Why can t dogs eat bread
Can Dogs Eat Bread?
While dogs can have bread, we dont advise it because its not good for them. If you do want to feed your dog a little bit of bread, it must be plain, in a small quantity and it should be a special treat.Its important to remember that treats should only make up 10% or less of your dogs diet and always give treats in moderation.
Can puppies eat bread?
Like bigger dogs, puppies can eat small amounts of bread occasionally but theres no nutritional value. Be aware of any allergies your pup may have before you give them bread. Make sure theres no toxic additives in the bread, as this is dangerous for your pup.
Can dogs eat white bread?
Plain white bread is generally safe for dogs to eat, as it usually doesn't cause any stomach upset. This is as long as they don't have any allergies.
Can dogs eat rye bread?
Plain rye bread isnt toxic to dogs, however, this doesnt mean that it should be given to your dog as a regular snack. Rye bread should not be given to dogs that have a wheat or grain allergy.
Can dogs eat bread crusts?
Giving your dog your breadcrusts shouldnt cause them any issues. It doesnt, however, provide them with any nutritional benefits, so it wont need to be a part of their diet. If the crusts are toasted, make sure theres no butter on them.
Can dogs eat wholemeal bread?
Dogs can eat wholemeal bread (or brown bread) but its important to make sure theres no seeds, nuts or fruits in it. No nutritional value is added to your dogs diet by feeding them wholemeal bread.
Can dogs eat seeded bread?
Dogs cannot eat bread with any additives including seeds. Seeds, chocolates, nuts, cinnamon and dried fruits (like raisins) are toxic to dogs, so they must not be fed bread with these in.
Can dogs eat toast?
Like with un-toasted bread, toast is fine for your dog to eat in moderation (provided they dont have any allergies). Again, it doesnt add any nutritional benefit and there should be no butter on the toast.
Can dogs eat toast with butter?
We do not recommend dogs eat toast with butter. Butter is mostly fat, which isn't healthy for your dog to eat in large quantities. If your pooch eats a small amount of buttered toast on accident, this shouldn't cause immediate harm. Always check with your vet if youre concerned.
Can dogs eat garlic bread?
No. Dogs should not eat garlic bread, this is because garlic is toxic to dogs. Butter and fat are not good for your dog either. If your dog eats garlic bread they may get an upset stomach, and in some severe cases, feeding them too much garlic can lead to garlic poisoning.
Can dogs eat Sourdough bread?
Sourdough is safe for dogs to eat. It isnt the most nutritious of treats for your dog. However, it is safe as an occasional snack. Make sure that the bread is cooked. The danger of sourdough bread lies within the raw dough.
If your dog eats uncooked sourdough, they may display some of the following symptoms:
- Excessive or unusual drooling
- Pacing or restlessness
- Vomiting
- Bloating or abdominal pain
Can Dogs Eat Bread? Vet-Reviewed Types & Risks
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreWe humans have been enjoying bread since ancient times. Bread is a staple in most households, and weve derived so much pleasure from eating it.But if youve been thinking about sharing some with your dog, you want to first ensure that its safe for them.
For the most part, certain kinds of bread are perfectly safe for dogs in moderation. But bread that contains ingredients like raisins and garlic is highly toxic and should never be given to a dog.
Lets go more in-depth into the best ways to give bread to your dog and list the kinds that you must avoid at all costs.
Why Cant Dogs Eat Bread?
It all depends on the kind of bread that you offer your dog and how much. Plain wheat and white bread are usually safe for dogs that dont havefood allergies, specifically to wheat.
But while its safe to offer bread to your dog, it isnt necessarily good for them, nor does it offer any real nutrition. Certain types contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs and must be avoided.
The 6 Dangerous Types of Bread
There are health problems that can occur if a dog is given bread to eat on a regular basis. Bread is quite high in carbohydrates, which can lead toobesityand increased risk for medical conditions like joint problems, pancreatitis, and even cancer. There are also specific types of bread that you should keep away from your dog at all costs.
1. Bread Dough
If you make your own bread regularly, you must ensure that your dog cant access any of your bread dough. The yeast in many bread doughs will continue to rise in a dogs warm and moist stomach, which can lead tobloat, which can then quickly lead to the life-threateninggastric dilatation-volvulus. In addition to this, when the dough rises, it goes through a fermentation stage, which can causealcohol poisoningin dogs.
