than white flour. However, avoid feeding larger amounts.
Q.Can dogs have maple syrup?
Ans.Though pure maple syrup is not toxic, it has high sugar content that may lead to dental issues and weight gain problems. Therefore, avoid giving maple syrup to your dog. As far as artificial syrups are concerned, never give them to your pup, as they contain Xylitol – a deadly ingredient for dogs.
Q.How do you make dog friendly pancakes?
Ans.You can simply use dog-safe ingredients when preparing pancakes, such as an egg, oat or wheat flour, unsweetened milk or water, and mashed pumpkin or banana. Cook them all in a non-stick pan and don’t add sugar in any form.
Q.Why does my dog like pancakes?
Ans.The sweet, warm, and soft nature of pancakes helps them attract dogs. The aroma and unique texture make pancakes a yummy treat for dogs.