Amazing 12 Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs

Okay, listen up! If you’re anything like me, you look at your pup and think, “They deserve something better than those rock-hard store-bought biscuits.” I wanted a treat that was soft, smelled amazing while I made it, and kept me 100% confident about every single ingredient that went into it. That’s why I landed on these amazing Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs.

Honestly, I developed this recipe after Buster developed a slight tummy sensitivity to fillers, and making my own dog treats became a mission. These are ridiculously easy—we’re talking minimal mixing and maybe 15 minutes on the griddle. They use simple things you already have, like whole wheat flour and beautiful plain pumpkin puree. You’ll be making these every single week! If you need more quick ideas, check out my guide for 8 easy pumpkin dog treats recipes.

Why You Need to Make Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs Today

Seriously, once you see how fast these come together, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those expensive bags of dry cookies! My kitchen smells like an autumn morning, even if it’s July. You just need a bowl and ten minutes. That’s the magic of it.

These aren’t just tasty; they are genuinely built to promote your dog’s well-being. We are keeping things clean, easy, and dog-approved every single time. Trust me, my little taste-tester Buster gives them two paws up.

• Ultimate Ingredient Control: You know exactly what made it into the batter. No weird preservatives, no mystery meat flavors—just whole wheat, egg, and that gorgeous pumpkin. It’s peace of mind in pancake form!
• The Pumpkin Powerhouse: Pumpkin is amazing for dogs, right? It’s full of fiber, which helps digestion immensely. It’s like giving your dog a little internal spa treatment. If you want to learn more about pumpkin’s benefits, check out my post on pumpkin puree and energy boosts.
• Soft Texture Heaven: These aren’t hard enough to chip a tooth! They are wonderfully soft, which is ideal for senior dogs, puppies, or friends with sensitive gums. They are easy to chew and swallow right down.
• Quick Fix for Treats: Total time is under 25 minutes from pulling out the bowl to serving the first stack. If you need a last-minute special treat because you feel guilty about eating your own breakfast, these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs save the day!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs

When making these for your favorite canine, you can’t just toss in anything! The beauty of these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs is how simple and wholesome the ingredient list is. I broke it down so you can see exactly what needs to go into the bowl. Pay close attention to my notes, especially on the pumpkin, because that’s where people mess up!

We are keeping it divided into two parts: the pancakes themselves and the optional topping because, let’s face it, dogs don’t need frosting, but they do love extra yum!

For the Pancakes

• One whole cup of whole wheat flour. Yes, whole wheat! It’s got more fiber than the white stuff, which is great for their tummies.
• One tiny teaspoon of baking powder. This helps them puff up just a little bit! Make sure it’s aluminum-free; we don’t want weird additives floating around.
• A half cup of pumpkin puree. Big warning here, folks! It absolutely must be plain pumpkin puree. Not pumpkin pie filling—that’s loaded with sugar and spices that can upset your dog’s stomach. If you need more pumpkin inspiration, you have to see these pumpkin yogurt dog treats.
• One large egg. That’s our binder and keeps everything from turning into pumpkin mush!
• A half cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth. If you use broth, you are basically giving these pancakes a flavor upgrade. Adjust this amount slightly depending on how thick you like your batter.

For Serving (Optional)

If you want a little something special on top, I highly recommend keeping it natural. Use a quarter cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt. If you lean toward peanut butter, you must, must, must check that label to confirm it is xylitol-free. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, so please be careful with that choice!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Delicious Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs

Putting this recipe together is so straightforward; you’ll be done before your dog even realizes you’re making them something special! Remember, we want these pancakes chunky enough to handle flipping but thin enough to cook through evenly. Here is the drill, step by step.

