Can Dogs Eat Bread?
Breadsticks, anyone? It’s no doubt that people adore bread. Did you know it’s one of the oldest and most prominent staples in the human diet? Bread is generally safe for humans, especially in smaller portions. But is it okay for your dog to eat bread?
You might be hesitant to give your dog this doughy delight, but luckily, there is not too much to worry about. Still, we’re glad you’re here learning all you can about what you can and can’t add to your dog’s dish. This guide will teach you all there is to know about giving bread to your dogs. Let’s explore!
Can Dogs Really Eat Bread?
The truth is, there is nothing wrong with giving bread to your canine. Like humans, dogs can eat bread safely – but in moderation. You should only give it as an occasional treat and not include it regularly in their diet.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Bread?
Most vets recommend giving your dog plain white, whole grain, and wheat bread as a treat. These varieties are generally safe for canines. As a dog parent, it is your responsibility to monitor the type and amount of bread your furry friend is eating. This prevents any complications that can negatively affect the health and wellness of your canine.
Though bread is tasty, keep in mind it’s loaded with unhealthy carbs that may lead to obesity – one of the leading causes of illnesses in dogs.
What Are the Risks of Feeding Bread to Canines?
It is important to note that bread is generally is not harmful to dogs. But as a responsible pet owner, you need to know the major risks of feeding bread to your furry friend. These include:
- Harmful/Toxic Bread Ingredients
Avoid giving your pooch bread containing the following ingredients: nuts, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate chips/cocoa powder, raisins, and xylitol. These ingredients are toxic to dogs and may lead to irreversible health issues like pancreatitis, anemia, liver failure, and kidney failure.
- Bread Dough Poisoning
Bread dough ingestion or ethanol poisoning in dogs happens when your dog accidentally ingests raw bread dough with yeast. The fermentation process from the yeast stimulates the production of ethanol, a substance that is harmful to dogs. Ethanol poisoning is fatal and needs immediate attention from a trained veterinarian.
Is Bread Good for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs?
Some pet owners believe bread is beneficial for dogs with upset or sensitive stomachs. Bear in mind that like humans, dogs also need to limit their calorie intake to keep them healthy and active. Bread contains high amounts of calories and carbs that can cause health issues in dogs. If you feed your pooch with bread when they have a stomach ache, this may worsen their condition and lead to serious complications.
For one, you might not know what’s causing their tummy troubles in the first place. An upset stomach could be a sign of an underlying condition. To make sure your four-legged friend stays in the best health possible, bring them to a vet for proper medical examinations.
What Are the Benefits of Feeding Bread to Dogs?
Aside from being a delectable treat, bread can be a good source of fiber that helps improve your dog’s digestion. However, bread contains yeast that can be detrimental to your dog’s overall health and well-being. This is why it’s best to only give your dog small portions of bread.
The Wonder of Wonder Bread for Dogs
Plain white, whole grain, and wheat bread are believed to be the safest types of bread that you can give your dog. Experts agree that these types of bread are healthier since they contain fewer carbs and lower amounts of potentially harmful ingredients. Also, they are rich in fiber that’s beneficial to your dog’s digestive system. Just make sure your canine doesn’t have a wheat allergy or a history of hypersensitive reaction.
Why Dogs Can't Have Raw or Uncooked
As mentioned, uncooked dough can lead to ethanol poisoning, which is fatal to dogs. Ethanol is a by-product of yeast fermentation and can make your dog feel drunk or lethargic. Once your dog eats raw dough, toxic levels of ethanol will be released into their bloodstream.
This can lead to a medical emergency called alcohol toxicosis. Some of the most commons signs of alcohol toxicosis in dogs include weakness, unsteady gait, low body temperature, and restlessness. When you see these signs in your dog, immediately consult your vet.
Can Dogs Eat Bread That Isn't Plain?
Plain white bread is highly recommended by canine experts. However, wheat bread and whole-grain bread are also considered safe for canines. Refrain from feeding your dog other types of bread because they are more likely to contain harmful ingredients.
Can Dogs Eat Bread With Nuts?
All kinds of nuts, especially Macadamia nuts, are off-limits to canines since they are high in fat. The fat can lead to obesity, the major cause of dog illnesses. On top of being fattening, nuts also pose a choking hazard to your furry friend. Too much fat in your dog’s diet can specifically cause pancreatitis, which can be fatal to dogs.
Do not feed your canine bread containing nuts such as almonds, peanuts, or Macadamia nuts.
Can Dogs Eat Bread for Health Purposes/Reasons?
Many dog parents believe giving bread to dogs helps relieve gastrointestinal (GI) or stomach upset. But animal experts still recommend giving your dog a bland diet instead of bread to soothe their stomach. This is because bread contains unhealthy carbs, sugar, and yeast that may lead to bloating.
There are also claims that bread can be used as an alternative treatment to dogs with an intestinal blockage. Blockages usually happen when your canine accidentally ingests a foreign object such as bones, sticks, coins, buttons, or stones. While bread might help some dogs, many vets still do not recommend it because it may only worsen the condition.
Remember, you should never feed your pup bread during a medical emergency. It is still best to consult an expert about your dog’s condition for you and your pooch’s peace of mind!
Can Dogs Eat Bread for Other Circumstances?
You should only give your bread to your dog as an occasional treat. It does not really possess any nutritional value and it can fill them up with carbs, leaving no room for healthy food. As a responsible pet owner, you need to ensure your pup is always in optimal condition. To do this, feed them with much healthier foods such as meat, certain fruits, and veggies.
Ask your vet for guidance if you’re unsure of what to feed your dog.
How Much Bread Can I Give My Dog?
As we mentioned, you should only give bread to your dog in small amounts. It should not be a regular snack. Giving your pooch quality dog food should always be your top priority!
Final Thought
Although bread is mostly safe for your dog to eat, it is high in calories, carbs, and sugar that are not beneficial for their health. You should just give it as an occasional treat. Bread should never be a part of your pup’s usual diet. If you aren’t sure about feeding your pooch with bread, always talk with your vet about it.