Pancakes are a breakfast staple for many people, but is it safe for dogs to eat them? Plain pancakes without any added toppings or mix-ins are generally considered safe for dogs to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. However, there are some important things to consider before sharing your short stack with your canine companion.
The Ingredients in Plain Pancakes
The main ingredients in plain pancakes are:
- Flour – Usually all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour. Flour is safe for dogs.
- Baking powder – Used as a leavening agent. Baking powder is safe in small amounts.
- Milk – Typically cow’s milk. Lactose can cause digestive upset in some dogs.
- Eggs – An excellent source of protein for dogs, but can cause allergies in some.
- Butter or oil – Added fat. High-fat foods should be limited for dogs.
- Sugar – Often added for sweetness. Too much sugar is unhealthy for dogs.
- Salt – Added for flavor. Excess salt is not recommended for dogs.
As you can see, the main ingredients in plain pancakes are relatively safe for dogs. There are a few ingredients, like milk and salt, that should be limited. Overall, the biggest risks come from cooking methods and any added toppings.
Potential Benefits of Plain Pancakes for Dogs
When served in moderation, plain pancakes do have some potential benefits for dogs:
- Carbohydrates – The flour and sugar in pancakes provide a quick source of energy.
- Protein – Eggs are an excellent source of protein for dogs.
- Calcium – From the milk used in the batter.
- Treat – Small pieces of pancake can be used as a treat for training.
Potential Risks of Plain Pancakes for Dogs
While the ingredients may be dog-safe, there are still some risks of feeding plain pancakes to dogs:
- Choking hazard – Pancakes can be slippery and rubbery. They should be torn into bite sized pieces.
- Pancreatitis – Too much fat from butter, oil or bacon grease can cause pancreatitis.
- Obesity – Pancakes should be fed in moderation due to their high calories.
- Toxic toppings – Chocolate chips, raisins, gumdrops, and other common pancake toppings can be toxic for dogs.
- Allergies – Wheat, eggs or milk could cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
- Digestive upset – Too much sugar and lactose can cause diarrhea or vomiting.
While the dough itself is generally safe, pancakes are best served to dogs plain, without any added sugars or toppings.
Answers to Common Questions
Here are quick answers to some common questions about feeding plain pancakes to dogs:
Can I give my dog pancakes?
You can give your dog small pieces of plain pancake as an occasional treat. Be sure to avoid any added toppings.
Do pancakes hurt dogs?
Plain pancakes are unlikely to hurt dogs if fed in moderation. But sugar, chocolate, raisins and other toppings can be dangerous.
Will pancakes make my dog sick?
Too many pancakes could cause digestive upset. Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Stick to a few small bites.
Can dogs have pancakes with syrup?
No, do not feed dogs pancakes with syrup. The high sugar content can cause diarrhea, vomiting and other serious health issues.
What if my dog eats a whole pancake?
Feeding your dog an entire pancake is not recommended, but likely will not cause major issues if it is only an occasional slip up. Monitor for vomiting or diarrhea.
Are blueberry pancakes safe for dogs?
Plain pancakes with a few small pieces of fresh blueberry are safe for dogs. But avoid feeding large amounts of blueberries or pancakes with sugary blueberry syrup.
Pancake Ingredients to Avoid for Dogs
When making or feeding pancakes to dogs, there are certain ingredients that should always be avoided:
- Chocolate chips
- Raisins
- Nuts
- Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots
- Cinnamon
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- Baking soda
- Onions
- Garlic
- Bacon grease
- Butter (use sparingly)
- Syrup
- Jelly or jam
- Whipped cream
These ingredients can cause poisoning, choking, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal issues and other health problems in dogs. Always check that any mix-ins or toppings are dog-safe.
Making Dog-Friendly Pancakes
Here is a dog-friendly pancake recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 cup water or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional)
- 1/2 banana, mashed (optional)
Instructions
- Mix together the flour and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk and any mix-ins like peanut butter or banana.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. Some lumps are ok.
- Heat a lightly greased pan or griddle over medium heat.
- Scoop batter onto the preheated pan in circles. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip.
- Cook 1-2 minutes on the second side until golden. Flip only once.
- Let cool before feeding to your dog. Cut into bite sized pieces.
- Refrigerate any leftover pancakes. Reheat before serving again.
This simple recipe minimizes sugar and uses dog-safe mix-ins like peanut butter. Avoid giving dogs more than 1 or 2 pancakes at a time. Too many can cause digestive issues.
How to Feed Pancakes to Dogs
If you want to share a few bites of pancake with your dog, follow these tips:
- Stick to plain pancakes, avoid chocolate chips, syrup, etc.
- Make sure pancakes are cooked fully, not raw batter.
- Let pancakes cool completely before feeding.
- Tear pieces into bite sized bits or cut with a knife.
- Limit portions to 1-2 small pancakes at a time.
- Never leave a whole stack unattended.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat before serving again.
- Avoid feeding pancakes every day, reserve for special treats.
With small portions of plain pancakes, most dogs will have no issues. But monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset or allergic reaction.
Signs of Trouble After Eating Pancakes
While moderate amounts are safe for most dogs, pancakes can cause problems for some. Watch for these signs of trouble and call your vet if they are severe or persistent:
- Diarrhea or loose stool
- Vomiting
- Excessive gas or abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin, hives, swelling
- Coughing, gagging or choking
- Pancreatitis symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
If your dog ever displays these concerning symptoms after eating any new food, stop feeding it immediately and contact your veterinarian.
Precautions for Dogs Prone to Pancake Problems
Some dogs may be more prone to issues from eating pancakes and need extra precautions:
- Puppies – Their digestive systems are still developing, go slowly with new foods.
- Senior dogs – More likely to get pancreatitis. Avoid high fat foods.
- Overweight dogs – Too many pancakes will exacerbate obesity issues.
- Diabetic dogs – Excess sugar can cause blood glucose spikes.
- Dogs with allergies – Watch for reactions to ingredients like wheat or egg.
- Dogs with GI issues – Prone to gas, diarrhea or vomiting when diet changes.
For dogs in these categories, consult your vet before feeding pancakes. They may recommend avoiding them altogether.
Healthy Ways to Indulge Your Dog
While pancakes should only be an occasional treat, there are healthier ways to spoil your pup:
- Peanut butter and banana in a Kong toy
- Frozen plain yogurt mixed with blueberries
- Chicken or beef bone broth frozen into ice cubes
- Sweet potato fries instead of pancakes for breakfast
- Frozen cubed cantaloupe or honeydew melon
- Apples, carrots or green beans as snacks
- Unsweetened baked dog treats in moderation
You can give your dog something special without going overboard on sugar, salt and fat. Use healthy, dog-safe foods for most treats.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat plain pancakes? In moderation, the answer is yes. A few bites of pancake without any sweet or dangerous toppings is unlikely to harm most dogs. While tasty, pancakes are high in carbs, fat and calories, so they should only be an occasional treat. Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reaction. Avoid feeding pancakes to puppies, seniors, overweight dogs or those with medical conditions. For dogs that cannot tolerate pancakes well, there are many other ways to give healthy treats and spoil your pup.
