How to make Pancake Day dog-friendly - including deadly ingredients to avoid

Pancake Day is less than a fortnight away, and while some observe it as time to prepare for the fasting period of Lent, many families enjoy taking part by making a big batch of pancakes for their dinner.

Shrove Tuesday falls on March 4 this year and provides a fun bonding activity, not just for your kids, but for your dog too. Pooches love being part of family activities, and cooking for them is a great way to bond with them.

It also offers mental stimulation - letting them sniff ingredients and watch the cooking process keeps them engaged. However, it is crucial that your pup gets safe, natural ingredients, rather than ones with harmful additives.

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Thankfully, Sean McCormack, Head Vet at Tails.com, has weighed in to share dog-safe ingredients and toppings for Pancake Day, as well as those to avoid if you plan on sharing with your dog.

First of all, it is useful to tackle ingredients that can be harmful and, in extreme cases, deadly to dogs. Some pancake ingredients and toppings are highly toxic to our furry friends.

According to the Blue Cross, if you use any of the following ingredients in your pancakes, you should not feed them to your dog.

Pancake ingredients to avoid

Milk: Some dogs can be allergic to milk or lactose intolerant. The likelihood of lactose intolerance increases as they age, as they lose the enzyme needed to digest milk. This can cause diarrhoea, stomach pain, and gas.

Yoghurt: Some pancake recipes substitute yoghurt for milk or buttermilk. While some natural yoghurts are safe, others contain xylitol, which can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar in dogs and may be fatal. Again, as lactose intolerance is common in dogs, it’s best to choose a lactose-free option if you want to use yoghurt.

Butter: While not directly toxic to dogs, butter is extremely high in fat and can cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea or vomiting, so it is best to not use much when making some for your dog. Fatty foods can also cause pancreatitis in dogs, which can be fatal, greasy foods such as bacon, ham and some treats can increase this risk.

Refined flour: Refined flours, such as plain or self-raising, are not toxic to dogs but are not particularly beneficial either. Some dogs may struggle to digest them due to their low nutritional value and lack of fibre, which can lead to bloating, gas, or an upset stomach.

Uncooked batter or dough: This can ferment in a dog’s stomach, producing chemicals that are poisonous to them.

Pancake toppers to avoid

Lemon: Lemon and sugar is a classic topping for pancakes, but lemons contain psoralens, which are toxic compounds that can irritate a dog's skin, gums, and GI tract.

Chocolate: Even in small amounts, chocolate can be highly toxic. It contains a chemical called theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, cardiac problems and seizures in dogs.

Sweets: If you are topping your or your child’s pancake with sweets such as gummy bears, do not give any to dogs. Many contain artificial sweeteners that are toxic to them.

Pancake syrup: Similar to some yoghurts, syrups – as well as jams, peanut butter, and other sugar substitutes – can contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.

Macadamia, almond or walnut nuts: Even a small quantity of these nuts can cause symptoms within a few hours, potentially developing into severe reactions within 12 hours. If your dog has eaten a toxic amount of macadamia nuts, your vet will likely induce vomiting. This also extends to nut butters.

Raisins or grapes: If you enjoy adding fresh or dried fruit to your pancakes, avoid grapes and raisins if you plan on sharing with your dog. These can potentially cause kidney failure – studies suggest that the tartaric acid found in grapes may be toxic to dogs.

Vet-approved pancake ingredients for dogs

These ingredients are safe alternatives that can be used in your favourite pancake batter recipe - just substitute them out or make a separate batch for your dog:

Whole wheat flour or oat flour: Dogs can digest these types of flour more easily than refined plain or self-raising flour.

Eggs: Not only are eggs a great source of protein, but they also contain vitamin A, which supports skin, coat, vision, and immune system functions. Eggs should be given in moderation as a treat.

Banana or unsweetened apple sauce: These act as natural sweeteners instead of sugar, though you can opt to leave them out completely.

Water or unsalted broth: If making a separate batch for your dog, opt for these instead of milk, as some dogs struggle to digest milk and some milk alternatives.

Vet-approved pancake toppers for dogs

Fruits: Certain fruits can be safe and beneficial for dogs to eat, including blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, strawberries, apples, and even mango.

Peanut butter: This is a treat that dogs love, but ensure the one you give them is xylitol-free.

Dog biscuits: If you are ever unsure about what to put on a pancake for a dog, dog biscuits are always a safe option. You can crumble them on top or wrap a pancake around one.

Vegetables: While it may not be a first choice, many dogs enjoy vegetables, making it a treat with health benefits. Try chopped carrots, cucumbers, or even green beans.

If you are unsure about any ingredient, it is best to consult your veterinarian for advice.