Healthy Doggy Banana Pancakes
Your dog is staring at you with those eyes again while you’re eating breakfast.
You know the ones. The “I’m starving even though I just ate 20 minutes ago” look.
I get it. My dog does the same thing every single morning when I’m making pancakes. And honestly, I used to feel guilty until I realized I could make a dog-friendly version that’s actually good for them.
These healthy doggy banana pancakes have become my go-to weekend treat for my pup. They’re made with just a few simple ingredients, take about 15 minutes to make, and my dog literally does backflips when she smells them cooking.
No joke. Actual backflips.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe banana | 1 medium | Spottier = better! |
| Egg | 1 large | Room temperature works best |
| Whole wheat flour | 1/2 cup | Or oat flour for grain-free |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1/4 cup | No added sugar |
| Natural peanut butter | 1 tbsp | Must be xylitol-free ⚠️ |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 tsp | Optional, but dogs love it |
| Water | 2 tbsp | Only if batter is too thick |
Optional Toppings:
- Extra peanut butter for drizzling
- Fresh blueberries 🫐
- Small dollop of plain Greek yogurt
Also Read: Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
Tools You’ll Need
✓ Medium mixing bowl
✓ Fork or potato masher
✓ Whisk (or just another fork)
✓ Non-stick skillet or griddle
✓ Spatula
✓ Measuring cups and spoons
✓ Small ladle or 1/4 cup measure
You probably already have all of this in your kitchen.
Pro Tips From Someone Who’s Made These 100+ Times
Tip #1: Go for overripe bananas
The browner and spottier they are, the sweeter and easier to mash. Plus, your dog will love the extra flavor. Those bananas you were about to throw out? Perfect for this recipe.
Tip #2: Test your heat first
These cook differently than human pancakes because there’s no baking powder. Too hot and they’ll burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Medium-low heat is your friend here. I learned this the hard way after burning three batches.
Tip #3: Make them silver dollar size
Think tiny, not IHOP-sized. Smaller pancakes are easier to flip, cook more evenly, and are the perfect size for treating your pup. Plus, you can freeze them individually and grab just one when needed.
Tip #4: Always check your peanut butter label
Some peanut butters contain xylitol, which is TOXIC to dogs. This is not negotiable. Always read the label and make sure it only contains peanuts (and maybe salt). If you see xylitol, birch sugar, or any artificial sweetener, put it back.
Tip #5: Let them try a test bite first
Let one cool completely and break off a tiny piece to make sure your dog likes them before you make a huge batch. Some picky eaters need a minute to warm up to new foods. My neighbor’s dog refused them the first time, then became obsessed after the second try.
How to Make Them (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Mash the banana
Grab your ripest banana and mash it in a bowl until it’s smooth.
A few small lumps are totally fine. Your dog won’t complain.
Step 2: Add wet ingredients
Crack in your egg, add the applesauce, and peanut butter.
Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should look a little lumpy and thick.
Step 3: Add the flour
Sprinkle in the whole wheat flour and cinnamon (if using).
Stir until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.
If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water.
Step 4: Heat your pan
Set your skillet to medium-low heat.
Add a tiny bit of coconut oil or butter if your pan isn’t super non-stick.
Step 5: Cook the first side
Pour about 2 tablespoons of batter for each pancake.
They won’t spread much, so you can shape them a bit with the back of your spoon.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes until you see little bubbles forming and the edges look set.
Also Read: Low Calorie Banana Bread
Step 6: Flip and finish
Here’s where it gets a little tricky.
These are more delicate than regular pancakes, so flip gently.
Cook another 2-3 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
Step 7: Cool completely
This is the hardest part. Your dog will be losing their mind.
But these need to cool down completely before serving. Hot pancakes can burn their mouth.
Substitutions and Variations
| Original Ingredient | Swap It For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Whole wheat flour | Oat flour | Grain-free option, same texture |
| Whole wheat flour | Coconut flour | Use only 1/4 cup, absorbs more liquid |
| Banana | Mashed sweet potato | Good for sensitive stomachs |
| Banana | Pumpkin puree | Lower sugar content |
| Egg | 1/4 cup applesauce | For egg allergies |
| Peanut butter | Sunflower seed butter | For nut allergies |
Fun Add-Ins to Try:
- Fresh blueberries (handful)
- Finely shredded carrots (2 tbsp)
- Grated cheese (2 tbsp)
- Finely chopped cooked chicken (1/4 cup)
My dog goes absolutely nuts for the blueberry version. 🫐
Make-Ahead Magic
These are perfect for meal prep.
| Storage Method | How Long | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 1-2 days | If you’ll use them quickly |
| Refrigerator | 5 days | Weekly treat prep |
| Freezer | 3 months | Big batch cooking |
To freeze properly:
- Cool pancakes completely
- Place in single layer on baking sheet
- Freeze for 2 hours
- Transfer to freezer bag with parchment between layers
To reheat:
- Microwave: 10-15 seconds
- Room temp: 30 minutes thaw time
- Never serve them hot
Serving Size Guide by Dog Weight
| Dog Size | Weight | Pancakes Per Day | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy breeds | 5-10 lbs | 1 pancake | 35-40 |
| Small dogs | 10-25 lbs | 1-2 pancakes | 70-80 |
| Medium dogs | 25-50 lbs | 2-3 pancakes | 105-120 |
| Large dogs | 50-90 lbs | 3-4 pancakes | 140-160 |
| Giant breeds | 90+ lbs | 4-5 pancakes | 175-200 |
⚠️ Remember: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Adjust based on your pup’s activity level.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Pancake)
| Nutrient | Amount | % of Treat Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 35-40 | 100% |
| Protein | 1.5g | Good for muscles |
| Carbs | 6g | Energy source |
| Fat | 1g | Healthy fats |
| Fiber | 0.5g | Digestion support |
What makes these healthy:
- Natural ingredients only
- No preservatives or additives
- Real food nutrition
- Potassium from banana
- Protein from egg
- Healthy fats from peanut butter
When to Serve These Pancakes
Perfect occasions:
🌅 Weekend breakfast treat
Make Saturday morning special for your pup too.