If your dog eats dough, you must bring them to your veterinarian immediately or the closest emergency veterinary clinic.
Signs that your dog may have ingested bread dough can include:
- Distension of the stomach (bloat)
- Dry heaving
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Impaired walking and reflexes
- Disorientation
- Incoordination
- Weakness
- Hypothermia
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
2. Garlic Bread
Everything in thegarlicandonionfamily, including chives, leeks, and green onions, is highly toxic to dogs. This includes onion or garlic powder, which is actually worse than fresh forms because it is more potent. Theres also the excess butter found in garlic butter, which wont do your dog any favors.
The following signs can occur if a dog eats anything with garlic or onions:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pale gums (anemia)
- Cyanosis (blue skin and gums)
- Increased respiratory rate
- Increased heart rate
- Red or brown urine
- Excessive drooling
If not treated, even a small amount of garlic can be fatal. If your dog ate anything with onions or garlic, seek medical help immediately!
3. Raisin Bread
Raisins are also toxic to dogs. They are essentially concentrated grapes, which is what makes them so toxic. If a dog eats raisins, it can lead tokidney failure, but its variable how many raisins can lead to this. For this reason, its best not to give your dog even just one.
Signs of raisin toxicity can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increase in water consumption
- Increased or decreased urination
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Bad breath (ammonia smell)
If your dog ate raisin bread or anything with raisins or grapes, let your vet know that youre on the way and get your dog immediate medical help.
4. Banana Bread
Bananas are perfectly healthy snacks for dogs, but the other ingredients that tend to appear in banana bread are less healthy. Banana bread usually has a large amount of sugar and butter, which isnt healthy for our pets. Certain varieties also have nuts, and any nut with mold is quite toxic. Furthermore, some nuts are safe for dogs, while others arent.
The nuts that you must avoid giving your dog are:
- Black walnuts: Highly toxic but not commonly used
- Macadamia nuts: Highly toxic to dogs
- Pistachios: Not toxic but a potential choking risk
- Almonds: Also safe but a choking hazard
Beyond this, nuts are high in fat and calories. If dogs eat nuts regularly, the risk is obesity andpancreatitis. Banana bread can also containchocolate, which is toxic, as is the natural sweetenerxylitol.
5. Pumpkin Bread
Like with banana bread, pumpkin is healthy for dogs, but pumpkin bread contains ingredients that are unhealthy. One ingredient commonly used in pumpkin bread isnutmeg, which is toxic. A slice of pumpkin bread likely doesnt have enough nutmeg to cause serious problems, but you should still know that as little as 1 teaspoon is toxic to dogs.
Signs of nutmeg poisoning might include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Seizures
If your dog ate something with nutmeg, contact your veterinarian for next steps.
6. Gingerbread
Gingerbread contains the usual suspects of sugar and butter and the toxic nutmeg.
Safe Bread for Dogs
Giving bread to your dog as a regular part of their diet is generally not recommended.
If you want to give your dog an occasional piece of bread, the following breads can be considered safe but only after youve double-checked the ingredients for anything toxic.
- White bread:This is safe for dogs but has no nutritional value whatsoever.
- Whole wheat bread: It has fewer calories and more nutritional value than white bread. It is also higher in fiber.
- Cornbread: Its not a yeast bread, which makes it safer, but its high in carbs, salt, and sugar.
- Rye bread: Whole grain rye bread is one of the healthier options because its high in fiber and has less gluten.
- Sourdough bread: It must be baked thoroughly; raw sourdough can cause serious health issues.
- Pita: Plain pita is quite safe for dogs in small amounts.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Bread?
If your dog ate one of the safe breads without toxic ingredients, they will likely be fine. But if they eat a large amount of it, they might experience an upset stomachits a good idea to touch base with your vet, anyway. But if your dog eats bread with toxic ingredients, call your vet, and let them know that youre on the way. You should bring some of what your dog ate with you if you can. It will allow the vet to treat your dog appropriately.
You can also call thePet Poison Helplineat (855) 764-7661 or theASPCA Animal Poison Control Centerat (888) 426-4435. There is a fee, but they can help you with any necessary steps that you should take before going to your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Bread really isnt a food item meant for dogs to eat. It offers them little nutritional value, and many kinds of bread are toxic to canines.
When it comes to people food, the ingredients should always be checked carefully before giving anything to your dog. But if your dog has a wheat allergy, generally has a sensitive stomach, or has a health condition like obesity or diabetes, avoid giving your dog any type of bread.
