Everybody loves Pancake Day! We can come up with all kinds of crazy topping combinations and they’re loads of fun to make, whether the pancakes end up on a plate or on the ceiling! But did you know that your dog can join in with these sweet treats too?

It’s important to be careful with the ingredients you use for your pooch’s pancakes, especially when it comes to the toppings. Many dogs can suffer from some degree of lactose intolerance, so you should swap out the milk in your normal recipe for water. You could always look for a vegan recipe if you need to be extra cautious. 

We’ve found a lot of fancy recipes involving buckwheat flour, oats, polenta and even sweet potato, but for a basic straight forward dog-suitable pancake mix, all you need is:

Mix the ingredients into a batter exactly as you would with your own pancakes, fry for 30 seconds on each side, and serve! You can fry the pancakes in a small amount of vegetable oil if you like, as this can actually improve the shine on your dog’s coat. Feel free to pour the mixture into a squeezy bottle and get creative with your pancake designs too! 

The toppings we would use for our own pancakes are typically unsuitable for our canine friends as they can be high in sugars and fats. Peanut butter is one ingredient to be especially careful with; most peanut butters you can buy from supermarkets contain xylitol, a sugar substitute which can be toxic to dogs. It’s best to look out for a peanut butter designed especially for dogs if this is what you want to treat your pet to. Alternatively, you could top their pancakes with fruit such as bananas and berries, vegetables, or meat/fish pastes. You should always avoid chocolate, as this can be very dangerous to dogs even in small amounts.

Don’t forget: pancakes are high in carbohydrates and fat, and should only be fed in moderation or as an occasional treat. But most importantly, have fun and enjoy sharing the experience with your best friend!