With more than 1,000 monthly searches for the query 'Can dogs eat pancakes?', many owners are wondering if it's safe to share a batter-based treat with their four-legged friends. Dogs have certain intolerances to some foods so it's always best to check.
Dr Scott Miller, vet for natural dog food brand Barking Heads, said, in short, owners can enjoy Pancake Day with their pooches. But there are a few pieces of advice they should be aware of.
“Firstly, when making your pancakes, think about the ingredients you’re putting into your batter or the ingredients in store-bought batter or pancakes," he said. "Dogs can only consume plain pancakes with no addition to the batter, so if you like to indulge in chocolate pancakes, you’d need to leave the extra ingredient out.
“You should also check to see the sugar content, trying to keep this as close to zero as possible for your dog. As canines don’t have the sensitivity to taste that we do, keep calories low whenever possible to keep them healthy and lean.
“With store-bought pancakes, consider gluten-free, and avoid commercially prepared ones, but if they’re your only option, ensure they don’t use a sweetener alternative, as xylitol is toxic for dogs. It causes issues from stomach upset to death in dogs depending on the amount they consume."
He continued: "Consider any intolerances your dog may have – like milk or egg intolerance. If they do, it’s best to use a batter that completely avoids these ingredients if you plan on sharing a pancake with your dog. If unsure whether your dog has any intolerances, it’s always best to check with your vet."
Regarding toppings, he said owners should take care with what they offer their furry friends. "Avoid using syrups, butter, nuts, raisins and grapes," he warned. "These are all toxic toppings as some are too rich for your dog and others are lethal."
Here are some toppings you can safely share with your dog:
- Peanut butter – small amount, but has to be free of xylitol
- Bananasing
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Dog biscuits
“Another thing to consider is your dog’s portion size," said Dr Miller. "Unlike humans, dogs' diets don’t feature many carbohydrates, so you want to keep their portion of pancakes very minimal. One small pancake topped with wet dog food or another topping may be plenty for your pup, and they’ll treasure the treat.”