If your dog snatches some of your bread on the safe list, they will likely be okay. But see your vet if youre worried about any of the ingredients.
Featured Image Credit: Jude Infantini, Unsplash
Can Dogs Eat Bread: 15 Bread Types (Safe or Not?)
Can dogs eat bread? I think my pup got a taste of it.
We are breadaholics, arent we? Well, most humans love bread!
Besides being scrumptious, we can simply eat them with our hands.
Sometimes we spread it with butter, chocolate, and jam. We also use those sliced bread loaves to make our own version of sandwiches!
Since a loaf of bread is a household staple, sometimes we wonder if we can share a piece with our four-legged companions.
Well, you've come to the right place if you're looking for facts on whether dogs can eat this soft and fluffy treat!
Can Dogs Eat Bread?
Yes, just like us, your dog can safely eat bread in moderation.
Unless it has an underlying intolerance to wheat, your handmade bread is safe for your four-legged friend.
Despite this being the case, we're not saying it's the healthiest snack!
Nutrients are lacking, yet sugar, especially processed sugar, is abundant.
In addition, there are many bread varieties that your pooch should avoid.
These have ingredients that have a reputation for being hazardous to our dogs.
Giving Fido the incorrect variety might lead to health issues, mostly digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting.
If your pawed buddy eats too much, bread poisoning can also harm the liver.
How Do I Give My Dog Bread?
As long as you provide your dog with a balanced and healthy raw diet, giving them bread as a treat occasionally won't harm them.
Remember that your dog's diet shouldn't contain more than 10% of treats.
Until you come up with a better formula, you can use bread as a filler food.
For instance, your canine friend has recently been starving all the time. You observe him gobbling up his dinner and begging for more.
Before eating his meal, you can fill his stomach by giving him some bread.
In fact, some manufacturers add wheat to their dry dog food as a filler component.
Most dogs can tolerate gluten without any issues. However, like us, they are susceptible to allergies to specific forms of gluten.
Here are some pointers for feeding bread to your dog:
- Use a new loaf of bread, not stale bread.
- You shouldn't feed fried bread to your dog.
- Don't overfeed your dog bread as it can irritate their stomach.
- Ensure the bread you serve Fido is low in salt and prepared specifically for dogs.
Important: Serve it plain. Avoid putting your favorite spreads (such as jam, Nutella, etc.) that contain too much sugar or spices.
Can My Dog Eat Raw Bread Dough?
I usually make my bread from scratch. How about bread dough for my dog?
Well, handmade bread with a fresh crust is unbeatable.
But if you prepare it from scratch, keep your furry buddy away from the bread dough.
The Merck Veterinary Manual lists bread dough as a food toxic for our dogs.
Fido may be able to eat the finished product without any harm, but raw bread dough can be fatal.
Note that the dough will continue to rise because active yeast is present.
As a result, this may cause your dog's stomach to expand, causing bloating and making breathing difficult.
At the same time, the yeast in the bread dough might cause alcohol poisoning in your dog by releasing ethanol into the bloodstream.
The onset of symptoms, which might happen 30 to 60 minutes after consumption, calls for immediate vet care.
If Fidos ethanol level continues to rise, cardiac arrest could happen and be fatal.
AKC says you should watch out for these alcohol toxicosis symptoms:
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Depression
- Hypothermia
- Unsteady, drunken gait
- Depressed central nervous system
Can Puppies Eat Bread?
Puppies can occasionally, and in moderation, eat tiny amounts of bread.
Technically, depending on the kind, your puppies can consume bread like adult dogs.
However, we advise giving your pooch some crunchy low-calorie dog treatsas opposed to bread.
Snacks such as pieces of apples and carrotsor green beans can be nutritious.
Plus, the kitchen pantry in your home nearly always has these on hand.
Bread isn't the healthiest food for them because, as was previously noted, it has little to no nutritional value.
Relevant Read:Recipe: Carob Crunchies Dog Treats (Wheat and Gluten Free)
Is Bread Good for Dogs?
Are there even benefits of feeding my dog bread?
To be fair, bread can have some benefits for your dog.
It reduces pain
Your dog may feel better after eating a small piece of bread if they are experiencing a slight gastrointestinal ache.
Although white bread is preferable, brown bread also includes nutrients that help Fido's tummy feel better.
