If your dog has given you the puppy dog eyes as you enjoy your breakfast or if you have seen a dog grab a slice of our sandwich or loaf of bread and you are asking, "Is it safe for dogs to eat bread?" The answer is yes. However, it should be plain white or wheat bread, taken as the very occasional treat.
Some "human food" is not fit for your dog's consumption, including some of the common ingredients we use to prepare meals and would assume are safe for our dogs too. The same is true for many of the plants in our homes.
In this article, we will find out which bread is safe or dangerous for dogs to eat and the ingredients to keep their paws off of.
This guide will teach you what you need to know to stay vigilant about what your pup is eating to avoid toxin consumption. Let's learn more.
Is Bread Good for Dogs?
Many dogs love to explore, sniffing out new smells, sounds, and yes—even snacks. While your dog may eagerly eye your bread, it’s essential to be careful about sharing “human food” with them, as some ingredients can be harmful.
Plain Bread is Safe for Dogs in Moderation
Bread in its plain form is generally safe for dogs when given in moderation. However, certain ingredients often added to bread can be hazardous.
Common Ingredients in Bread That are Toxic to Dogs
Some products that are safe for human consumption are dangerous for dogs. When preparing your breakfast if you include these ingredients in the bread, avoid giving your pup a slice to snack on.
Chocolate
A lot of people love eating chocolate. This delicious treat is extremely hazardous for dogs and we should not be tempted to give our puppies a piece.
Chocolate is processed from the cocoa plant which contains two primary chemicals that make chocolate toxic when absorbed into the body. These chemicals are theobromine and caffeine, which impact the heart and muscle.
All forms of chocolate are dangerous for dogs. Keep them out of reach. A paper published in Merck Veterinary Journal highlights the fact that even by-products of cocoa and cocoa mulch cause deaths in animals.
Some of the signs of poisoning are;
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Fast breathing
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Incoordination
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Seizures
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Fever
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coma
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a preservative and sweetener. It is found in food products like gum, mint, dessert bread, and other baked goods; non-food products like sunscreens and toothpaste; nutritional supplements, and vitamins.
Xylitol influences the control of blood sugar in the body. Blood sugar is regulated by the release of insulin from the pancreas. Xylitol stimulates the release of a high amount of insulin, rapidly decreasing blood sugar and resulting in hypoglycemia. Xylitol poisoning presents the following symptoms;
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vomiting
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weakness
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lethargy
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hypokalemia
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seizures
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coma
Raisins
Raisins, grapes, and tamarind belong to the Vitis genus family and all contain a high concentration of an organic acid called tartaric acid, toxic to dogs.
Keep grapes, raisins, and tamarind away from dogs because they can lead to renal failure within 72 hours of ingestion. Raisins add no nutritional value. Substitute them with healthy nourishing fruits like apple slices.
Some of the symptoms of raisin poisoning are;
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Vomiting
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lethargy
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anorexia
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polydipsia
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dehydration
Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onions release sulfur-containing oxidants when they are mechanically reduced by chopping, cooking, and chewing. The oxidants can lead to oxidative damage to the Red Blood Cells which causes hemolytic anemia. The signs of garlic and onion poisoning are;
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weakness,
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pallor
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icterus
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collapse
Macadamia nuts
Not all types of nuts are toxic but some of them are, therefore beware of giving any nuts to your dogs.
Research is showing that macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. They are grown from Macadamia integrifolia plant in the continental US, and M tetraphylla in Hawaii and Australia. Scientists are still unsure of how the toxicity mechanism works but clinical evidence indicates that macadamia nuts are harmful to dogs. When your dog eats macadamia nuts the following symptoms manifest within 12 hours;
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vomiting
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weakness
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hyperthermia
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tremors
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a fragrant powder spice commonly used in baking and cooking. Nutmeg is produced when the seeds of the nutmeg tree are ground into the spice. Nutmeg contains a toxic compound called myristicin. Ingesting nutmeg can cause a stomach upset especially when taken in large quantities. Some of the symptoms of poisoning include;
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Decreased appetite or anorexia
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Disorientation
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High blood pressure (hypertension)
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Dry mouth
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Abdominal pain
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Seizures
Butter
Butter is not toxic to our pups but it is unhealthy. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, if your pet accidentally eats butter they might suffer a stomach upset and inflammation of the pancreas. Butter is unhealthy and it is the reason why experts don't recommend dogs eat toast with butter.
Salt
Salt, or sodium chloride, plays an important function in the body. salt helps muscles contract and expand, conduct nerve impulses, and maintain the proper water-minerals balance.
Excess salt is harmful not only to humans but to dogs too. Excess salt consumption can lead to hypertension in humans (or high blood pressure) because the body takes in more fluids which causes pressure in the blood vessels to rise. Dogs can also experience a rise in fluid pressure, which may lead to high blood pressure.
