Pancakes for breakfast are amazing and have been human’s favorite forever now. But when it comes to our furry friends, it’s good to pause and ask, “can dogs eat pancakes?”. 

In brief, yes, you can feed your dog pancakes, but not just any pancakes! As a responsible dog owner, you should learn more about pancakes and dogs before serving your dog one. There are a few risks and some things you should keep in mind attached to it. So, let’s dig right into it!

Are Pancakes Safe For Dogs?

Generally, yes, pancakes are safe for dogs and can be fed in moderation. Below is all that you need to know about feeding your pancakes and how can you make it better for your pooch:

1. Nutrients

Pancakes made with ingredients like whole wheat flour, eggs, and milk can provide some nutrients to dogs, including protein and carbohydrates. However, as pancakes are not a balanced meal for dogs, you should add other dog foods to increase their nutritional value. 

2. Things to keep in mind

There are a few things that you should know before feeding your dog pancakes:

  • Avoid adding any artificial flavorings or xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs (study). 
  • Start with small amounts, as your dog might be allergic to certain pancake ingredients.
  • Regularly eating large amounts of pancakes can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

3. Moderation

While it’s generally safe for dogs to have pancakes as an occasional treat, moderation is key. Basically, even though pancakes are safe and yummy, they should not make up a significant portion of your dog’s diet. 

a dog looks on as a stack of pancakes is in front of her

Safe And Unsafe Toppings For Dogs?

Now that you know you can feed your dog this human food—pancake, it’s time to move to a more exciting part. What toppings do you like to add to your pancakes? Banana, butter, raisins, maple syrup, honey, etc? You add toppings to your dog’s pancakes, too, but it is not that simple with them. Below are the safe and unsafe ingredients/ toppings that you can and cannot top your dog’s pancakes with:

Unsafe toppings:

Safe toppings:

In fact, you can also follow dog-friendly recipes for pancakes. For example, the one where you only need a banana, peanut butter, eggs, and flour to make the perfect pancakes for your pooch (recipe).

Conclusion

Our final thoughts are that you can feed your dog pancakes, but they should either be served plain or only with dog-friendly ingredients/ fruits. This way, you can make pancakes not just safe, but also healthy as a part of a balanced diet. However, as pancakes themselves are not so nutritious (to fulfill all dietary needs), you should feed them to your dog occasionally or during training sessions for a moral boost. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat pancakes with vanilla extract?

Even though pancakes are safe for dogs, vanilla extract is a BIG NO. It has high amounts of alcohol, which is toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs.

Is it safe to give dogs pancakes?

Yes, you can give pancakes to your dog in moderation. The key is to cook it well and serve it plain with maybe a few dog-safe ingredients like peanut butter, banana, blueberries, etc., on the side. 

Can dogs have pancakes with maple syrup?

Even though small amounts of maple syrup will not harm your dog, it is best to avoid it. It has high amounts of sugar that can be harmful to your dog’s health, especially if they have diabetes.

Can dogs eat pancakes and waffles?

Dogs can eat both plain pancakes and plain waffles in moderation. It is essential to avoid toppings like chocolate, xylitol, and other harmful ingredients. Also, waffles might contain more fat content, so keep the consumption minimal.

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