1. First thing’s first: Grab your biggest mixing bowl and whisk together your dry stuff—that’s the whole wheat flour and the aluminum-free baking powder. I like to give this a really good whisk so the baking powder is distributed everywhere.
2. Now switch bowls! Mix up the wet ingredients: the wonderful pumpkin puree, that single egg, and your water or low-sodium chicken broth. Keep whisking until those yolks are broken up and you have a slightly runny orange mixture. You can find my favorite recipe for dog biscuit with blueberries next if you want more fresh ideas!
3. Time to combine forces! Slowly pour those wet pumpkin liquids right into the dry flour mixture. Now, here’s a crucial tip: mix it gently until everything is *just* combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy trying to get rid of every single lump. If you overmix, you develop gluten, and we want fluffy treats, not rubbery hockey pucks! A few tiny lumps mean you’re doing it right.
4. Next up, we heat things up. Get your griddle or a good non-stick pan warming over medium heat. I usually put a tiny smear of coconut oil on mine just to be safe, even if the recipe says ‘lightly grease.’
5. Once it’s hot, start pouring! Use a measuring spoon or a small ladle to drop little circles of batter onto the hot surface. I aim for pancakes about 2 to 3 inches wide. Keeping them uniform in size is the key to making sure they all finish cooking at the exact same time.
6. Watch carefully! They cook fast, about 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when tiny bubbles start popping up on the surface and the edges look a little dry and set. Flip them over gently—they should turn a lovely golden brown on the underside. Cook the second side for another couple of minutes. If you need tips on making these from scratch, check out this recipe for making homemade dog pancakes.
7. They are done when they look golden all over! Pull them off the heat and let them cool down slightly before serving them up with that dollop of yogurt or dog-safe peanut butter. Easy peasy!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs

So, you’ve got the ingredients, and you’re ready to swirl batter on the griddle. Great! But like any recipe, the *technique* separates a good batch of Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs from a downright amazing one. I’ve learned a few tricks through trial and error—mostly error when I first started!

My biggest learning curve was the consistency of the batter. The recipe calls for a half cup of liquid, but my pumpkin can sometimes be thicker if it’s been sitting in the fridge. I once forgot to stir my puree first and the resulting pancakes were too stiff and slightly dense. Don’t follow my mistake! Always give your puree a quick stir before measuring.

Adjusting Batter Thickness

This is where you really take charge. If your final batter seems way too thick—like spoonable cookie dough rather than pourable pancake mix—just thin it out. Add liquid, be it water or broth, just one teaspoon at a time. Mix it in gently after each addition until you reach a consistency that slowly drips off the whisk. It should settle back into the batter within a couple of seconds.

Conversely, if you accidentally add too much liquid and it looks more like soup? Don’t panic! Just whisk in one extra tablespoon of whole wheat flour until it thickens up again. See? We fixed it immediately. This flexibility is why homemade dog treats always beat the boxed stuff.

Finding the Perfect Griddle Temperature

Temperature control is everything when you’re cooking small, quick items like these. If your pan is too hot, the outside will burn black before the middle is even remotely cooked. That’s dangerous for a treat you want to serve your dog!

I always recommend medium heat. Before you pour the first ladle, wait until a drop of water sizzles immediately and evaporates. Once you put the batter down, watch the first batch closely. If they brown too quickly, turn the heat down just a notch. If they sit there looking pale and sad for five minutes, crank it up slightly. You want a lovely golden color, not char!

Preventing Sticking (Even on Non-Stick)

Just because the pan is non-stick doesn’t mean we can skip the grease entirely, especially when dealing with high-sugar additives (even natural sugar!). I rarely use oil, but I always wipe the pan down with a tiny bit of coconut oil on a paper towel between batches. This does two things: it prevents sticking and helps create that beautiful, slightly crisp edge that dogs seem to love.

If you’re worried about sticking completely, especially if you are making a huge batch, you can use a light spritz of cooking spray designed for pets, but honestly, a thin wipe of coconut oil is my go-to for all my dog biscuit recipes.

Ingredient Notes and Safe Substitutions for Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs

Okay, let’s talk swaps because I know not everyone stocks whole wheat flour 24/7, or maybe your dog has a weird sensitivity to it. When we’re making Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs, we can be flexible, but we have to stay safe! I’ve tested a few substitutions over the years, especially when trying to make these treats even healthier for Buster.

The biggest rule I have, which I repeat so you don’t forget, concerns the pumpkin and the peanut butter. If you ignore everything else, please remember these two points for your dog’s safety!

