Tasty, nutritious, and shaped into paw prints – these pumpkin pancakes for dogs are a tail-wagging delight!
If you like to spoil your fur babies as much as I like to spoil mine, then you’ll have a lot of fun making dog-safe pancakes for them. They’re the perfect fall treat for your four-legged friend.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love these pumpkin pancakes. Obviously, they’re adorable and fun to make. But you’ll really enjoy making them because they’re also loaded with benefits for your dog.
And here are some more reasons they are the perfect homemade treat.
If you’re a busy pet parent, then you’ll be glad to know that these are as easy as making pancakes for yourself. With just a few steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have homemade pancakes ready in no time.
You’ll also feel amazing knowing you’re making something that is actually good for your dog’s health, too. These pancakes don’t contain any artificial stuff or unnecessary fillers – just pure goodness.
Whether you want to spoil your pup for their birthday, gotcha day, or just because, these pancakes make the occasion extra special and your dog will definitely feel the love!
Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs
Pumpkin is a powerhouse ingredient for dogs. It’s loaded with fiber to help regulate digestion and is a natural source of vitamins like A, C, and E.
This means it’s excellent for your dog’s skin, coat, and immune system. Plus, the fiber content can support your pup’s digestive health, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. It’s a win-win all around!
Ingredients
This simple, wholesome recipe uses ingredients that are dog-safe and nutritious. Here’s a little about each one. Note that the exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star flavor of the pancakes!
- Water: Adds moisture to the batter to get the right consistency.
- Egg: A great source of protein that helps hold everything together.
- Coconut Oil: Is packed with healthy fats for a shiny coat.
- Rice Flour: A gluten-free flour alternative that’s easy to digest.
- Oat Flour: Adds fiber and is also gluten-free.
- Baking Powder: Gives these pancakes a little fluffiness.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Even though I only used a few ingredients, here is a bit of information about them and any substitutes you can make.
First, don’t use pumpkin pie mix or canned pumpkin pie filling. It might contain spices that are toxic to dogs.
If you don’t want to use pumpkin, you can use a different type of winter squash, like plain cooked butternut squash or delicata squash. You can also use plain mashed sweet potatoes.
If you don’t have oat or rice flour on hand, you can easily make your own by blending uncooked oats or rice in a food processor or blender. Freshly made flour can make the pancakes even fluffier! One cup of oats or rice makes about 3/4 cup of flour.
Equipment Needed
You probably have all the kitchen items you need to make these pancakes. The only special item is the cookie cutter. You’ll need a metal one that’s large, about 3.5 to 4 inches. A round cookie cutter will work but a dog paw cookie cutter or pumpkin cookie cutter makes cute pancakes.
How to Make Pumpkin Pancakes for Dogs
Making these pancakes is easy! Just follow these simple steps:
- In a medium bowl, mix rice flour, oat flour, and baking powder until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, egg, and melted coconut oil.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, slowly adding the water until the batter is just right. It will be thick.
- Heat some coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Place a cookie cutter in the pan.
- Fill the cookie cutter with batter, and cook for a few minutes, the bottom should be lightly browned.
- Flip and use a spoon to press the pancake down the pan surface.
- Cook for a few minutes until lightly browned.
- Let the pancakes cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog.
Pancake Toppings
Make these pancakes extra special:
- Top with berries or sliced fruit like apples or bananas.
- Spread peanut butter on top.
- Pour unsweetened applesauce over it.
- Put a dollop of plain Greek yogurt on top.
- Or do a combo of toppings.
Serving Size
How many pancakes should you give your pup at once? That depends on the amount of food you gave your pet to eat that day and the size of your dog. Large dogs can consume more than smaller dogs.
Treats should be considered in your dog’s daily caloric intake. Make sure you don’t exceed the recommended amount for your dog.
Dogs shouldn’t have too many treats – including these yummy dog pancake treats. For this reason, I suggest only giving your spoiled hound one per day or a portion of one if you have a small dog.
However, you can use your judgment or consult with your veterinarian regarding how many treats are right for your dog.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Pancakes
Storing your homemade pancakes is a breeze! Here’s what to do:
To Store – Keep leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s best to let them cool completely before storing them to avoid them becoming soggy. Also, it’s a good idea to have parchment paper between them.
To Freeze – Lay the pancakes on a wire rack over a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container with parchment paper between them. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To Reheat – Place the pancake on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warm, about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also microwave it on high power in 20-second increments until warm. Just let the pancake cool a bit before giving it to your dog to avoid burning your dog’s mouth.
Can humans eat these pancakes?
Oh yes, they sure can! All of the ingredients are safe for human consumption. They’re great for folks who are watching their sugar intake. Give one a try, and you may enjoy these pancakes for breakfast.
More Dog Treat Recipes
Do you want to make some more yummy breakfast treats for your dog? Try these recipes:
Find lots of easy breakfast dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Pumpkin Pancakes for Dogs
Equipment
- 1 Metal paw shaped, pumpkin, or round cookie cutter about 3 to 3.5 inches wide.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rice flour
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil plus more for cooking
Instructions
- Place rice flour, oat flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. Whisk or stir to combine.
- Place pumpkin puree, egg, and melted coconut oil in a separate bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Add the pumpkin mixture to the flour mixture and stir to combine. Slowly add and stir in the water to create a batter.
- Heat a tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Place the metal cookie cutter into the pan. Pour the batter into the center of the cookie cutter and spread the batter to edge of the cookie cutter.
- Cook the pancake for a few minutes, until lightly browned on the bottom.
- Use a spatula to flip the cookie cutter over. Use a spoon to press the edges of the pancake down so the pancake slides down to the skillet.
- Cook the other side of the pancake until lightly browned. Remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack.
- Repeat for each pancake, adding more oil to the pan as needed. Allow to cool completely before serving.
- Serve topped with blueberries or other fruit if desired.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
I noticed your recipes call for oat flour-is there a substitute flour I could use? My dog is allergic to oats. Plus, the recipes look so good & nutritious.
You can use rice flour (brown rice flour is best) or a 50/50 combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.