While owners may be tempted to slip their pet a titbit on Shrove Tuesday, Burns Pet Nutrition’s Laura Crotch-Harvey warns there are a variety of pancake fillings that are toxic to dogs.
The Nutrition Manager said: “Dogs know only too well how to play on their owners’ sympathies to win themselves a few prized scraps.
“But don’t be tempted, one act of kindness could cause more harm than good to your pet – and your pocket, if you need to make a hasty trip to the vet.”
Her advice follows recent research conducted for Burns that found a third (31%) of pet owners admitting their four-legged friend had become ill after eating human food.
Burns Pet Nutrition has shared this advice for dog owners.
Can dogs eat pancakes?
Laura said: “Yes, dogs can eat pancakes, however it must be in moderation. Although plain pancakes aren’t necessarily harmful to dogs, ingredients like butter, sugar and milk aren’t the healthiest food for them either.
“Some pets struggle with dairy, excess fat and sugars, which can lead to tummy troubles.”
What should be avoided?
Laura said: “While a small piece of plain pancake might not cause any harm, there are certain common ingredients that should be kept well away from your dog.”
- Chocolate & Cocoa – Even a tiny amount of chocolate is dangerous to dogs and can lead to poisoning.
- Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) – Often found in sugar-free syrups and low-calorie pancake mixes, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening reactions.
- Raisins & Grapes – These are extremely toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure, even in small amounts.
- High Fat & Sugary Additions – Butter, syrup, and sugar-laden pancakes might taste delicious to us, but for dogs, they can lead to digestive issues and even obesity over time.
- Spices Like Nutmeg & Cinnamon – Nutmeg contains a compound that can be toxic to dogs, while large amounts of cinnamon can cause irritation.
Do you have a dog friendly recipe?
Laura said: “Yes, if you want your dog to be involved this pancake day, why not whip up a dog friendly treat. Try my simple recipe using bananas, eggs, a dash of flour and splash of water.”
Pooch-cake Recipe:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 egg
- A small handful of wholemeal or oat flour
- A splash of water
“Mix into a smooth batter, cook in a non-stick pan without oil, and let them cool before serving in small portions. For an extra treat, top with a few dog treats.”
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