Pancakes. We can’t get enough of them! While usually a breakfast food, who among us has not had pancakes for lunch and/or dinner, too?! Let’s see those hands up 🙂
We love big fluffy pancakes. Little silver dollar ones. Some love them thin like crepes. And we put blueberries in them. Or bananas. Or chocolate chips.
Plus we layer on the toppings like butter, whipped cream and/or syrup.
My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Do you whose mouth also waters over pancakes? Your dog’s! Because if there is one thing I am sure of when you are eating breakfast, is that your dog is right there beside you. And those puppy dogs eyes are saying “please give me some pancakes”.
But can dogs eat pancakes? Is it one of the human foods that are safe for them or could eating pancakes cause health issues for your dog?
Let’s get right to the answer of that question here.
Can Dogs Eat Pancakes?
The answer to that is yes, pancakes are generally safe for dogs. But you have to be careful about what’s in them. And, just because it’s safe for them, that doesn’t mean it’s necessary for dogs to eat pancakes.
It’s best to consider pancakes as just once in a while treats for dogs. Now you may be wondering why. Well, that is because plain pancakes are not necessarily healthy for them.
Yes, indeed, the common ingredients are not toxic to your dogs. Unless of course, your dog is lactose intolerant. Then they should avoid eating pancakes completely.
Otherwise, to keep your dog healthy, only feed them a smallish amount of pancakes once in a while.
Precautions When Feeding Your Dog Pancakes
Now there are many types of pancakes out there. And we will give you an idea if some are bad or good for them.
Let us start with regular homemade pancakes. Homemade pancakes are safe for dogs as long as they are made plainly. That means, no syrups, butter, and toppings.
Unsafe toppings include:
- Chocolate
- Nuts
- Raisins
The same could be said for pancake mixes. As long as you buy the plain varieties and do not add harmful ingredients, they are fine.
Banana pancakes are good for dogs, especially if they need fiber. But be careful because too much fiber can upset their stomach.
Cinnamon pancakes are also alright for dogs. But under no circumstances should you add any xylitol or added sugars.
Honey pancakes are pet-friendly. But if your dog is still a pup, or has a weak immune system, then it is best not to give them honey.
Orange pancakes are healthy for dogs due to their vitamin C levels. But they are also high in natural sugar and calories.
Pancakes with coconut flour, protein powder, or Kodiak Cakes are a good source of protein for dogs. However, some protein powders may contain xylitol. So check it first before giving.
To start, flavored pancakes are a no-no for them. Depending on the flavor, it contains many ingredients harmful to dogs.
If your dog is allergic to almonds, almond pancakes are something they should not eat. The same could be said about almond flour pancakes.
Although safe for dogs, blueberry pancakes have too much natural sugar and carbohydrates. Lemon pancakes have too many strong oils that can upset your dog’s stomach.
Under no circumstances should dogs eat vanilla pancakes. Even if it is just vanilla extract. Dogs cannot break down alcohol in their system.
Avoid These Ingredients In Pancakes
So, to recap, you want to make sure to avoid adding these ingredients and toppings to your dog’s pancakes:
- Chocolate
- Raisins
- Nuts
- Butter
- Xylitol
- Food coloring
- Peanut butter
- Maple syrup
As much as possible, keep your pancakes plain if you’re going to share any with your dog.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
And before you share that slice of pizza with your dog, find out “Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni?” in the next article of the series.
