My dog has always joined me for breakfast, patiently waiting at my feet for a little taste of whatever I’m cooking. Since regular pancakes are too sugary for pups, I wanted to make something she could safely enjoy with me.
That’s how these pumpkin pancakes became our cozy weekend ritual. They’re made with dog friendly ingredients, so I never worry about what she’s eating. I usually whip up a big batch, freeze the extras, and reheat them on busy mornings easy and quick.
If you’re looking for a simple way to treat your pup, these pancakes are a great choice. They’re easy to make, tail wagging delicious, and bring a little extra joy to breakfast time. Seeing her excitement over a homemade pancake makes the whole thing totally worth it.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pancakes for Dogs
- Made with dog safe ingredients – Every component is chosen with your pup’s wellbeing in mind, so you can serve these treats with confidence.
- Fast and fuss free – From mixing bowl to griddle, these pancakes come together in just 20–35 minutes perfect for a quick, special treat.
- Uses simple pantry staples – No fancy ingredients required. Chances are you already have everything you need on hand.
- Nutritious pumpkin goodness – Pumpkin supports healthy digestion, adds natural sweetness, and provides fiber and essential vitamins.
- A fun bonding moment – Your dog will love watching you cook for them, and their excitement when the pancakes start sizzling is priceless.
What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?
For the best (and safest) results, choose plain canned pumpkin the kind that lists only 100% pumpkin on the label. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices that aren’t safe for dogs.
If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, you can roast and puree it yourself; just make sure it’s completely plain with no added seasonings. Whether canned or homemade, pure pumpkin puree is exactly what your pup needs for these tasty pancakes.
Substitution Options
Whipping up pancakes for your pup? Here are some easy, dog safe ingredient swaps:
- Canned pumpkin: Use plain pumpkin purée only never pumpkin pie filling. If you’re out of pumpkin, mashed sweet potato or butternut squash makes an excellent substitute.
- White flour: Oat flour or rice flour are gentle alternatives for sensitive stomachs. You can even make your own oat flour by blending rolled oats until fine.
- Oil: Coconut oil is a tasty, dog friendly option, or you can use a small amount of unsalted butter. Just be sure the fat you choose is safe for pets.
- Cinnamon: A small amount is generally safe, but you can leave it out if you’d prefer. Avoid nutmeg or other spices they can be harmful to dogs.
- Salt: It’s optional and can be omitted completely since dogs don’t need added sodium.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To keep your pup’s pancakes safe and delicious, watch out for these easy to miss errors:
- Using pumpkin pie filling: It contains sugar and spices that aren’t dog friendly. Always choose pure pumpkin purée.
- Making the batter too thick: Pumpkin varies in moisture, so start with ¼ cup flour and add more gradually until the mixture is pourable.
- Cooking at too high a heat: These pancakes brown faster due to pumpkin’s natural sugars. Use medium low heat to prevent burning.
- Serving them too hot: Let pancakes cool completely before serving so your dog doesn’t burn their mouth.
- Adding unsafe toppings: Skip syrup, butter, or anything sweet keep it plain to avoid stomach upset.
These simple tips help ensure every batch turns out safe, tasty, and tail wagging good!
What to Serve With Pumpkin Pancakes for Dogs
These pumpkin pancakes are delicious on their own, but you can make your pup’s breakfast feel extra special with a few simple add ons. Try topping them with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt (xylitol free), a small drizzle of honey, or some mashed dog safe fruits like banana or blueberries.
For an extra fun brunch, serve the pancakes alongside plain scrambled eggs (no seasoning). Your pup will love the variety and the tail wags will be nonstop.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate:
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between each one to keep them from sticking.
Freeze:
These freeze beautifully! Keep them in a freezer safe bag for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prep or quick treats.
Serve:
Let frozen pancakes thaw for 10–15 minutes at room temperature, or warm briefly in the microwave for a few seconds. Always check that they’re cool before serving.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–20 minutes
Total Time: 20–35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Nutrition (Whole Recipe)
Without optional toppings
- Calories: 240–290
- Protein: 11–13 g
- Fat: 8–10 g
- Carbohydrates: 32–40 g
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 4 tbsp water
- 2 tsp oil
- 8 tbsp canned pumpkin
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Step 1: Whisk the Eggs and Liquids
Combine the eggs, water, and oil in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and slightly foamy this creates a light base for the batter.
Step 2: Add the Pumpkin
Stir in the canned pumpkin until fully blended into the egg mixture.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients & Adjust Thickness
Add 4 tablespoons of flour, the cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until no dry streaks remain.
If the batter feels too thin, add more flour gradually up to 1/3 cup total until it reaches a thick, pourable pancake consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
Scoop small rounds of batter into the pan and cook until bubbles appear on top. Flip and cook until the pancakes are golden on both sides.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the pancakes cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Optional: Add cooled, cooked apple pieces and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
I often taste one myself (without toppings!) just to make sure they aren’t too warm before sharing them with my pup.
Pumpkin Pup Pancakes
My dog has always joined me for breakfast, patiently waiting at my feet for a little taste of whatever I’m cooking. Since regular pancakes are too sugary for pups, I wanted to make something she could safely enjoy with me.
That’s how these pumpkin pancakes became our cozy weekend ritual. They’re made with dog friendly ingredients, so I never worry about what she’s eating. I usually whip up a big batch, freeze the extras, and reheat them on busy mornings easy and quick.
If you’re looking for a simple way to treat your pup, these pancakes are a great choice. They’re easy to make, tail wagging delicious, and bring a little extra joy to breakfast time. Seeing her excitement over a homemade pancake makes the whole thing totally worth it.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 4 tbsp water
- 2 tsp oil
- 8 tbsp canned pumpkin
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Whisk the Eggs and Liquids
Combine the eggs, water, and oil in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and slightly foamy this creates a light base for the batter.
Step 2: Add the Pumpkin
Stir in the canned pumpkin until fully blended into the egg mixture.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients & Adjust Thickness
Add 4 tablespoons of flour, the cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until no dry streaks remain.If the batter feels too thin, add more flour gradually up to 1/3 cup total until it reaches a thick, pourable pancake consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.Scoop small rounds of batter into the pan and cook until bubbles appear on top. Flip and cook until the pancakes are golden on both sides.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the pancakes cool completely before serving them to your dog.Optional: Add cooled, cooked apple pieces and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 pancakeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 265 kcalTotal Fat: 10gCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 13g