Dog Friendly Pumpkin Pancakes: 3 Recipes You Should Make Now

If you’re looking for a delightful, nutritious, and dog-friendly treat to whip up for your furry friend, pumpkin pancakes are a fantastic option! This recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with wholesome ingredients that are safe for your dog, while being easy to prepare.

Pumpkin is not only delicious, but it’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your dog’s diet.

In this article, I’ll guide you through several dog-friendly pumpkin pancake recipes, offer insight into the benefits of these tasty treats, and provide additional tips for safe and healthy feeding practices.

The Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to talk about why pumpkin is such a great ingredient for your dog.

• Pumpkin is high in fiber, which can aid in digestion and help regulate your dog’s bowel movements.
• It’s also rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune function.
• Additionally, pumpkin contains potassium and antioxidants, which can help support heart health and fight inflammation.

When combined with other dog-safe ingredients, pumpkin pancakes can provide an energizing and nourishing snack for your pet.

Now that you know a bit about the health benefits of pumpkin, let’s get into the delicious recipes!

Recipe 1: Classic Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pancakes

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon for stirring
• Frying pan or griddle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Non-stick cooking spray or coconut oil (optional)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not spiced or sweetened)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup water or low-sodium broth
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, make sure it’s pure cinnamon)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for cooking)

How to make Step by Step

1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, and water or broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
   
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the whole wheat flour (or oat flour) to the wet mixture. Stir gently until you get a smooth batter. If the batter is too thick, you can add a bit more water or broth to achieve a pancake batter consistency.
   
3. Heat the Pan: Preheat your frying pan or griddle over medium heat. If you’re using coconut oil, spray or lightly coat the pan to prevent sticking.
   
4. Cook the Pancakes: Once the pan is heated, pour small spoonfuls of batter onto the pan. Cook each pancake for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
   
5. Cool and Serve: Once your pancakes are cooked, allow them to cool completely before serving them to your dog. This helps to avoid any burns to their mouth and gives them the best texture.
   

Feeding size

Start by serving a small amount of pancakes to your dog, especially if it’s their first time trying this treat. One small pancake is usually enough for most dogs, depending on their size.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Simply place them in a freezer bag, and they’ll last for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 2: Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Pancakes

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon for stirring
• Frying pan or griddle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Non-stick cooking spray or coconut oil (optional)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s unsweetened and doesn’t contain xylitol)
• 1 cup oat flour or whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup water or low-sodium broth
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

How to make Step by Step

1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg. Stir well until everything is incorporated.
   
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the oat flour (or whole wheat flour) into the mixture. Stir gently to combine. Add the water or broth a little at a time to reach a pancake batter consistency.
   
3. Heat the Pan: Preheat your frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Lightly coat it with coconut oil or non-stick spray.
   
4. Cook the Pancakes: Pour spoonfuls of the batter onto the hot pan. Cook each pancake for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Flip carefully with a spatula.
   
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the pancakes to cool completely before serving.
   

Feeding size

One small pancake should be enough for most dogs, but larger dogs may enjoy a bigger portion. Always monitor portion size based on your dog’s breed and size.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 3: Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Pancakes

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon for stirring
• Frying pan or griddle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Non-stick cooking spray or coconut oil (optional)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour or oat flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup water or low-sodium broth
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

How to make Step by Step

1. Prepare the Sweet Potato: If you haven’t already, peel and boil or bake the sweet potato until soft. Mash it until smooth and set it aside.
   
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potato, and egg. Stir until smooth.
   
3. Add Flour and Liquids: Slowly add the flour and water (or broth), mixing until you get a smooth batter. Adjust the consistency if needed.
   
4. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly coat with coconut oil. Spoon the pancake batter onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
   
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the pancakes to cool before offering them to your dog.
   

Feeding size

Serve a small portion of pancake to your dog to start. For larger dogs, a slightly bigger serving may be appropriate.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Can I Make These Pancakes Gluten-Free?

Yes! You can easily substitute the wheat flour in these recipes with oat flour or rice flour to make these pancakes completely gluten-free. Oat flour is a great option as it’s gentle on your dog’s stomach while still providing a fluffy texture.

Are These Pancakes Safe for Dogs with Food Sensitivities?

Absolutely! The recipes we’ve shared use dog-safe ingredients, but it’s important to note any food allergies or sensitivities your dog may have. If your dog has trouble with certain ingredients like eggs, peanut butter, or wheat, make substitutions accordingly. Consult your vet if you’re unsure.

How Often Can I Feed Pumpkin Pancakes to My Dog?

Pumpkin pancakes should be considered an occasional treat rather than a regular meal. Dogs love treats, but it’s important to ensure they’re getting a balanced diet. Serve pumpkin pancakes in moderation, especially since they are a higher-calorie treat.

Can I add other fruits or vegetables to the pancakes?

Yes! You can experiment with adding other dog-safe fruits and veggies, such as blueberries, carrots, or zucchini, to mix things up. Just make sure they’re safe for your dog before adding them.

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pumpkin works well for this recipe, as long as it’s plain pumpkin puree without added sugar, spices, or preservatives. Always check the label!

My dog has a sensitive stomach. Are these pancakes still okay for them?

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, consider introducing the pancakes slowly and monitoring how they react. Always consult your vet before introducing any new treats.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin pancakes are a fun and nutritious treat that your dog will absolutely love! Not only do they offer a host of health benefits, but they’re also simple to make and customize. Try out the recipes today and treat your furry friend to something special!

Always remember to monitor portion sizes and ingredients based on your dog’s unique dietary needs.