Healthy Doggy Banana Pancakes
Ever get those big, sad puppy eyes staring at you while you’re eating your weekend pancakes? You know the look. The one that says, “Where’s mine?”
You feel a little guilty not sharing, but human food isn’t always good for our furry best friends. Well, today we’re fixing that. I’m going to show you how to make a super simple, healthy, and dog-approved pancake that will make you their hero.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is as easy as it gets. You only need a few things that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- 1 very ripe banana
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
- A little bit of water, if needed
Tools of the Trade
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this. Just grab these basics.
- A small bowl
- A fork for mashing and mixing
- A non-stick skillet or griddle
- A spatula
Pro Tips
After making treats for my own pack of dogs for years, I’ve learned a few things. These little tricks make the process go a lot smoother.
- Use a really ripe banana. I’m talking about the ones with lots of brown spots. They are much sweeter and way easier to mash into a smooth paste.
- Keep the pancakes small. Think silver dollar size. They are easier to flip and are the perfect portion size for a dog treat.
- Cook on low heat. There’s no oil or butter in this recipe, so cooking low and slow prevents the pancakes from burning before they’re cooked through.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Peel the ripe banana and put it in your bowl. Use a fork to mash it up until it’s mostly smooth. A few lumps are totally fine.
Step 2: Crack the egg into the bowl with the mashed banana. Whisk it all together with the fork until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Add the flour to the bowl. Stir everything together until you have a pancake-like batter. If it seems too thick, add a tiny splash of water to thin it out.
Step 4: Place your non-stick skillet on the stove over low-to-medium heat.
Step 5: Spoon small circles of batter onto the warm skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Let the pancakes cool completely before serving them to your excited pup!
Swaps and Fun Twists
You can easily change things up based on what you have or what your dog likes.
| Original Ingredient | Fun Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | Oat, Coconut, or Buckwheat Flour | Great grain-free options. |
| Banana | Pumpkin Puree or Unsweetened Applesauce | Make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling. |
| Add-in | A spoonful of xylitol-free peanut butter | Mix it right into the batter for a nutty flavor. |
| Add-in | A sprinkle of cinnamon | Cinnamon is safe for dogs and adds a nice scent. |
Nutrition Info (Approximate)
This is just a general guide. The numbers can change based on the exact size of your banana and egg.
| Nutrient | Amount per Pancake (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25-30 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Carbs | 4g |
Leftovers and Storage
If you have any pancakes left, just pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3 days.
You can also freeze them! Lay them flat on a baking sheet until they’re frozen solid. Then, you can toss them all into a freezer bag. They make a great quick treat later.
FAQs
Q1. Can humans eat these doggy pancakes?
Ans: Yes, they are perfectly safe for people to eat! Just know that they are not sweet at all, since there’s no sugar.
Q2. How many pancakes can I give my dog?
Ans: Think of these as a treat, not a meal. One or two small pancakes are plenty for most dogs, depending on their size.
Q3. What kind of peanut butter is safe for dogs?
Ans: Always use a peanut butter that does not contain xylitol. This sweetener is very toxic to dogs. Check the label carefully.
Q4. Can I use all-purpose white flour?
Ans: You can, but whole wheat or oat flour has more nutrients for your pup. It’s a healthier choice for them.
Wrapping Up
See? Making a special treat for your dog doesn’t have to be hard. In just a few minutes, you can whip up something they’ll go crazy for, and you’ll feel great knowing exactly what’s in it.
Go ahead and give it a try this weekend. I’d love to hear how it goes. Let me know in the comments if your dog loved their banana pancakes
