Banana Pancakes for Dogs: Easy Breakfast Treat

Banana pancakes are one of the easiest homemade dog treats you can whip up without overthinking it. They’re soft, naturally sweet, and perfect for dogs who love breakfast-style snacks. I also like that you can make a batch fast and store extras for later.

If your dog gets bored of plain biscuits, this is the kind of treat that instantly feels more exciting without being unhealthy.

They’re also a great option for picky eaters, older dogs who need softer food, or dogs who just deserve something better than another dry crunchy snack. And honestly, the ingredient list is so simple it almost feels like cheating.

What Makes This Recipe Shine

The biggest win with banana pancakes for dogs is the texture. They come out soft and fluffy, not hard like baked treats, which makes them way easier for puppies or senior dogs to chew. Even dogs that normally sniff new foods like they’re suspicious detectives tend to warm up quickly once they smell banana cooking.

Bananas are also a solid dog-friendly ingredient when used in moderation. They bring natural sweetness, potassium, and fiber, which can help support digestion. I like using banana because it adds flavor without needing sugar, syrup, or anything weird that doesn’t belong in dog food.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can make tiny silver-dollar pancakes for training treats, or bigger ones if you want a “special breakfast” vibe. I’ve made these for dogs who act like every meal is a negotiation, and somehow pancakes make them cooperate like angels.

The smell is also a huge selling point. It’s not overpowering, but it’s warm and sweet enough to grab your dog’s attention instantly. If your dog hangs out in the kitchen anytime food is involved, these pancakes will have them parked next to your feet the entire time.

From a nutrition standpoint, this recipe keeps things clean. No salt, no butter, no added sugar, and no risky ingredients like chocolate or artificial sweeteners. You’re basically making a simple, dog-safe version of pancakes that feels like a treat but still makes sense as part of a balanced snack routine.

And let’s be real, homemade treats like this are just more fun. Store-bought dog biscuits have their place, but sometimes you want to make something that feels personal. Plus, you control everything that goes into the bowl, which is a big deal if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ripe banana (the riper, the better for natural sweetness and easy mashing)
• 1 large egg (adds protein and helps bind everything together)
• 1/2 cup oat flour (gentle on most dogs’ stomachs and easy to digest)
• 1/4 cup plain unsweetened yogurt (optional, but adds moisture and gut-friendly probiotics)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional for fluffiness, but use only a small amount)
• 1–2 tablespoons water (only if the batter feels too thick)
• Coconut oil spray or a tiny amount of coconut oil (for greasing the pan lightly)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mash the Banana Until Smooth

Peel the banana and mash it in a medium bowl using a fork. Keep going until it looks like thick baby food with no big chunks left. The smoother the banana, the smoother your pancake batter will be.

If your banana is still a little firm, mash it longer and press it against the side of the bowl. A ripe banana makes this step almost effortless, which is why I always wait until the banana has those brown spots.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Mix Well

Crack the egg directly into the mashed banana and stir until fully combined. You want the mixture to look creamy and evenly blended. If you still see streaks of egg white, keep mixing.

This step matters because the egg helps hold the pancakes together. Without proper mixing, the batter can cook unevenly and you’ll end up with pancakes that break apart too easily.

Step 3: Stir in the Oat Flour

Add the oat flour and mix slowly until the batter thickens. It should look like a typical pancake batter, slightly thick but still spoonable. If it turns into something closer to cookie dough, you probably added a bit too much flour.

Oat flour is a great choice here because it’s mild, dog-friendly, and gives the pancakes structure. It also avoids the heaviness that sometimes happens when using regular wheat flour.

Step 4: Add Yogurt and Baking Powder (Optional)

Stir in the yogurt if you’re using it. This adds moisture and makes the pancakes softer, which I personally prefer for dog treats. If you want a fluffier texture, add the tiny bit of baking powder and mix it in evenly.

Don’t go overboard with baking powder because dogs don’t need a lot of it. A small amount is enough to improve texture without making the recipe feel “processed.”

Step 5: Adjust Batter Thickness

Check the batter consistency before cooking. If it feels too thick to spread slightly in the pan, add a tablespoon of water and mix again. Keep adjusting until it drops off the spoon easily but still holds its shape.

This part depends on the banana size and how absorbent your oat flour is. Some oat flours act like sponges, so don’t be surprised if you need a little extra liquid.

Step 6: Heat the Pan Gently

Heat a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat. Lightly grease it with a tiny bit of coconut oil or a quick spray. You don’t need much because too much oil can make the pancakes greasy and heavy.

A gentle heat works best here. If the pan is too hot, the outside browns fast while the inside stays undercooked, which is not what you want for dog treats.

Step 7: Cook Small Pancakes First

Scoop about a tablespoon of batter into the pan for each pancake. Smaller pancakes cook faster and are easier to portion for dogs. Let them cook for about 2 minutes until you see bubbles forming and the edges start to look set.

Flip carefully with a spatula once the bottom is golden. If it sticks or falls apart, give it another 30 seconds before flipping again.

Step 8: Finish Cooking and Cool Completely

Cook the second side for another 1–2 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the pancakes and place them on a plate or cooling rack. Let them cool completely before serving, because hot pancakes can burn your dog’s mouth.

Cooling also helps the texture firm up slightly. Once cooled, they become easier to handle and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 9: Serve in Dog-Friendly Portions

Serve one small pancake as a treat or break it into chunks for training. If you made larger pancakes, cut them into smaller squares. I like using kitchen scissors because it’s quick and oddly satisfying.

