I’ve seen dogs eat sandwiches, slices, and even entire loaves of bread (my dog would eat anything to be fair). So although our dogs seem to get their fair share of bread… should they?
Is it safe for dogs to eat bread?
Dogs can safely eat bread in much the same way as humans—in moderation.
Bread is not toxic to dogs and it shouldn’t make them sick. However, some dogs may be allergic to wheat or other ingredients in bread. Some bread contains raisins, grapes, onions, or garlic, which are all poisonous to dogs.
Read our guide to find out which types of bread are safe for dogs, and what to do if your dog eats something they shouldn’t have.
Risks of Feeding Bread to Dogs
The answer to the question is a bit more complicated. The bread itself isn’t usually harmful, but there are exceptions.
Here’s what you need to know about feeding bread to dogs to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Toxic Bread Ingredients for Dogs
There are some ingredients found in bread that can be toxic to dogs. The most common culprits are raisins, grapes, onions, and garlic.
Raisins and grapes have been known to cause kidney failure in dogs. Even a small amount can make your dog very sick. Onions and garlic can also be poisonous to dogs and can cause anaemia.
If your bread contains any of these ingredients, it’s best to keep it away from your dog.
Allergies
Although not poisonous, some dogs may be allergic to wheat or other ingredients in bread. Symptoms of a wheat allergy in dogs include itching, redness, and swelling of the skin.
If your dog has these symptoms, it’s best to avoid feeding them bread.
Talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned that your dog may have an allergy. They can help you identify the allergen and find ways to avoid it.
Bread as a Treat
In moderation, bread can be a healthy treat for your dog. Just be sure to avoid bread that contains toxic ingredients or that your dog is allergic to.
If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you figure out if feeding bread to your dog is a good idea.
Stale Bread Dough Is A No-No
Bread dough can be a serious health hazard for dogs. When bread dough is ingested, it rises and expands in the warm, moist environment of the stomach. This can cause pain, bloating, vomiting, and potentially fatal intestinal blockages.
If your dog has eaten bread dough, call your veterinarian immediately. They will likely need to induce vomiting and may need to be monitored for several hours to make sure the dough doesn’t cause any problems.
Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats bread dough or has eaten bread dough without your consent and looks for symptoms of alcohol toxicosis:
- Depressed central nervous system
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
- Tremors
- Seizures
If you have any questions about whether or not your dog can eat bread with its dog food, it’s always best to ask your veterinarian. They can help you figure out the best way to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Types of Bread for Dogs
There are many different types of dogs, and each breed has different dietary needs. The same goes for bread. Some types of bread are better for dogs than others.
Here are the most common types of bread:
- Plain white bread
- Wheat bread
- Rye bread
- Pumpernickel bread
- Sourdough
- Brown Bread
- Baguettes
- Ciabatta
Plain White Bread
Plain white bread is the most common type of bread. It’s also one of the safest types of bread for dogs.
White bread is made with flour, water, salt, and yeast. Some brands may also add sugar, fat, or preservatives.
As long as your dog doesn’t have a wheat allergy, plain white bread is a safe treat.
Wheat Bread
Wheat bread is made with whole wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast. Like white bread, some brands may also add sugar, fat, or preservatives.
Wheat bread is a healthy option for dogs. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus.
However, some dogs may be allergic to wheat. If your dog has symptoms like itching, redness, or swelling after eating wheat bread, it’s best to avoid it.
Rye Bread
Rye bread is made with rye flour, water, salt, and yeast. Like other types of bread, some brands may also add sugar, fat, or preservatives.
Rye bread is a healthy option for dogs. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus.
Pumpernickel Bread
Pumpernickel bread is made with pumpernickel flour, water, salt, and yeast. Like other types of bread, some brands may also add sugar, fat, or preservatives.
Pumpernickel bread is a healthy option for dogs. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus.
Sourdough
Sourdough bread is made with sourdough starter, flour, water, salt, and yeast. Like other types of bread, some brands may also add sugar, fat, or preservatives.
Sourdough bread is a healthy option for dogs. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus.
Brown Bread
Brown bread is made with whole wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast. Like white bread, some brands may also add sugar, fat, or preservatives.
Brown bread is a healthy option for dogs. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus.
Baguettes
Baguettes are made with white flour, water, salt, and yeast. Some brands may also add sugar, fat, or preservatives.
Baguettes are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. However, they’re not the most nutritious option. Baguettes are high in carbs and low in vitamins and minerals.
Ciabatta
Ciabatta is made with white flour, water, salt, and yeast. Some brands may also add sugar, fat, or preservatives.
Ciabatta is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. However, they’re not the most nutritious option. Ciabatta is high in carbs and low in vitamins and minerals.
Is It Possible to Feed Bread to a Dog With an Upset Stomach?
If your dog has an upset stomach, you may be wondering if bread is a good option to help soothe their tummy.
The answer is yes, in moderate amounts, bread can be a good way to settle an upset stomach.
Just be sure to give your dog plain white or wheat bread and avoid any bread that contains raisins, grapes, onions, or garlic.
If your dog’s upset stomach persists, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you figure out the cause and provide treatment options.
How Much Bread Can a Dog Eat Safely?
The amount of wheat bread you can give your dog depends on its size and weight. A good rule of thumb is to give them 1/2 slice of bread for every 10 pounds they weigh.
For example, a 20-pound dog could have 1 slice of bread, while a 40-pound dog could have 2 slices.
Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Bread Every Day?
In moderation, feeding your dog bread every day is generally safe. Just be sure to avoid any bread that contains toxic ingredients or that your dog is allergic to.
If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you figure out the best way to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Why is Uncooked Dough so Harmful to Dogs?
When the raw bread dough is mixed, the yeast begins to feed on the sugars in the flour. As the yeast eats, it produces carbon dioxide gas and alcohol.
If your dog eats uncooked dough, it can be at risk for alcohol toxicity. The rising dough can also cause your dog’s stomach to bloat, which can be life-threatening.
If you have any questions about whether or not your dog can eat bread, it’s always best to ask your veterinarian. They can help you figure out the best way to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Bread?
Banana bread is a type of quick bread that contains mashed bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and baking soda.
While banana bread is safe for dogs to eat, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, banana bread is high in sugar. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Second, banana bread often contains raisins or chocolate chips. Both of these ingredients can be toxic to dogs.
If you want to give your dog banana bread, be sure to check the ingredients list and only give them a small amount. It’s also a good idea to talk to your veterinarian first.
Conclusion
Dogs can safely eat bread in much the same way as humans—in moderation. Plain white bread and wheat bread are generally safe for dogs to eat, provided they don’t have any wheat allergies, and it usually does not cause any stomach upset.
In moderation, feeding your dog bread every day is generally safe. Just be sure to avoid any bread that contains toxic ingredients or that your dog is allergic to.
If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you figure out the best way to keep your dog healthy and happy.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.