Salt toxicity in dogs is accompanied by vomiting and various other signs like;
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Diarrhea
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Decreased appetite
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Incoordination
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Excessive thirst or urination
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Seizures
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Coma
Sugar
Sugar is not poisonous to dogs but consumption in large amounts is unhealthy. Dogs can have naturally occurring sugar in fresh vegetables or fruits like strawberries but should not have sweeteners like toxic xylitol. Other sweeteners to avoid include brown sugar, cane sugar, and powdered or processed sugar.
As a pet parent, you should work with your vet to create a nutritious meal plan for your pup. Always consult the vet before introducing new treats to your dog's diet.
What Kind of Bread Can My Dog Eat?
Bread is safe for dogs as long as it is plain bread, and if it is taken in moderation. Too much bread is unhealthy for dogs because they will consume high quantities of carbohydrates.
Here's a look at the different types of breads that dogs can and cannot eat.
Breads That Dogs Can Eat
Never let your dog uncooked bread yeast. Dogs can eat the following breads in moderation, so long as they are cooked.
1. Sourdough Bread
Dogs can eat small amounts of sourdough bread so long as it is cooked.
Make sure your pup doesn't eat raw dough. Pay close attention and keep them out of reach.
When a dog eats uncooked sourdough bread, the conditions in their stomach provides an environment for the raw sourdough bead to expand as the yeast rises. The expansion threatens the integrity of the gastric wall similar to a condition called Gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) an acute life-threatening condition characterized by an enlargement of the stomach.
Some of the symptoms showing your dog has eaten bread dough include;
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abdominal distension
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weakness
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recumbency
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hypoglycemia
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coma
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hypothermia
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seizures
2. Rye Bread
Yes. Dogs can eat plain rye bread occasionally as a treat. However, dogs allergic to wheat or grain should not eat rye bread. If your dog is intolerant to wheat or grain they will experience stomach discomfort.
3. White Bread
Yes, plain white bread is safe to consume in small amounts because it doesn't cause stomach upsets. Dogs with wheat or grain allergy can experience intolerance and stomach discomfort and should therefore avoid white bread.
4. Wheat Bread
Yes. Dogs can eat wheat bread but if your dog is allergic to wheat, they will experience stomach discomfort.
5. Wholemeal Bread
Wholemeal bread or brown bread is safe for dogs to consume. It is important to remove seeds, nuts, or fruits because they are toxic to dogs. Dogs cannot eat seeds so wholemeal bread given to your dog should have no seeds or additives.
6. Plain Toast
Yes, dogs can eat toast. It is the same as eating un-toasted bread and it should be taken in moderation as an occasional treat. It, however, adds no nutritional value to your pup's diet.
7. Bread Crusts
Yes. Dogs can eat crusty bread it is the same as eating plain bread.
Can Puppies Eat Bread?
Yes. Puppies can occasionally eat small quantities of bread but you should watch out for allergic reactions to wheat.
Breads That are Dangerous for Dogs to Eat
The following breads shouldn't be given to dogs.
1. Garlic Bread
No. Dogs cannot eat garlic bread because garlic is toxic to canines. According to research published by Merck Veterinary Manual, Garlic and onions have a sulfur-containing oxidant compound that is exposed after chopping or chewing causing damage to the Red Blood Cells (RBCs) by oxidation. This damage to the RBCs contributes to acute hemolytic anemia.
Additionally, if your dog eats garlic bread, they will get an upset stomach. The following symptoms are evident within a few days;
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lethargy
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exercise intolerance
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anorexia
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icterus
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hemoglobinuria
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weakness
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collapse
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death may occur
Call the Veterinarian or visit the clinic as soon as possible if you suspect your dog has taken excess dough bread. Treatment includes decontamination and management of acute hemolytic anemia.
2. Banana Bread
No. Bananas are safe for dogs, but banana bread is made with other ingredients like nutmeg, raisins, sugar, and macadamia nuts, toxic to dogs.
3. Pumpkin Bread
No. Pumpkin is safe for dogs but pumpkin bread is made with ingredients like macadamia nuts and nutmeg which are toxic.
4. Buttered Toast
No, dogs should not eat toast with butter. Butter is rich in fat. Ingesting very high quantities of butter can cause stomach upsets.
5. Seeded Bread
No. Dogs cannot eat seeds and other additives in bread like nuts, chocolates and raisins.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can eat bread but there is no reason to feed your dog bread because it adds no nutritional value. Plain white or wheat bread is safe to be taken in small amounts as an occasional snack but some dogs may have wheat allergies and could get a stomach upset from ingesting even plain bread. Pet parents need to reduce bread intake and give them occasional dog treats.
Additionally, do not give your dog uncooked bread dough. Dogs get a bloated stomach when they eat uncooked sourdough. Finally, avoid giving your dog any seeded bread or cooked bread with additives like nutmeg, chocolate chips, seeds, nuts, raisins, or cinnamon.
You can focus on giving your dog healthy food like vegetables, lean meat, and fruits. Always consult your vet before changing your pet's diet and watch for any reactions.
