Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mash the banana. Peel the ripe banana and place it in a mixing bowl. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth, removing any large lumps.
- Add the egg. Crack the egg into the bowl and whisk it into the mashed banana until evenly combined.
- Mix in the oat flour. Add the oat flour and stir until a thick batter forms. Gradually add the water, one tablespoon at a time, until the batter is thick but easy to spoon into the pan.
- Rest the batter. Let the mixture sit for 2–3 minutes so the oat flour can absorb some moisture. If it becomes too thick, add a little more water.
- Heat the pan. Place a nonstick frying pan over low to medium-low heat. Lightly grease it with a small amount of olive oil if necessary, wiping away any excess.
- Shape the mini pancakes. Spoon small rounds of batter into the pan. Keep them small and relatively thin so the centers cook thoroughly without the outsides burning.
- Cook the first side. Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, until the edges look set and the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Flip and finish cooking. Gently flip each pancake and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Adjust the heat if the pancakes brown too quickly. Check that the centers are fully cooked and no wet batter remains.
- Cool completely. Transfer the pancakes to a wire rack and let them cool fully before offering them to your dog.
- Serve in small portions. Break a pancake into smaller pieces for small dogs, and serve only a few pieces as an occasional treat.
Recipe Notes
- Choose a ripe banana: I use a banana that is yellow and soft but not spoiled. It mashes easily and helps bind the batter without needing added sugar.
- Make your own oat flour: If you do not have oat flour, blend plain rolled oats into a fine powder. Avoid flavored instant oats or products containing added sweeteners.
- Keep the heat low: Banana can brown quickly in a hot pan. Low to medium-low heat helps the pancakes cook through without burning on the outside.
- Check the center: Thick pancakes may look golden before the inside is cooked. Make small pancakes, cook them on both sides, and make sure the centers are fully set before serving.
- Storage: Keep cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw frozen pancakes in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature.
- Common mistake to avoid: Adding too much water at once can make the batter runny and the pancakes difficult to flip. Add water gradually until the batter holds its shape when spooned into the pan.
- Serving guidance: These pancakes are treats, not a complete meal. Keep treats to around 10% or less of your dog's daily calorie intake, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced diet.
- Ingredient safety: Do not add chocolate, syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners, or seasoning. If your dog has a known egg or oat sensitivity, check with your veterinarian before offering these pancakes.
