From a slice of toast in the morning to a sourdough loaf at the farmer’s market, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread. But should we be sharing a slice with our furry friends? Read on as we answer all your questions about bread for dogs.
Is Bread Bad for Dogs?
To answer the question, is bread bad for dogs? Yes and no.
A small piece of plain bread is typically harmless if your pup has a bit now and again. However, some bread contains ingredients that are toxic and potentially dangerous to dogs. So, some bread is bad for dogs, such as anything that contains garlic or onions.
Although bread can be harmless, it doesn’t mean that it should make a regular appearance in your dog’s diet. At its core, bread doesn’t give your pup any significant nutritional benefit and lacks essential nutrients, as it mainly provides carbohydrates. Keep in mind that too much bread could contribute to weight gain in dogs, too. Despite some bread being OK to eat, there’s not a solid reason to add it to your pup’s diet.
In general, wheat is a cheap source of carbohydrates and calories that can be hard to digest and doesn’t add a lot else. Unfortunately, many well-known dog food and treat brands use wheat in their products. At Jinx, we consider wheat a filler ingredient, which is why you won’t find it in our recipes, alongside everything else in our ‘no list’, like corn, soy, or artificial preservatives. Instead, we use healthy (and tasty) sources of carbs like brown rice and sweet potato!
What Types of Bread Can Dogs Eat?
Let’s delve deeper into the dos and don’ts of bread for dogs.
As pet parents, we have to learn about all the foods that our dogs can’t eat. Some foods are toxic, and others are not dangerous but should be avoided. Learning about these types of foods helps to keep our pups safe and healthy.
It’s important to avoid giving your dog bread that contains any of the following ingredients that are harmful to dogs:
- Chocolate—theobromine, found in chocolate, is toxic to dogs.
- Raisins and grapes—these are toxic and can cause kidney failure.
- Garlic and onions—these can damage red blood cells in dogs.
- Nuts—these can cause various health problems like weakness and vomiting.
- Xylitol (an artificial sweetener)—this can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar.
Be careful with raw yeast dough as this is dangerous for dogs. So, make sure any bread you give your dog on occasion is cooked through. Raw yeast dough can expand in a dog’s stomach, causing serious problems.
Some ingredients are not toxic but still are not good for our furry friends. Avoid feeding your pup anything with large amounts of:
- Butter is a high-fat food that can lead to weight gain.
- Sugar contributes to weight gain and dental problems.
- Salt in large amounts can lead to dehydration.
How Can I Feed My Dog Bread?
So, is bread good for dogs at all? Overall, it’s best to avoid giving your dog bread. Although a small piece of plain bread is generally harmless for dogs, it doesn’t give your pup any nutritional benefits. If you choose to give your pup some bread once in a while, check that it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. Opt for a small piece of plain, white, wheat, or sourdough bread without any jam, butter, or any added ingredients.
Can Dogs Eat Bread Dough?
When it comes to dogs and bread, yeast-based bread dough is a big no-no. Here’s why.
Yeast is very toxic to dogs because when a dog eats raw bread, it expands in the stomach like it would in an oven. This can make your dog’s stomach bloated and even lead to gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Alongside this, the yeast and sugar in the dough can ferment in the stomach, leading to alcohol intoxication.
Signs that your dog may have eaten raw bread dough include:
- Vomiting or retching (trying to be sick but nothing comes up)
- Swollen stomach
- Weakness
- Stumbling
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
If you think your dog has eaten raw bread dough, contact your vet immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680.
FAQs
Can Puppies Eat Bread?
Like their older counterparts, puppies can eat a small piece of plain bread on occasion. Bread for a puppy shouldn't contain any dangerous ingredients like chocolate or raisins. While puppies can usually eat small amounts of plain bread, it doesn’t add any nutritional benefit to their diet. It’s best to stick to a high-quality puppy food, like Jinx, that provides all the nutrients they need to grow strong, healthy, and happy.
Can Dogs Eat Bread Crusts?
Technically, yes. Dogs can eat bread crusts, but it doesn’t provide any nutritional value. Just make sure any bread crusts don’t have any butter or contain harmful ingredients.
Can Dogs Eat Toast?
Toast isn’t a nutritional powerhouse for our pups, but generally won’t do any harm. Dogs can eat toast in moderation, but check there’s no butter on the toast before feeding it to your pup.
Can Dogs Eat Toast with Butter?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat toast with butter. A small amount of butter is unlikely to do any harm; however, butter is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.
Can Dogs Eat Whole Wheat Bread?
Like plain white bread, dogs can eat plain whole wheat bread on occasion. Make sure there are no seeds, nuts, fruits, or any harmful ingredients for dogs. Bread for dogs should be completely plain.
Can Dogs Eat Wheat Bread?
Yes, dogs can have wheat bread unless your pup has a wheat allergy. Plain wheat bread is generally safe in small pieces occasionally but doesn’t give your pup any nutritional benefit.
Can Dogs Eat Sourdough Bread?
Yes, dogs can eat sourdough bread as long as it’s plain and completely cooked through; a small amount shouldn’t cause any harm. Keep raw sourdough out of reach from your dog, as this can be toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Garlic Bread?
A type of bread that is harmful to dogs is garlic bread. Avoid giving your pup anything that includes garlic, as it’s toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Bread?
No, avoid giving your pup banana bread. Dogs can eat bananas as an occasional healthy treat as they are a good source of potassium, magnesium, and fiber. However, banana bread recipes usually include ingredients like nutmeg, raisins, sugar, macadamia nuts, and chocolate, making it harmful for your pup.
Can Dogs Eat White Bread?
Yes, plain white bread can be safe in small quantities, but that doesn’t mean dogs should eat bread often, as it doesn’t contain a lot of helpful nutrients.
Can Dogs Eat Seeded Bread?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat any seeded bread. The same goes for any bread with chocolate, nuts, raisins, or any ingredients toxic for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Rye Bread?
Yes, plain rye bread is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. While it’s fine on occasion, rye bread shouldn’t be a regular part of your dog’s diet. If your pup has a wheat or grain allergy, avoid rye bread.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Bread?
No, dogs can’t eat pumpkin bread. Similar to banana bread, pumpkin bread usually contains things like nutmeg, sugar, and salt, which are harmful to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Pita Bread?
Yes, dogs can eat plain pita bread in small amounts as long as it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients and your dog isn’t allergic to wheat or grain.
Can Dogs Eat Gingerbread?
No, gingerbread contains a lot of sugar and usually nutmeg, which dogs should avoid. Nutmeg is toxic to dogs as it contains a compound called myristicin, which can be dangerous in large quantities.
If you think your dog ate gingerbread from the counter without you knowing, monitor closely for symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If you have any concerns, speak with your vet as soon as possible.
Could My Dog Be Allergic to Bread?
Yes, while it’s not as common as the other dog food allergies, your pup can be allergic to wheat. Symptoms of a wheat allergy include itchiness, hair loss, digestive problems, sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. If you think your pup might have a wheat allergy, contact your vet. A normal approach to a wheat allergy is to adopt a grain-free diet to identify and eliminate allergens from your dog’s diet.
If your pup eats any yeast dough by accident, consider it an emergency and get help. But if your furry friend sneaks a slice of cooked sourdough while you’re away from the table, it shouldn’t cause any harm. While dogs can eat some bread in small amounts, it’s best to stick to a high-quality dog food designed with the right blend of nutrients for adventurous and healthy dogs.
At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.