Questions
- Before we begin
- What you’ll need for dog pancakes
- How to make pancakes for dogs
- Fun serving ideas for your dog
- Why Make dog-friendly pancakes?
Pancake Day isn’t just for humans, it’s for our furry friends, too! If you’ve been wondering whether your dog can eat pancakes with you, we have good news for you. You’ve probably caught your pup eyeing you longingly as you flip pancakes, why not make them their very own treat? Â
This guide will walk you through a simple dog-friendly pancake recipe that’s safe, delicious, and perfect for Pancake Day (or any day you want to spoil your pooch). Plus, we’ll share creative serving ideas to make it extra fun for your pup.Â
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Before we begin
Before you start making dog-friendly pancakes, it’s essential to prioritise your pup's safety. First, you may need to consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about introducing new treats to your dog's diet, especially if your pet has allergies or dietary restrictions. Â
Ensure all ingredients are safe for dogs and avoid harmful items like sugar, chocolate, or artificial sweeteners (like xylitol), which are toxic to dogs. Opt for plain, dog-approved ingredients like whole wheat flour or oats. Lastly, remember that treats should complement your dog’s regular diet, not replace it. Consider reducing their usual meal portions slightly to prevent overfeeding and maintain their overall health.Â
What you’ll need for dog pancakes
This simple dog pancake recipe uses a few whole, pooch-approved ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.Â
Ingredients:Â
- 50g plain flour Â
- 1 egg Â
- 100ml water Â
- Optional toppings (e.g., xylitol-free Peamutt butter, banana slices, or blueberries)Â
Equipment:Â
- Mixing bowl Â
- Whisk or fork Â
- Non-stick frying pan Â
- Dog-safe cooking oil (coconut oil)Â Â
- Spatula Â
- Squeezy bottle (optional, for creative dog pancake shapes)Â
This recipe makes lightweight, easy-to-chew pancakes that are ideal for all breeds and sizes. It’s a great starter recipe to customise according to your furry friend’s preferences!Â
How to make pancakes for dogs
Once you have everything you need, making your doggy some delicious pancakes could not be any easier. What’s even better is you can both enjoy and celebrate National Pancake Day together, making sure no one in the family is missing out!
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Step 1: Mix the batterÂ
Start by whisking the flour, egg, and water together in a mixing bowl until smooth. If you’d like to make the pancakes extra delicious, you can add a small spoonful of dog-friendly peanut butter at this stage to incorporate some extra flavour.Â
Step 2: Prepare the frying panÂ
Heat a non-stick frying pan over low to medium heat to ensure the pancakes cook evenly without burning. Lightly coat the pan with a small amount of oil, such as coconut oil, which is safe for dogs in moderation. Make sure to spread the oil evenly for smooth cooking.Â
Step 3 (Optional): Get creative with dog-friendly shapesÂ
Pour the batter into a squeezy bottle to create pancake shapes. Draw fun shapes like paws or bones directly onto the pan. If a squeezy bottle isn’t available, a spoon works just as well for freestyle shapes. Your pup won't judge you on your artistic skills, so have fun with it!Â
Step 4: Cook the pancakesÂ
Cook the pancakes over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or until golden brown. Ensure the pan isn’t too hot to avoid burning the pancake. Use a spatula to carefully flip them. Smaller pancakes cook more evenly and are easier to handle. Â
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Step 5: Cool and serve Â
Once cooked, remove the pancakes from the pan and allow them to cool completely. Hot pancakes can cause burns, and cooling them ensures they are nice and safe for your canine companion to enjoy.Â
Fun serving ideas for your dog
Serving these pancakes doesn’t have to be boring! Here are a few engaging ways to present them to your dog:Â
1. Toppings their way Â
Enhance your dog’s pancakes with toppings that are both tasty and nutritious. A dollop of Peamutt Butter can add a protein-packed treat your pup will love. Fresh fruits like blueberries, apple slices (without seeds), or banana chunks are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition. Â
Pumpkin puree is another great option, providing fibre to aid digestion. Always consider your dog’s dietary needs and consult your vet if unsure. Avoid adding sugars, syrups, or chocolate, as these are harmful to dogs. Keep it natural, delicious, and aligned with your furry friend’s health!Â
2. Use a LickiMat Â
To make the most of a LickiMat, you can spread a thin layer of peanut butter across the bottom before arranging your pup’s pancakes on top. This adds an extra layer of challenge and engagement, encouraging your pup to work a little harder for their treat. Â
Not only does this provide mental stimulation, but it also slows down their eating, promoting healthier digestion. If you’re worried about the mess, bowl shaped lickimats like the LickiMat UFO Orange Lick Mat can be extra fun for your pooch and limit the clean up afterwards. Â
3. Pancake bites in a bowlÂ
Serving smaller dog pancakes opens up a world of possibilities for rewarding your dog throughout the day. You can use them as a topper in their usual food bowl for their regular meals, adding a fun and tasty surprise that they’ll love. Â
Alternatively, save them as a post-walk treat, offering a well-earned reward after a bit of exercise. Smaller pancakes are also excellent for trick training, encouraging your pup to try extra hard to earn a special bite of something they truly enjoy. These versatile treats are easy to portion, store, and serve, making them a convenient option for any occasion.Â
4. Interactive feedingÂ
Interactive feeding makes treat time more enriching and stimulating for your pup. Doggy pancakes can be hidden in a snuffle mat like the R&R Connectable Snuffle Mat For Dogs, encouraging your dog to sniff and forage for their reward, tapping into their natural instincts.
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You can also roll small pancake pieces into a treat-dispensing ball, turning mealtime into playtime as they chase and paw at the toy to retrieve their snack. For an added challenge, tuck pancakes into a Kong Classic toy with a dollop of dog-safe peanut butter, freezing it for a longer-lasting treat. These creative methods make the experience fun while offering mental stimulation and prolonging enjoyment.Â
Why Make dog-friendly pancakes?
Making dog-friendly pancakes at home is a thoughtful way to treat your furry friend while looking out for their health and happiness. By preparing your own pancakes, you retain full control over the ingredients, allowing you to use wholesome, dog-safe options tailored to your pup's dietary needs. Customising flavours, sizes, and textures ensures the treats suit your fur baby’s preferences and any specific health requirements, such as avoiding allergens or promoting weight management.
Homemade pancakes also provide an opportunity to bond with your pet. Making treats at home can even be more cost-effective in the long run, as you can prepare batches ahead of time and store them for future use. Have fun on pancake day with your pooch and visit us in store or online for creative ways to serve up their tasty treat!