Pumpkin Puree: The Non-Negotiable Base

We talked about this before, but I need to hit it one more time because it’s that important: plain pumpkin puree only! Never, ever use pumpkin pie filling unless you want a very upset pup later. The pie filling has sugar, nutmeg, and often cloves, which are huge no-nos for dogs in those quantities. If you only have sweet potato puree on hand (maybe you made some sweet potato dog biscuits last week?), that works as a decent substitute in a pinch, but pumpkin is generally easier on their digestion.

Flour Alternatives for Finicky Tummies

Whole wheat flour is my preference because it adds great fiber, but what if you’re dealing with a wheat sensitivity? You have options!

• Oat Flour: This is my go-to substitute! You can make your own by just blitzing regular rolled oats in a high-powered blender or food processor until it turns into a fine powder. Use a 1:1 ratio for the whole wheat flour.
• Rice Flour: This works fine structurally, but it lacks the fiber punch of whole wheat or oat flour. If you use rice flour, you might need to add just a touch more liquid because it tends to absorb moisture differently during cooking.

Whatever flour you use, remember that these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs are treats, not their main meal, so don’t worry too much if the substitution isn’t ’perfect.’ As long as the texture works for flipping, you’re good!

Liquid Choices: Water vs. Broth

Choosing between water and broth is entirely about flavor enhancement. If you use plain water, the pancake tastes exactly like pumpkin and whole wheat—totally fine and perfectly safe.

But oh, that low-sodium chicken broth! It really makes these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs smell incredible while they cook, and it gives the pancakes such a savory base note that dogs absolutely go wild for. If you’re using broth, please, please, PLEASE ensure it has no onion or garlic powder listed in the ingredients. Those seasonings are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts added to broth. Stick to broth that lists only chicken and water!

Peanut Butter Safety Reminder

Just a quick note on the optional topping again—if you use peanut butter, treat it like kryptonite; it must be xylitol-free. I honestly prefer the yogurt topping because I don’t have to double-check labels constantly, but if your dog loves PB, that’s great, provided it’s safe!

Serving Suggestions for Your Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs

Now that you have a beautiful stack of warm, wholesome Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs cooling on the counter, the real fun begins: deciding how to serve them! Remember, these treats are wonderful, but they aren’t meant to replace dinner. We need to treat them like, well, treats—something extra special served in moderation.

My kitchen always smells heavenly when these come off the griddle. Buster gets so excited he starts doing little happy dances by my feet, so I sometimes have to hide the stack before I can even get a good topping on them!

Topping Ideas for Maximum Wag Factor

We already talked about the toppings in the ingredients list, but let’s rave about them a little more! These minimal toppings are perfect because they add flavor and richness without overloading your pup with unnecessary sugars or fats.

• Cool Yogurt Drizzle: My favorite way to serve these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs is with a tiny smear of plain, unsweetened yogurt. It mimics that classic pancake topping feel, but it’s cool and tangy, which dogs usually adore, especially on a warm day.
• Peanut Butter Dollop: If your dog is a peanut butter fiend (and whose isn’t?), a small dollop goes a long way. Remember what I said about xylitol—double-check that label! A little bit spread across the top of a few mini pancakes is pure gold for them.
• Keep it Plain: Honestly, sometimes I skip the topping entirely, especially if I’m batch-cooking and freezing them for later. They are perfectly delicious on their own once they cool. If you’re looking for other ways to pair pumpkin with fruit, you should peek at these pumpkin and applesauce dog treats!

Portion Control: Treats, Not Meals!

This is the most important serving suggestion! Because these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs are made with whole wheat flour, they are quite filling. You wouldn’t want your dog filling up on treats and skipping their nutritious kibble, right?

Here’s a general guideline I use when dividing up my 12-pancake batch. Adjust this based on your dog’s size and activity level:

For a Tiny Pup (under 15 lbs): One small pancake is plenty for a daily treat. If you stack two, make sure that day is lighter on other snacks.

For Medium Dogs (15-40 lbs): Two small pancakes (or one large one) makes a great midday reward. Don’t give this portion daily unless your vet says it’s okay!

For Larger Breeds (over 40 lbs): You can likely offer three small pancakes. Because these are dense and filling, watch their overall caloric intake for the day. They are a special reward, not an everyday filler!

Always ensure your dog has fresh, clean water available after they enjoy their pancake treat, especially if they gobble it down too fast!

