Can Dogs Eat Bread?
Can Dogs Eat Bread? I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen dogs eat sandwiches, slices, and ven whole loaves of bread, and in one notable instance, an entire pack of English muffins. Bread is a common staple in the American diet, and many dogs end up eating some too—but is it really healthy for them?
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Bread?
Can Dogs Eat Bread? The quick response to the question “can dogs eat bread?” is yes. Dogs are able to eat bread just like humans—within reason. White bread and wheat bread are totally safe for a dog to eat, providing that they are not allergic, and it will not usually upset their stomach either.
Giving your dog bread occasionally as a treat is generally safe, provided they have a balanced diet and regular exercise. Bread mainly serves as a filler and doesn’t offer nutrients beyond what your dog already gets from their food. Like humans, dogs can gain weight from too many carbs, so frequent bread treats could contribute to obesity if not monitored.
Can Dogs Eat Bread Dough?
Can Dogs Eat Bread? It’s okay if your dog has consumed a slice of bread, but yeast dough bread is poisonous to dogs and causes bread dough toxicosis.
A dog’s stomach “stimulates expansion of the dough mass and fermentation by the yeast” says the Merck Veterinary Manual. I.e., heat and water in a dog’s stomach cause the yeast to ferment. This leads to bloating, which leads to gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), and is usually fatal. Alcohol intoxication follows as a result of fermentation of the dough.
If your dog has ingested any bread dough with yeast, call your veterinarian at once and take your dog to an emergency veterinarian.
Symptoms of bread dough toxicosis include:
- Dry heaving
- Abdominal distension (bloat)
- Decreased activity
- Impaired gait and reflexes
- Incoordination
- Disorientation
- Weakness
- Leaning, resting, or reclining
- Hypothermia
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
What Types of Bread Can Dogs Eat
Although some breads are completely safe and can be given to dogs in small amounts, others have dog-toxic ingredients. Stay away from breads that have any of the following:
- Chocolate
- Xylitol (preservative and sweetener)
- Garlic
- Onion
- Nutmeg
- Nuts
There are also some foods that, while not toxic, are not good for our furry friends. Steer clear of food with lots of:
- Butter
- Salt
- Sugar
Can Dogs Eat Wheat Bread
Plain wheat bread is okay in moderation if your dog is not wheat-allergic.
Can Dogs Eat Bread?
Can Dogs Eat Bread? Yes and no. Bread is okay for dogs but not too much. Plain white or plain brown bread in limited quantities are okay for dogs who would like to have this human food constant as a treat, but only as an occasional one. There are also breads that will poison your dog and have additives.
Be cautious with certain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Nuts, especially macadamia nuts, are toxic, and most nuts are high in fat. Breads containing chocolate chips, raisins, onions, garlic, or even some sweetened breads may include xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs. If your pet has allergies, it’s wise to avoid these breads altogether. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
It is good that dogs are allowed to eat bread, but we do not recommend it because it is not healthy for them to eat. If you absolutely need to feed bread to your dog, it has to be plain, in small amounts and it has to be an infrequent treat. Just keep in mind treats should not exceed 10% or below your dog’s diet and always practice moderation in dispensing treats.
Can Puppies Eat Bread?
Can Dogs Eat Bread? Just like big dogs, puppies can eat a little bit of bread now and then but there is no nutritional benefit. Make sure to check for any allergy your dog may have before offering them bread. Make sure there is no toxic additive in bread since this is bad for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat White Bread?
White bread is also fine for dogs to consume because in most cases, it does not give them any type of stomach discomfort. This as long as they are not allergic.
Preparation of bread for dogs
Unlike all the treats, provide the bread to your dog in small quantities at a time, and in moderation. The treats should not exceed 10% of the daily calorie diet.
Don’t feed them loaves of bread high in butter, salt, or sugar. These are not healthy for your dog, either.
Can Dogs Eat Bread? It’s usually fine to feed toasted bread to your dog as long as you’re using the same guidelines (e.g., offering plain pieces with no unhealthy ingredients or smeared butter on them).
You’ll need to see how they react the first time you introduce them to it, just like you would with any new food that you’re introducing your dog to.
Weaned pups can also be fed bread if you apply the same words to an adult dog. It is best to give it to them as a treat and not exceeding 10% of what they eat every day. You would only be required to feed your pup bread in even smaller portions because their stomachs are not capable of digesting as much food as an adult pup’s.
Bread is a safe snack
Sharing the crust of your toast or slice of your sandwich bread with your dog will not harm your dog. However, never forget that bread is human food and provides very little or no nutritional value for your dog’s well-balanced nutrition. Its consumption as a treat is allowed, however. Just remember that in excess of more than a small amount will be bad for your dog’s overall long-term health. Most importantly, be sure to keep your dog away from yeasty bread dough.