🎓 Post-training reward
Way better than store-bought treats.
🛁 After-bath apology gift
Because we all know how much they hate those.
🎂 Birthday breakfast surprise
Add a tiny dollop of yogurt and a candle (don’t let them eat the candle).
☀️ Afternoon snack
Perfect pick-me-up before evening walk.
Also Read: Burrata Bruschetta
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | What Happened | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pancakes burning | Heat too high | Lower to medium-low |
| Won’t flip intact | Too thin or flipped too soon | Use less water, wait longer |
| Sticking to pan | Pan not greased enough | Add more oil/butter |
| Too dense | Overmixed batter | Stir just until combined |
| Dog won’t eat them | New food hesitation | Try smaller piece, wait 24hrs |
Storage Tips That Actually Work
Refrigerator storage:
Layer cooled pancakes with parchment paper in an airtight container.
They’ll stay fresh for 5 days. I use a simple glass container and stack them with parchment squares in between.
Grab one in the morning, let it come to room temp while you’re getting ready, and your dog has a fresh treat ready to go.
Freezer storage:
This is where things get really convenient.
I make a huge batch every two weeks and freeze them. My dog gets a “fresh” pancake whenever she wants one.
The key is freezing them in a single layer first so they don’t stick together.
Signs they’ve gone bad:
- Any mold (even a tiny spot)
- Weird or sour smell
- Slimy texture
- Unusual discoloration
When in doubt, throw it out. Your dog’s health isn’t worth the risk.
FAQ: Everything You’re Probably Wondering
Can puppies eat these?
Yes, but wait until they’re at least 8 weeks old and already eating solid food.
Cut them into smaller pieces for tiny pups. Like, really small. Think pea-sized.
Are these safe for dogs with allergies?
It depends on the allergy.
The recipe is grain-free if you use oat or coconut flour. For dogs allergic to eggs, use the applesauce substitution.
Always check with your vet if you’re unsure. Better safe than sorry.
Can I add honey or maple syrup?
Nope. Dogs don’t need added sweeteners.
Honey can be dangerous for puppies under 1 year old. The banana provides all the sweetness they need.
Plus, dogs don’t even taste sweet things the same way we do.
My dog has never had peanut butter. Is this safe?
Start slow.
Give them a tiny taste of xylitol-free peanut butter first to make sure they don’t have an allergic reaction.
Wait 24 hours before making the pancakes. Watch for any weird symptoms like itching, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Also Read: Caramel Apple Muffins
How do I know if my dog likes them?
Trust me, you’ll know.
Dogs are pretty obvious about food they love. If your dog turns their nose up at the first bite, they might need to try it a couple more times.
Some dogs are suspicious of new foods at first. My friend’s dog took three tries before she realized they were amazing.
Can I make these for my cat?
Technically, cats can eat small amounts of these.
But cats are obligate carnivores and need meat-based treats. These pancakes don’t provide much nutritional value for cats.
Your cat would probably rather have some cooked chicken anyway.
Do I have to use whole wheat flour?
Nope. Any dog-safe flour works.
Oat flour, rice flour, and coconut flour are all good options. Just adjust the amount as needed based on thickness.
I’ve tried them all and they all work great.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely. The recipe scales perfectly.
Just keep in mind they take a bit of time to cook since you can only fit a few in the pan at once.
I usually triple it and freeze the extras.
How long do these really take to make?
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep ingredients | 3-4 minutes |
| Mix batter | 2 minutes |
| Cook pancakes | 10-15 minutes |
| Cool down | 10-15 minutes |
| Total time | 25-35 minutes |
For a big batch (triple recipe), add another 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
Will my picky eater like these?
Probably, but no promises.
Some dogs need to try new foods 2-3 times before they accept them. Start with a tiny piece and work your way up.
If your dog still won’t eat them after a few tries, try the variations with chicken or cheese.
Wrapping Up
Making homemade treats for your dog is one of those small things that feels really good.
You know exactly what’s going into their food.
No weird preservatives, no ingredients you can’t pronounce, just simple, healthy stuff that your pup will love.
Plus, there’s something pretty satisfying about watching your dog devour something you made.
My dog does this little happy dance every time I pull these out of the fridge. She literally spins in circles and then sits perfectly because she knows that’s the only way she’s getting one.
These banana pancakes have become our weekend tradition.
I make a batch, she gets her special breakfast, and we’re both happy.
The house smells amazing while they’re cooking (seriously, the cinnamon and banana combo is 👨🍳💋).
And the look on her face when I hand her one? Totally worth the 30 minutes of effort.
Try them out and let me know how your dog reacts!
Drop a comment below with any questions or if you switch up the recipe. I’d love to hear what variations you come up with.
Did your dog do the backflip thing? Or do they have their own weird happy dance? Tell me everything. 🐕
