Bread is one of the most consumed foods worldwide. And as such, it’s just as irresistible to humans as it is to dogs. Who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly baked bread filling our houses?
Can dogs eat bread?
Just to be clear, when we talk about feeding bread to our dogs, we are not talking about consuming it as a whole meal or as the only source of nutrients. Bread is a snack, not a complete food on its own. Even though it’s a source of carbohydrates and fiber, it doesn’t contain proteins or fatty acids, so it’s low on nutrients.
So, can dogs eat bread? Yes or no?
If we had to give a straight answer, then yes, dogs can eat bread. However, before feeding your dog bread, you need to take into account a few things.
Quantity: An occasional midnight snack is one thing, and an entire loaf of bread is another. Bread is not toxic to dogs but when ingested in large amounts, it can cause GI distress (especially if it’s made of wheat). Always remember quality over quantity.
Frequency: Just as quantity, frequency is also important to moderate the intake of bread. Don’t make it a daily routine. Remember dogs need carbohydrates but also proteins, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. So, make sure all his nutritional needs are covered. You can try our Multifunctional Dog Chews which have been specially designed to fulfill your dog’s essential needs and improve his quality of life.
Kind of bread: White, Whole Wheat, Multigrain, Rye, Wholegrain. They are not all the same, especially when thinking of your dog’s digestion. If dogs eat bread, make sure they are not allergic to wheat or any other ingredient.
Age: Just as importantly, the seniority of our dogs can make a significant difference in how we feed them. Just like elderly people, senior dogs need to have all the essential nutrients included in their diets. Plus, they tend to eat less, so, if you include a nutrient-depleted snack as part of their daily food, you’ll be depriving them of getting a balanced diet.
Last but not least, don’t ever feed your dog raw dough! Not only can it cause GI distress and stomach bloat, but also uncooked yeast and sugar can ferment in your dog’s stomach producing a substance similar to alcohol, causing toxicity when absorbed into his bloodstream. You can learn more in our blog about toxic foods for dogs.
So if dogs eat bread, make sure it's cooked! If your dog ingested raw dough, please contact your closes vet asap and be aware of the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Weakness or lethargy
- Stomach bloat
