Expert tips to create pup-friendly pancakes

Pancakes are a tasty treat, and your family is no doubt looking forward to celebrating Pancake Day with some delicious pancake creations. There's no reason the whole family can't get involved with the celebrations either, including your pets.

Your furry friends don't need to be left out. By making a few simple tweaks to your usual pancake recipe, you can make pup-friendly versions that your pets can tuck into this Pancake Day. Here, pet food specialists Webbox share their expert tips for making homemade pancakes for your pooch.

Switch up your recipe

None of the ingredients in your usual pancake batter are particularly unsafe for dogs. Flour, eggs, and milk are all safe for them to eat in small amounts, but some dogs may be lactose intolerant, which means pancakes with milk could irritate their digestive system. Generally, the plainer you make your pancakes the better, so you may want to switch up the milk with the same measurement of water or oat milk to keep your pancakes safe for your furry friends.

Follow this recipe for fool-proof pancakes your pup will love:

• 50g plain or wholemeal flour
• 1 egg
• 50g water or oat milk

Whisk all your ingredients together in a bowl, then add a small spoonful to a non-stick frying pan with a little oil. Fry the pancake over a medium heat for a couple of minutes each side. When each side is golden brown, remove the pancake from a pan and leave it to cool before serving it to your dog. While they may be impatient to tuck into their tasty treat, leaving their pancake to cool completely before serving it to them ensures they won't burn their tongue.

Try out some fun shapes

If you want to add a little flair to your pooch's pancakes, why not try out some fun shapes? Simply pour your pancake batter into a squeeze bottle and use it to draw a shape in the pan. Alternatively, you can use a metal or silicone cookie cutter to shape your pancakes — just place the cookie cutter into the pan and pour the batter inside until it just covers the base. Dog-themed shapes, such as bones and pawprints, will add an extra special touch.

Avoid dangerous toppings

Once you've got the basics down, it's now time for the fun bit: toppings! However, many of our favourite pancake toppings can be toxic to dogs. These include:

• Golden syrup
• Honey
• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Raisins
• Cream
• Butter
• Xylitol

But don't worry, you can still create tasty pancakes for your four-legged friends while avoiding these ingredients. Chopped fruits and veggies can add a touch of healthy sweetness, while xylitol-free peanut butter or your dog's favourite biscuits or jelly-based treats are perfect for this special occasion. You could even mash up a banana and add it to your batter to make delicious fruity pancakes for your pet. For savoury versions, opt for spinach, cottage cheese, chicken, or ham.

As always, be mindful of any allergies your dog may have when serving up their pancakes. If you're not sure if your dog has allergies, then it's best to keep their pancakes as plain as possible.

Control their portions

Pancakes can be a tasty treat, but they're also high in fat and carbohydrates so they're not the healthiest option for your dog. They're best in small amounts to keep your pup in optimum health. Feeding them one or two small pancakes this Pancake Day won't make too much of a difference and is a great way of involving them in the fun, but make sure to adjust the amount of dog food you give them and avoid making it a regular habit.

"Who doesn't look forward to Pancake Day? If your pooch often gives you puppy dog eyes while you're cooking up your pancakes, then why not make them their own mini versions?

"As a dog owner, you're no doubt extremely conscious of what your dog is eating, but many people don't realise that pancakes are actually safe for dogs to eat with a few very simple swaps. Whip up a small batch of pup-friendly pancakes, add some dog-friendly toppings, and get the whole family involved in the celebrations. Cooking their pancakes in fun dog-themed shapes will make for some great photos too!

"As with any treat, just make sure you're only feeding your dog pancakes in very small amounts and in moderation. And be sure to give them their ordinary dog food, albeit it in a smaller portion, so they're still getting their daily nutrients."

• Emma Herring from Webbox