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs

Once you’ve made a massive batch of these amazing Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs—and trust me, you will because they smell so good while cooking—you have to know how to store them correctly. You don’t want to waste a single one, and the great news is they freeze beautifully! This recipe keeps so well because of that natural moisture from the pumpkin puree.

I always make a double batch just for storage purposes. I serve a few warm ones right away (because, who can wait?), and then the rest get tucked away for later. This makes sure I always have a safe, homemade treat ready for Buster when he gives me those big, pleading eyes.

Refrigeration: Keeping Them Fresh for the Week

If you plan on giving these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs to your pup within the next few days, the refrigerator is your best friend. You don’t want to store them hot! Let them cool down completely to room temperature first. Putting warm pancakes into an airtight container is basically a recipe for condensation and mushy treats.

Once they are fully cooled, layer them in an airtight container. I like to use small pieces of parchment paper between each pancake, just like you would with regular human pancakes, to stop them from sticking together. If you use parchment, you can grab just one or two pancakes off the stack without thawing the whole thing. Stored this way in the fridge, mine last a solid four days. That’s usually long enough for a week’s worth of special afternoon snacks!

Freezing for Long-Term Keeping

If you made a giant batch and know you won’t get through them in four days, we need to move to the freezer—and this is where these pancakes shine! They freeze just as well as they refrigerate.

Follow the same cooling and interleaving steps (parchment paper is key here!). Once they are layered and stacked nicely in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, you are good to go. These Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs are safe and delicious for up to three months in the freezer, though honestly, mine never last that long. They are the perfect grab-and-go treat for busy days.

Worried about thawing? Don’t be! You can thaw them overnight in the fridge, or if you’re in a rush, you can microwave them on low power for about 20 seconds. If you prefer frozen treats—especially in the summer—you can actually skip the thawing entirely! For more amazing frozen recipes, you absolutely have to check out my suggestions for simple frozen treats for dogs.

A Note on Reheating

Sometimes I like to give Buster his pancakes slightly warm, even if I pulled them from the fridge. If you want that slightly warmer texture back, just pop one or two pancakes on a microwave-safe plate for about 10 seconds. Be sure to test the temperature with your finger before handing it over! We want warm and comforting, not hot!

Common Questions About Making Dog Treats

When you start baking things specifically for your furry family members, I find people always have a list of very specific—and very important—questions. It’s smart to double-check when you are cooking for a dog; they are much more sensitive than we are! I’ve gotten lots of messages about these pancakes and other general homemade dog treats, so I figured I’d answer the top ones right here.

Can I add human spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?

Oh, this is a tricky one! My immediate answer is a loud, ringing, ‘No, please don’t!’ While cinnamon smells heavenly to us, certain spices we love, like nutmeg, are actually not great for dogs, even in tiny amounts mixed into something like these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs.

Stick strictly to the recipe ingredients. If you want to enhance the flavor naturally, use a tiny splash more of that low-sodium chicken broth, or maybe mix in a teaspoon of plain, mashed banana. Avoid anything that has ‘spice mix’ in the name!

Are these pancakes safe for my new puppy?

That depends on how new ‘new’ is! Puppies have very delicate digestive systems when they are tiny because their guts are still developing. For brand-new weaning puppies, I would hold off. Wait until they are a bit older and have successfully navigated a few different types of solid food.

Once your puppy has been eating their regular puppy food reliably for a few weeks—usually around 10 to 12 weeks old—you can start introducing these pancakes in *very* small amounts. Think crumb-sized bites at first! If they handle that well, one mini pancake is fine as a special reward. Always check with your vet if you have specific concerns about your puppy’s diet.

Why do my pancakes keep sticking to the pan even though I greased it?

I totally get this frustration; it ruins the whole presentation! If you are using a very old pan or struggling with a high heat setting, sticking can happen. Remember, these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs cook quickly, so if the heat is too high, the edges scorch before the center solidifies, causing them to tear when you try to flip.

My best advice is to use a quality non-stick pan and use the coconut oil trick I mentioned earlier. Don’t pour the oil on; just wipe a thin layer across the surface with a paper towel between every two or three batches. That tiny bit of fat is usually enough to slip right underneath. If you’re looking for other baking strategies, my main dog treat blog has tons of tips!

