Can Dogs Eat Pancakes?
Are pancakes safe for your pup or should you keep them away from the flipping fun?
Ah, Pancake Day – that glorious time when it’s perfectly acceptable to whip up a batch of fluffy goodness for dinner and smother it in Nutella, cream or whatever wild toppings strike your fancy. But as you happily stack plates of pancakes for family or friends, your four-legged friend is giving you those puppy-dog eyesopens in a new tab from the corner.
So, is it safe to share your pancakes with your dog? In short, yes, if served plain and in moderation. Hold the sugar and lemon please!
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opens in a new tabPancakes: nutritious facts
Despite their tasty profile, pancakes unfortunately aren’t the most nutritious. A traditional pancake is made from flour, eggs, milk and butter (or oil), which are generally safe for dogs in small amounts. However, they are high in fat and can be high in sugar and processed ingredients which while comforting for us, are not the healthiest for our pups. While there are alternative recipes made of bananas and oats – generally, pancakes are best saved for a an occasional treat before Lent or for a Saturday brunch.
Can dogs eat pancakes?
The short answer: it depends. If you are plating up pancakes for the family on Shrove Tuesday and your dog is giving you those longing eyes, it can be safe to include them in the tradition in moderation, but pet parents should be cautious of ingredients and toppings. While the basic ingredients of pancakes aren’t toxic, some variations can be harmful.
“Unless your dog has a dietary intolerance or an allergy, serving a plain pancake in moderation shouldn’t cause them any harm,” says Dr Kate McCrossan, a veterinary surgeon practising in Northern Ireland.
“However, pancakes are high in both carbohydrates and fat, so should only be fed to dogs in small amounts and as an occasional treat.” (The same probably applies to humans but we aren’t as obedient!)
Can dogs eat pancakes with syrup?
No. Most syrups, especially shop-bought brands, contain high amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogsopens in a new tab. If you want to add a topping, opt for dog-safe alternatives such as mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce.
Are pancakes good for dogs?
Well, it might not come as a surprise but pancakes aren’t exactly a ‘health’ food. Much like pancakes for humans, there isn’t much nutritional valueopens in a new tab in a pancake for a dog. While they contain some protein and carbohydrates, they lack essential nutrients that dogs require in their diet. Pancakes are also high in simple carbohydrates and saturated fat, which, if fed regularly, can lead to more serious health conditions such as obesity or diabetes.
So, while a small pancake or a few nibbles is fine every now and again, don’t replace your dog’s dinner with a bowl of pancakes. It’s also important to keep an eye out for any adverse reactions, especially in pups with sensitive stomachs.
Can pancakes be bad for dogs?
Yes, pancakes can be harmful if they contain ingredients toxic to dogs such as chocolateopens in a new tab and xylitol, or unsafe amounts of butter or dairy products that may cause digestive upset. Too many pancakes can lead to obesity or pancreatitisopens in a new tab due to their high fat and calorie content.
Can my dog eat pancake batter?
No, pancake batter should generally not be given to dogs. Raw batter often contains raw eggs, which pose a risk of salmonella to your pup plus the uncooked high flour content may be difficult for dogs to digest. Stick to small, cooked pancakes as a treat instead.
However, if there has been a sloppy tongue in the bowl of your pancake mix before you’ve had the chance to cook them, don’t panic. Unless your canine friend has a dairy intolerance or an allergy, a small about of pancake batter shouldn’t cause them too much harm.
How to serve pancakes to dogs
If we haven’t mentioned it enough, pancakes should be fed to dogs plainly and in small amounts. “If you buy a pre-made batter, check the ingredient list for artificial sweeteners or additives as these can cause harm to your dog. A plain homemade batter is probably best as you are aware of what exactly is in the mixture,” says Dr Kate.
Serve a small pancake as a dessert or treat for your dog, not their main meal, and don’t let it become a habit – best to keep it to a Pancake Day tradition.
What pancake toppings can dogs eat?
While we may be tempted to drown our stack in golden syrup and Nutella or sprinkle it liberally with nuts, honeyopens in a new tab or whipped cream, it’s best to keep it simple for our four-legged friends.
What are some safe pancake toppings for dogs?
If you do wish to give your dog dressed-up pancakes, skip the sugary stuff and opt for dog-friendly fruits such as:
mashed bananasopens in a new tab
a handful of blueberries
plain yogurt
unsweetened applesauce
Pancake toppings that are dangerous for dogs
“Sugary toppings can be extremely harmful to dogs as not only are they high in calories but can contain ingredients such as xylitol or theobromine, which are toxic for them,” says Dr Kate. This includes toppings such as:
chocolate
xylitol-containing ingredients, such as syrup
raisins or grapes
whipped cream (which is high in both sugar and fat)
Are there dog-friendly pancakes?
If you really want to make sure the mixture is safe, there are dog pancake mixtures available to buy but you can also make homemade pancakes using dog-safe ingredients. You could also make a ‘healthier’ pancake mix with banana or sweet potatoopens in a new tab as the main ingredients but even so, serve in moderation.
Homemade pancake recipe for dogs
A simple dog-friendly pancake recipe includes oat flour, unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana, and an egg. These ingredients are safe and easier for dogs to digest than traditional pancake recipes, but should still only be given in moderation to your dog due to the high sugar content in fruit, even if it is naturally occurring.
The bottom line: can dogs eat human food?
There are many safe human foods that dogs can enjoy. It’s best to consult an expert or do your research from a reputable source before feeding your dog something that isn’t specifically for dogs.
Any human food given is added as a treat, not as part of their balanced diet so it should not be served as their main meal. If you are wary of giving your dog human food, it’s better to be safe than sorry because generally, your dog will get all nutrients from a complete and balanced dog food.
Frequently asked questions: can my dog eat pancakes?
How many pancakes can dogs eat?
A small piece of pancake occasionally is fine, but avoid making it a regular treat to prevent weight gain.
Can dogs eat flour in pancakes?
Most dogs can tolerate small amounts of flour, but whole wheat or oat flour is a better option for digestion.
Can my dog eat butter?
Butter is high in fat and should be avoided, as it can contribute to obesity and digestive issues.
Can dogs eat waffles and pancakes?
Waffles and pancakes have similar ingredients, so plain versions without harmful toppings are OK in small amounts.
Resources
“ Pancreatitis in Dogs - Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention.opens in a new tab” American Kennel Club, 20 Sept. 2021.
