Ever look at your dog while you’re eating Sunday morning pancakes and see those sad puppy eyes? You know the look. The one that says, “Where’s mine?”
I’ve been there. You want to share, but human food isn’t always great for our furry friends. That’s why I came up with this super simple recipe for dog-friendly pancakes. They’re healthy, safe, and your dog will go absolutely nuts for them.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses just a few simple things you probably already have. No weird ingredients here, just good stuff for your best friend.
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
- 2 tablespoons of water or unsweetened almond milk
- A tiny bit of coconut oil or olive oil for the pan
Tools of the Trade
You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets. Keep it simple!
- A small bowl
- A fork for mashing
- A non-stick pan or griddle
- A spatula
How to Make Doggy Banana Pancakes
These come together in just a few minutes. Your dog will be smelling them from the other room and getting very excited.
Step 1: Grab a ripe, spotty banana. Peel it and mash it up really well in a bowl with your fork until it’s like a paste.
Step 2: Crack the egg into the bowl with the mashed banana. Whisk it all together until it’s mixed well.
Step 3: Add the flour and mix it in. Pour in the water or milk and stir until you have a smooth batter. Don’t overmix it.
Step 4: Put your pan on the stove over low to medium heat. Add a tiny bit of oil so the pancakes don’t stick.
Step 5: Pour small circles of batter onto the warm pan. Think silver dollar size, perfect for a dog’s mouth.
Step 6: Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
Step 7: Let them cool down completely before you give them to your excited pup. Hot food can burn their mouth.
Pro Tips
After making these a hundred times for my own dogs, I’ve learned a few things. Here are some tips to make them perfect.
- Use a Ripe Banana: The spottier the banana, the sweeter it is. This means you don’t need to add any sugar, which is bad for dogs.
- Low and Slow Heat: Cooking these on low heat is key. The banana in them can make them burn fast if the heat is too high.
- Keep Them Small: Small, bite-sized pancakes are easier for your dog to eat and help with portion control.
- Check Ingredients: Always, always double-check your ingredients. For example, if you add peanut butter, make sure it does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily change things up based on what you have or what your dog likes. Just make sure the new ingredients are safe for dogs.
| Original Ingredient | Safe Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | Oat Flour, Buckwheat Flour | Great for dogs with grain sensitivities. |
| Water | Unsweetened Almond Milk | Adds a little creaminess. |
| Banana | Pumpkin Puree, Applesauce | Make sure it’s 100% pure with no added sugar. |
Fun Add-Ins
Want to make them extra special? Mix in one of these before cooking.
- A spoonful of xylitol-free peanut butter.
- A few blueberries.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon (it’s good for them!).
Toppings Your Dog Will Love
Pancakes need toppings, even for dogs! Here are some safe and tasty ideas.
| Topping | Why It’s Good | How Much to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Yogurt | Good for digestion. | A small dollop. |
| More Banana Slices | Extra fruit goodness. | A few thin slices. |
| Blueberries | Full of antioxidants. | 2 or 3 berries. |
| Peanut Butter | Dogs love it! | A tiny smear (xylitol-free). |
Leftovers and Storage
You might have a few pancakes left over. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze them. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then move them to a freezer bag. They’ll last for about a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can humans eat these doggy pancakes?
Ans: Yes, they are made with human-grade ingredients. But they won’t be sweet like your pancakes, so you probably won’t like them much.
Q2. How many pancakes can I give my dog?
Ans: Think of these as a special treat, not a meal. One or two small pancakes are plenty for a medium-sized dog. Adjust based on your dog’s size and diet.
Q3. My dog has a sensitive stomach. Is this recipe okay?
Ans: This recipe is pretty simple, but if your dog is sensitive, try using oat flour instead of wheat. And always introduce new foods slowly.
Q4. Can I skip the egg?
Ans: The egg helps hold the pancakes together. You can try replacing it with a “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) if your dog has an egg allergy.
Wrapping Up
Making these pancakes is a fun way to show your dog some love. They’re easy, healthy, and seeing how happy it makes them is the best part.
Give this recipe a try this weekend. Come back and leave a comment to let me know how it went and if your dog loved them