Can I use eggs from my backyard chickens?

Absolutely, yes! Backyard eggs are often richer and fresher, which is a wonderful bonus for flavor. As long as you trust that your flock is healthy and you clean the eggshells before cracking them (though you might miss the delicious flavor of those bright orange yolks!), fresh farm eggs are usually the best choice. They work perfectly fine in place of the standard large egg called for in this recipe.

I ran out of whole wheat flour—what’s the next best option?

Don’t let a simple empty cupboard stop you from treating your dog! If you are out of whole wheat, your best bet is usually oat flour, which you can make in 30 seconds by blending rolled oats until they are fine. If you only have regular rolled oats, you can use them, but reduce the liquid slightly, as the oats will absorb more wetness while cooking than the flour does.

Just avoid things like self-rising flour, as those often contain added salts or chemical leaveners that aren’t designed for dog tummies. We want simple, pure ingredients for our Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs!

Estimated Nutritional Data for Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs

Okay, let’s crunch some numbers! Because we are making these wonderful Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs right in our own kitchens, I have to give you the biggest disclaimer first: these numbers are just an estimate. The exact nutrition will depend heavily on the brand of flour you use, whether your pumpkin puree water content is high or low, and most importantly, if you add that optional peanut butter topping!

I ran the numbers based on the core pancake batch (before any topping), assuming standard store-bought whole wheat flour and plain pumpkin. I calculated this based on the 12-pancake yield. Don’t worry about memorizing this; just know that you are feeding your dog something much cleaner than what you find on the shelves!

Approximate Nutrition Per Pancake

When trying to figure out what’s best for your pup, I always look at the main macros. Since these are a treat and not a meal replacement, the calorie count should be kept relatively low, which is exactly what we achieved here!

• Estimated Calories: Roughly 55–65 calories per small pancake. This is a great, low-impact treat size!
• Estimated Fat: About 1.5 grams. This comes mostly from the egg yolks and flour. If you skip the optional fatty topping, the fat stays quite reasonable.
• Estimated Protein: Around 2 grams. The egg and whole wheat flour contribute steady protein to these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs.
• Estimated Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams per pancake. This is where the energy comes from, thanks to the whole wheat flour and the natural sugars in the pumpkin.

Why Knowing the Data Matters

Even though this is an estimate for homemade Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs, having these baseline numbers helps you manage overall calorie intake, especially if you have a dog trying to manage their weight. If your dog is little, that 65-calorie pancake is a substantial part of their daily allowance, so you treat accordingly!

If you are ever curious about how to manage treats for the littlest ones, take a look at my guide on the 10 best puppy treats—it talks a lot about portion size versus caloric density, which is super useful!

Remember, these pancakes are a treat! Keep them in moderation alongside a well-balanced diet tailored to your dog’s needs. It’s all about balance, even in treat time!

Share Your Homemade Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs Creations

Well, that’s the whole shebang! You now have the blueprint for making the absolute best, fluffiest, safest Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs your pup has ever tasted. I keep saying it, but the joy of seeing your dog’s tail wagging after they eat something you personally made from scratch is just unbeatable.

Now, I want to hear from you! Part of what makes running this little blog so fun is knowing that you are all out there in your kitchens making these recipes work for your unique doggos. Don’t be shy now—I want all the details!

Rate This Recipe!

Did your Buster love them? Did your Rosie turn her nose up at the yogurt topping (some pups are picky little critics, aren’t they)? Head down to the rating section below and let me know how you scored these treats. Five stars means you’re buying me a virtual coffee, right?

If you try these Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs, please give them a rating. It helps me know which simple, safe recipes to focus on next. If you’re looking ahead to holidays and want to make fun shapes, check out my guide on holiday-themed dog treats for some fun ideas!

Tell Me About Your Batter Variations!

Did you end up using oat flour instead of whole wheat? Maybe you decided to use beef broth instead of chicken broth for that savory kick? I’m all ears! Drop a comment below detailing any successful substitutions or variations you tried. I am always looking for creative, safe ways to tailor these recipes.

What kind of size did you make them? Did you use a cookie cutter to make them into little holiday shapes? Seeing your creativity always inspires my next batch of Pumpkin Pancakes For Dogs. I can’t wait to read what you’ve been up to!