Can Dogs Eat Pancakes? A Complete Guide for Pet Owners

Pancakes are absolutely one of my favorite things. In fact, so much so that I make them most Saturday mornings. Fresh blueberries, butter, maple syrup… they’re a real weekend treat. But what about our furry friends? Can dogs eat pancakes? If so, what type of pancakes? And what about the toppings?

Here’s absolutely everything you need to know about feeding your dog pancakes so you can do the best by your pooch.

In Short – Can Dogs Eat Pancakes?

The answer to that is yes and no. Plain pancakes are not toxic to dogs. They’re not particularly healthy, but they’re not toxic either. The problem comes with the toppings. We often add chocolate, honey, maple syrup, and other very sweet (and delicious) foods to our pancakes and some of these can be toxic to dogs.

If your dog happens to eat a small amount of plain pancake they should be OK but always watch out for potentially harmful toppings and sneaky ingredients.

Are There Any Health Benefits To Feeding Dog’s Pancakes?

Wouldn’t that be nice? But, sadly, and just like for us, pancakes don’t really have any nutritional value for our doggos. Some of our favorite toppings, such as raspberries and mango, are nutritious and can be a healthy part of your dog’s diet, but even then, it’s best just to give your pooch the fruits rather than fruits and pancakes.

Risks of Feeding Dogs Pancakes

Are plain pancakes good for dogs? No. Are plain pancakes terrible for dogs? Also no. But there are some risks you should be aware of if you do decide to add a little breakfast treat to your dog’s weekend routine.

Allergies

Some pups are lactose intolerant or have gluten or corn allergies. If your pup has a sensitive stomach, always check the ingredients first before giving them a bit of plain pancake.

You should also monitor your dog for signs of an allergy after they’ve eaten pancakes for the first time. This can include an upset stomach, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Ingredients

There are quite a lot of extra ingredients put into shop-bought pancake batter. Chocolate chips, for example, are a very popular ingredient that adds a bit more sweetness, texture, and color. But of course, as we know, chocolate is toxic to dogs. Never give your pups pancakes that contain chocolate.

Furthermore, shop-bought pancakes and pancake batter can contain too much sugar for your pup. A high-sugar diet can lead to lots of health problems for dogs. If you do decide to give your dog a piece of pancake, try to make them yourself at home. This way you can control the ingredients in them.

Toppings

This is the real reason why you shouldn’t let dogs eat pancakes. I don’t know about you, but I love a range of different syrups on my pancakes (pure maple syrup is my favorite) and these really aren’t good for dogs. Other toppings including cheese, whipped cream, and butter are also unhealthy for dogs if eaten too often.

Try to keep toppings healthier and only give them occasionally to your pup.

Watch Out for ‘Healthier’ Alternatives

Don’t think that sugar-free syrups are healthier just because they have less sugar in them. Some sugar-free substitutes actually contain xylitol (a sugar substitute) which is poisonous to dogs. Always check ingredients before feeding something to your pooch.

Weight Gain

Just like other similar foods, such as bread, there’s not much nutritional value in pancakes. There are, however, a lot of calories which can easily lead to weight gain and health problems associated with this.

Pancakes may be safe for dogs, but there are a whole host of other foods that are low in calories, delicious, and better for your pups.

Feeding Your Dog Pancakes

If you decide to feed your dog pancakes, it’s best to do it in small quantities and very occasionally. Many dogs respond really well to treats during training, and a small piece of pancake can be an excellent reward for good behavior.

Just try to use healthier options most of the time to avoid health issues associated with weight gain.

Also, depending on what you’re having on your pancakes, it may be better to reward your pooch with a piece of fruit, such as a banana or strawberries – they may not notice the difference if it’s coming from your plate!

If you do want to do something special for your pooch (maybe as a birthday treat?) dog-safe peanut butter on a small piece of pancake will go down a treat!

So, Can Dogs Eat Pancakes?

Technically, yes, dogs can eat pancakes (as long as they’re plain and don’t contain any toxic ingredients). But really, dogs shouldn’t eat pancakes. They’re OK as an occasional treat but they don’t really offer any nutritional benefits and they’re full of calories.

If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, check out the BarkingTalk food page for more ideas!