Can Dogs Eat Pancakes?
We all need the motivation to help us jump out of bed in the morning, and pancakes fit the bill. Light, airy, and tasty- these versatile and naturally delicious breakfast treats are perfect for busy mornings and lazy weekends.
Another plus with pancakes is that you can whip them up real quick. So, you don’t have to wait too long to dig in, especially if you wake up starving. These sweet morsels can be drenched in chocolate or maple syrup and topped with your favorite fruits. Yum!
If you’re used to having breakfast with Fido, you might be wondering if it’s safe to toss them a pancake. Read along to determine whether pancakes are good or bad for your dog.
Are Pancakes Safe for Dogs?
Pancakes are not toxic to dogs when prepared plain with no additives or syrup. But, it doesn’t mean you drown Fido in those short, fluffy stacks. Even though your pup will wag its tail and drool in excitement, a pancake is not their best food choice, and it would be best if you stuck to offering it as an occasional treat.
Most human foods contribute to canine obesity. Regularly feeding your pup pancakes can lead to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. Pancake toppers like chocolate chips, vanilla, raisins, and macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Maple syrup is chock-full of sugar and calories, which are harmful to your furry friend.
And then there are the slabs of butter we generously add to our pancakes for that delicate, fluffy, and moist flavor. As much as we can handle all that fat, this isn’t the case for your Chewy. High fat consumption can cause obesity and a fatal condition known as pancreatitis, where the pancreas is inflamed.
Can My Dog Have Pancakes with Syrup?
No. All kinds of syrups are loaded with sugar which can cause obesity and diabetes. A tablespoon of maple syrup has about 50 calories, so a pancake with two spoonfuls of maple syrup covers a significant amount of the recommended daily caloric intake.
Some imitation syrups contain xylitol instead of sugar. Xylitol is toxic to canines, even in small quantities, as it can cause low blood sugar, tremors, and even death.
Can My Dog Eat Blueberry Pancake?
Yes. Blueberry pancake is loaded with fiber and antioxidants and is safe for your dog but as an occasional treat. Like other pancakes, blueberry pancakes are calorie-dense and can lead to obesity if eaten regularly. They are also high in fiber which can disrupt your dog’s digestion.
Related: Can Dogs Have Blueberry Muffins?
What Happens If My Dog Eats Pancakes?
While pancakes are not toxic to our canine companions, they can be unhealthy if you add a ton of butter and sugar. If your furry friend eats pancakes regularly, they could develop obesity and diabetes.
If your dog is lactose intolerant or has wheat allergies, feeding him pancakes with these ingredients can cause gastrointestinal upset, watery stools, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. But the main danger of feeding your canine pancakes is other poisonous toppers such as chocolate, raisins, and syrups with artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
You should keep sugar-free pancakes out of reach of Fido to avoid xylitol poisoning. Symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Seizure
- Pale gums
- Vomiting
- Liver failure
If your dog has wheat allergies, you’ll notice vomiting, hives, and diarrhea.
How Many Pancakes Can My Dog Eat?
Keep in mind pancakes are carbohydrate and calorie-dense and should only be given as an occasional treat to your pup.
An average pancake which is 6 inches thick, has about 175 calories, and a 20-pound dog needs a daily caloric intake of around 500 calories. So a full pancake can satisfy a significant part of your dog’s calories. Additionally, your dog will miss out on essential nutrients.
It’s, therefore, best to offer only a few bites, not more than 10% of your pup’s recommended daily calories.
Wrapping Up
It doesn’t take much convincing for most people to eat pancakes; the same can be said for dogs. However, the truth is that a pancake is not the best food for your dog. If Fido eats too many pancakes, they risk becoming obese and diabetic.
If you have to treat your pup to a pancake, keep it plain, and if you opt for toppings, ensure they are dog-safe like blueberries, bananas, and apples. If Fido has dietary restrictions such as gluten or lactose intolerance, check the ingredients and consider swapping them with gluten-free flour and dairy-free milk.
Avoid toxic nuts, chocolate, whipped cream, butter, and sugary syrups because they harm your dog’s waistline and overall health.
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