Shrove Tuesday, more commonly known as Pancake Day, is an annual occurrence and a great excuse to indulge in a sweet treat - or savoury if that's what you prefer.

Pet owners will know that our beloved companions like to eye up our meals, perhaps some more than others, and it may be hard for you to say no to their cute puppy dog eyes.

Is it safe for dogs to eat pancakes or should you deny your pets a bite to protect them?

 

The simple answer is yes. Dogs can eat pancakes - unless of course they have a dairy intolerance or allergy. It's also important to know that pancakes are high in both carbohydrates and fat so should only be given in small quantities. If pancakes are not eaten in moderation, you may find your pet putting on weight or suffering from some serious indigestion. 

Whilst the basic pancake batter can be safe for dogs to eat, it is important to pay close attention to your choice of toppings for them. Toppings like chocolate, nuts and maple syrup can be dangerous for them and so should be avoided. Instead, opt for more suitable options such as blueberries, peanut butter* or even dog biscuits.

* Ensure the peanut butter you use does not contain xylitol as this is toxic to dogs. Also ensure that peanut butter is given to them in moderation. It is possible to buy peanut butter that is specifically designed for canine consumption and is therefore safe.

 

On the other hand, it is better to avoid feeding your cats pancakes as many are surprisingly lactose intolerant. Although they have a reputation for enjoying milk, the dairy content in pancake batter could confuse their digestive system and cause an upset tummy.

If you are desperate to get your feline friend involved in the Pancake Day fun, you could try a vegan recipe which doesn't include milk. As with dogs, pancakes should only be given in moderation and toppings like chocolate, nuts and syrup should be avoided. Cats are known to be fussy in comparison to dogs so it may be easier to keep their pancake plain, unless you already know that they like fruits such as apple, banana, blueberries or watermelon. How about a small amount of tuna or chicken on top?

 

Other Animals

- Rabbits should stay clear of pancakes as the batter is very high in carbohydrates which can make them very sick. You could instead give them some of your fruity toppings after checking that it is safe for them to eat - banana and apple is safe for example.

- Hamsters can eat pancakes as long as they are given in a very small amount, are kept plain and are served cold.

- You may be aware that fish shouldn't be fed bread but do you know they should avoid pancakes too? Fish should never be given any foods full of carbohydrates as their digestive system is not built to cope with this.