It supplies energy
Bread is a great source of sugar and carbohydrates, which your four-legged friend needs for endurance.
Your dog's tummy will digest the carbs and convert them to glucose for energy.
It relieves constipation
Dietary fiber, which is abundant in whole-grain bread, can benefit your dog's digestion.
Fido's stool gains volume and binds with water, making it simpler to pass and easing constipation.
Relevant Read: Top 7 Best Grain-Free Dog Treats
It can help in emergency situations
Your dog can sometimes swallow foreign objects like sticks, fragments of bone, or thread, which can result in intestinal obstruction and pain.
Giving your dog a few slices of bread can help bind or cushion any things your dog may swallow, allowing them to flow naturally through the digestive system.
Related: What To Do If Your Dog Swallows Something He Shouldn't
Does Bread Help Dogs With an Upset Stomach?
When Fido has an upset stomach, a small piece of white bread can provide some relief.
Bread contains a lot of carbs, which absorb the ascorbic acid causing your dog's discomfort.
It just takes a quarter of a regular slice to alleviate the symptoms, but you should consult your vet for advice on serving sizes.
How Much Bread Can Dogs Safely Eat?
Dr. Laura Robinson advises you shouldnt give more than a few bites.
According to her, bread can cause weight gain if you feed your pooch often.
This is because bread contains a lot of sugars, fats, and carbs, which can make dogs overweight when consumed in large quantities.
Diabetes, pancreatitis, and joint issues are just a few of the additional health problems that may arise.
Depending on the type, a piece of bread has 100 calories on average. It's advisable to consider Fido's size and portion correctly.
As such, larger dogs, such as Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, or Great Danes, can consume more bread than smaller canines, such as Poodles, Havanese, or Maltese.
To be sure you're giving your dog the right treats to complement its daily caloric intake, use the table below as a guide.
| Dogs Weight | Total Calories/day including treats | Allowed Calories of all Treats/day (5%) |
| 10 lbs | 200-275 | 10-14 |
| 20 lbs | 325-400 | 16-20 |
| 30 lbs | 500-575 | 25-29 |
| 50 lbs | 700-900 | 35-45 |
| 70 lbs | 900-1050 | 45-53 |
| 90 lbs | 1100-1350 | 55-68 |
Related:Let's Talk: How Many Calories A Dog Needs Per Day?
What Kinds of Bread Can Dogs Eat?
Our dogs' digestive systems can process carbs. Therefore, most dogs can consume the bread.
The sole exception, though, is if your canine friend has a wheat allergy.
Itching, hot patches, a dull coat, and dry skin are just a few skin and coat issues that can result from wheat intolerance.
If your dog exhibits these signs, consult a vet to have your dog formally diagnosed with a wheat allergy or to rule it out.
Fortunately, my dog is not allergic to wheat. What type of bread is okay to give him?
Well, did you know that bread is among the most often consumed foods worldwide?
Bread comes in at least 100 different varieties and is available all across the world.
Thats why the sight of a loaf of bread on your dining table is something not unusual.
Not also a surprise that some fur parents wonder,
Can dogs eat bread? What kind of bread is safe to feed mine?
Vets dont regard most bread as toxic to dogs.
Your dog will only have problems with the ingredients, toppings, and form of the bread.
Relevant Read: 10 Cancer-Causing Ingredients in Dog Foods
Can dogs eat white bread?
As long as they don't have allergies, dogs can eat plain white bread without experiencing any stomach problems.
Additionally, it doesn't contain any hazardous ingredients for your dog.
However, remember it has little nutritional value, so just provide small quantities.
Can dogs eat rye bread?
Small pieces of plain rye bread are a treat that dogs occasionally enjoy. Using rye flour, rye bread is a particular type of bread.
It is a thick bread that is frequently used for sandwiches. Fido-friendly nutrients are present, and it is a healthy source of fiber.
Can dogs eat bread crusts?
Although it shouldn't harm them, giving dogs bread crusts shouldn't become a regular habit. Your dog receives no nutritional advantages from it.
Make sure no butter is present in the toasted crusts. There are problems that butter may trigger, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Can dogs eat wholemeal bread?
Wholemeal bread is not toxic to dogs. Compared to white bread and multigrain bread, it actually has considerably better health benefits.
It has a low glycemic index, calorie, and carb content. Your dog may consume it in moderation on occasion, though.
Can dogs eat seeded bread?