Don’t serve too many at once, even if your dog gives you that dramatic “I’m starving” face. These are treats, not a full meal replacement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes people make is using regular pancake ingredients without thinking. Dogs don’t need sugar, salt, butter, or vanilla extract in their treats. Even a small amount of added sugar or syrup turns a healthy snack into something that can mess with digestion.

Another big mistake is using flavored yogurt. Many flavored yogurts contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners, and some sweeteners like xylitol are extremely dangerous for dogs. Stick with plain unsweetened yogurt only, and always double-check the label.

Overcooking is another easy one. People think dog treats need to be crunchy, but pancakes aren’t supposed to be crispy bricks. If you cook them too long, they dry out fast, especially if you plan to store them. A soft pancake is much easier on your dog’s teeth and stomach.

Some folks also make pancakes too big. It sounds harmless, but portion control matters with treats. A giant pancake can be way too much banana and egg for a smaller dog, and that’s how you end up with stomach upset and a dog giving you the side-eye later.

Another mistake is serving them warm. Dogs get excited and inhale food like vacuum cleaners, so if the pancake is still hot, they can burn their tongue without even realizing it. Let the pancakes cool down fully, even if your dog is acting like you’re taking forever.

Finally, don’t forget that banana is naturally sugary. It’s healthy sugar, sure, but it’s still sugar. If your dog is overweight, diabetic, or sensitive to carbs, you’ll want to limit how often you serve these.

Alternatives & Substitutions

If your dog can’t handle eggs, you can swap the egg for a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and use that instead. The texture comes out a little denser, but it still works well.

For a grain-free version, replace oat flour with coconut flour, but use less because coconut flour absorbs a ton of moisture. Start with about 1/4 cup coconut flour and add a little water if needed. I’ll be honest though, coconut flour can make pancakes crumbly if you overdo it.

If dairy is an issue, skip the yogurt completely or replace it with unsweetened pumpkin puree. Pumpkin works surprisingly well here and adds extra fiber, which is great for digestion. It also gives the pancakes a softer texture, especially if your banana isn’t super ripe.

If you want extra protein, you can add a tablespoon of natural peanut butter, but only if it’s xylitol-free. Peanut butter makes the pancakes smell amazing, and most dogs lose their minds over it. Just don’t add too much or the batter gets heavy.

You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor, but keep it very light. Cinnamon is generally safe in small amounts and adds a warm smell that dogs seem to enjoy. Avoid nutmeg completely though, because nutmeg is not dog-safe.

For dogs with chicken allergies, this recipe is already a safe win because it doesn’t use chicken at all. If your dog has oat sensitivities, you can try rice flour instead. Rice flour keeps the pancakes soft, although they won’t be as fluffy.

If you’re making these for a puppy, I’d keep the ingredients as basic as possible. Just banana, egg, and oat flour is a great starter version that’s easy on young stomachs.

FAQ

Can dogs eat banana pancakes safely?

Yes, dogs can eat banana pancakes as long as you keep the ingredients simple and dog-safe. That means no sugar, no syrup, no chocolate chips, and no artificial sweeteners. When you stick to banana, egg, and oat flour, you’re in a safe zone for most dogs.

The key is moderation because banana has natural sugars. Think of these pancakes as a treat, not an everyday meal.

How many banana pancakes can I give my dog?

That depends on your dog’s size. A small dog should only get a few small bites or one mini pancake. Medium dogs can usually handle one or two small pancakes, while large dogs might be fine with two or three.

I always suggest starting small the first time. If your dog’s stomach handles it well, you can serve them again later without worry.

Can puppies eat these pancakes?

Most puppies can eat banana pancakes in small amounts, especially if the ingredients stay basic. Puppies have sensitive digestion, so skip the yogurt and baking powder at first. Keep it simple and serve tiny pieces.

Also, don’t give treats too often when they’re young. Puppies will absolutely try to live off snacks if you let them.

How do I store banana pancakes for dogs?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. They stay soft and fresh, especially if you don’t overcook them. If they start drying out, you can warm one slightly for a few seconds, but let it cool before serving.

If you leave them at room temperature too long, they can spoil quickly because of the egg and banana.

Can I freeze dog pancakes?

Yes, freezing works great for this recipe. Lay the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer them into a freezer bag. They’ll last about 2–3 months in the freezer without losing much quality.

To serve, thaw one pancake in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.

Are oats safe for dogs?

Oats are generally safe and actually pretty healthy for most dogs. They contain fiber and can be gentler than wheat for dogs with mild sensitivities. Oat flour is also easy to digest and works perfectly for homemade dog treats.

Just make sure you’re using plain oats with no added sugar or flavoring.

Can I make these without yogurt?

Absolutely, and honestly, I make them without yogurt all the time. Yogurt is optional and mainly adds softness and a bit of extra nutrition. If your dog is dairy-sensitive, skip it and use a tablespoon of water or pumpkin puree instead.

The pancakes will still cook up nicely and your dog won’t complain, trust me.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Banana pancakes for dogs are one of those simple recipes that feel way fancier than they actually are. They’re soft, easy to portion, and made with ingredients that make sense for a healthy homemade treat. Plus, most dogs react to banana like it’s some kind of magical dessert.

If you want a quick breakfast-style snack you can batch cook and freeze, this one’s hard to beat. Make a batch, stash a few in the freezer, and you’ve got an instant dog treat ready anytime your pup deserves something special.