As humans, we eat a lot of bread on a daily basis, but can dogs eat bread too? Find out all you need to know on whether bread is good for dogs and the types to avoid with our guide.
Bread is a staple of the human diet, with most of us consuming it in some regard on a daily basis. Whether it’s toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch or a big slice of crusty bread to go alongside a stew or soup for dinner, it’s safe to say as a species we eat a lot of bread!
As a nation of dog lovers, we love to share everything with our dogs and when they’re giving us their best puppy dog eyes as we tuck into our food, it begs the question: can dogs eat bread? We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know from is bread good for dogs to the types to avoid.
Can dogs eat bread?
Yes and no. Dogs can eat bread, but only in moderation. Small amounts of plain white or brown bread are okay for dogs eager to try this staple human food, but it should be only given as the very occasional treat. Certain bread types may be toxic to your pup and will contain added extras.
The added extras to watch out for are things like nuts – macadamia nuts are toxic and all nuts are high in fat, which isn’t good for dogs; , breads with chocolate chips, raisins, onions, and garlic; and some dessert bread may also contain xylitol, so always be sure to double-check the ingredients first. Similarly, if your dog has allergies, it might be best to avoid bread. Always check with your vet if you’re concerned.
While dogs can have bread, we don’t advise it because it’s 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. It’s important to remember that treats should only make up 10% or less of your dog’s diet and always give treats in moderation.
Can puppies eat bread?
Like bigger dogs, puppies can eat small amounts of bread occasionally but there’s no nutritional value. Be aware of any allergies your pup may have before you give them bread. Make sure there’s 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 isn’t toxic to dogs, however, this doesn’t 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 shouldn’t cause them any issues. It doesn’t, however, provide them with any nutritional benefits, so it won’t need to be a part of their diet. If the crusts are toasted, make sure there’s no butter on them.
Can dogs eat wholemeal bread?
Dogs can eat wholemeal bread (or brown bread) but it’s important to make sure there’s no seeds, nuts or fruits in it. No nutritional value is added to your dog’s 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 don’t have any allergies). Again, it doesn’t 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 you’re 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 isn’t 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
Is bread good for dogs?
No, bread isn’t good for dogs. It contains no nutritional value for them and it’s full of carbohydrates too, so if you give too much bread to dogs it can cause them to gain weight. Your dog should be getting all the nutrition they need from a balanced diet and high-quality dog food.
Again, some dogs also suffer from wheat allergies, so if this is the case with your dog, be sure to avoid bread entirely.
Can dogs have uncooked bread dough
Dogs can’t have uncooked bread dough. According to The American Kennel Club, it can be hazardous. Interestingly, their stomachs offer the ideal conditions for dough to rise. When they eat it, it expands and distends their stomach, releasing toxic levels of ethanol into their bloodstream – possibly leading to alcohol toxicosis.
Do not feed your dog uncooked bread dough, and if your dog has ingested any and you notice any of the following symptoms after your dog has eaten bread dough, contact your vet immediately:
- Elevated heart rate.
- Weakness.
- Unsteady gait – may appear almost ‘drunken’.
- Distended abdomen.
- Depression.
- Seizures.
- Respiratory failure.
- Low blood pressure.
- Retching or vomiting.
- In severe cases, your dog may fall into a coma.
How can I feed my dog bread?
Our advice would be to avoid feeding your dog bread. While it’s fine in small doses as a snack, it offers no benefit to your dog and in some cases, bread contains ingredients which can be hazardous. Instead, opt to feed healthy dog treats such as fresh vegetables and cooked lean meat instead.
It’s also important to remember that our dogs are not like us.
It’s common for us to have a dry piece of toast to settle an upset stomach, but it doesn’t offer the same advantage for dogs. If your dog has stomach upset, a bland diet of boiled chicken breast and rice is best, but always contact your vet for advice before trying home remedies.
Now you know the answer to the question can dogs eat bread. Find out more about feeding your dog, and what you can add to their diet with our article on can dogs eat strawberries.
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