Dogs cannot consume bread with added ingredients like seeds, chocolate chips, or nuts.
The reason why your dog cant eat seeded bread is that while many seeds aren't technically harmful to your dog, they arent easily digested.
Related:The Ultimate List of Toxic and Safe Plants, Seeds for Dogs
Can dogs eat toast?
Again, if your dog doesn't have any allergies, they can have toast in moderation.
Plus, most pups find a little crunchy crust to be a tasty treat.
Although it's unlikely to hurt your four-legged pet when they eat toast, it also won't keep them healthy.
Can dogs eat bread with butter?
We dont recommend feeding your dog buttered bread. Butter contains a lot of fat and is not a very healthy food to consume frequently.
Additionally, it gives your dog little access to important nutrients and puts it at risk for obesity and weight growth.
Relevant Read: Dog Gut Microbiome Study: What Causes Obesity in Dogs?
Can dogs eat garlic bread?
If your dog eats a lot of garlic bread, the ingredients can irritate its stomach and be bad for its healtheven more if other dog-toxic herbs are included in it.
It could result in severe health issues like vomiting, stomach aches, and diarrhea.
Can dogs eat sourdough bread?
Depending on your dog's size and how much is consumed, sourdough bread might cause stomach bloating. It frequently contains more yeast than other types of bread.
So while you shouldn't give Fido sandwiches for every meal, giving him a piece of plain bread won't harm his health.
Can dogs eat banana bread?
Because banana bread contains a lot of sugar, dogs shouldn't eat it.
Additionally, some banana recipes frequently contain items that are bad for your dog, like chocolate chips, walnuts, or the artificial sweetener xylitol.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Bananas? 7 Potential Benefits and 4 Side Effects
Can dogs eat multigrain bread?
Dogs can eat multigrain bread, but we don't advise it because certain varieties contain nuts and seeds.
Due to their high-fat content, nuts might result in pancreatitis if consumed in big quantities.
Some nuts, such as flavored almonds and cashews, might irritate Fidos stomach.
Can dogs eat pita bread?
Dogs can eat pita bread as an occasional treat. Although, its not nutritious and shouldnt be a part of their diet.
Fido can consume very small amounts as long as none of the dangerous ingredients we discussed are present.
Can dogs eat raisin bread?
The traces of raisins in products like raisin bread can be hazardous to dogs. It shouldn't be given to them as a treat and should be kept out of reach.
When dogs are exposed to raisins or grape poisoning, gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, are typically the first signs that occur.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Grapes? Grape Toxicosis and Dangers Explained
Can dogs eat cornbread?
It's safe to give dogs tiny amounts of cornbread. Things start to get riskier if additional ingredients are used, such as butter or onions.
It is important to note that just a small amount of cornbread is enough for your furry friend.
Can dogs eat pumpernickel bread?
Certain rye bread types, like pumpernickel bread, contain nuts that are toxic to dogs.
For instance, walnuts and hazelnuts are frequently added ingredients that affect your four-legged friend's immune system.
Can Dogs Eat Bread: FAQs
How much bread can a dog eat?
You shouldnt give more than a couple of bites. Your four-legged pal should be okay to eat a little piece of plain white bread.
Your dog's risk of obesity may increase with a diet heavy on bread. In diabetic dogs, its high glycemic index might cause blood sugar spikes.
Why can't dogs eat bread?
Bread is a great source of carbohydrates but has no nutritional value for dogs. Therefore, giving your pooch too much bread may result in weight gain.
A balanced diet and quality dog food should provide all the nutrition your canine companion needs.
What bread can dogs not eat?
Avoid bread that includes xylitol, almonds, chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, and garlic.
White bread and brown bread are both okay for dogs to consume in moderation, but they must always be fully baked (not raw dough).
Can Dogs Eat Bread: Takeaways
Can dogs eat bread?
As a responsible fur parent, you can now decide wisely since you know the answer. If your dog appears to enjoy it, you may give him a small slice as a treat.
If your dog grabs a piece of plain breador any bread that is properly baked and free of toxic ingredientshe should be fine!
Avoid slices of bread with nuts, chocolate chips, garlic, or butter. No uncooked cookie dough, either!
Ensure your dog isn't overweight and has no sensitivities to wheat. Otherwise, its not safe due to the rich carbs in bread.
Finally, your vet is an ally and may provide you with more insight about which treats are safe and which you should avoid.
