Can Dogs Eat
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10 min
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In this article, we’ll go through all of your bread-based questions and discuss the potential risks of feeding bread to your dog.
No, bread isn’t good for dogs, there are no health benefits. Though there may be some benefits for humans if the bread is made with multigrains, it’s very high in carbohydrates for a dog, can be very bloating, and their digestive system can’t really handle it. Bread in all its various forms could also contain extra ingredients which might not sit well with a dog’s tum.
It’s unsafe to feed a dog large quantities of bread. If you feed them a small amount, it’s unlikely to cause harm. However, as bread is so diverse, it could contain ingredients (wheat, onion, garlic, chilli, etc.) that wreak havoc on a dog’s delicate digestive system. It’s best to avoid bread for your dog altogether if you can, and feed them more nutritious and filling options.
No, puppies shouldn’t eat bread. There’s no nutritional benefit to puppies, so stick to nutritious ingredients that will support their growth - such as those found in healthy, grain-free food for puppies.
Yep - dogs can be allergic to bread because of the high gluten content, or because it contains grains such as wheat or rye. Some bread contains garlic or onions, which is toxic to dogs.
A small piece of white or brown bread might cause a dog no problems, but in general yes, bread can make dogs sick if you feed it to them regularly. They could become unwell because of the ingredients in the bread, or because you’ve given them too much and they’re finding it hard to digest.
You shouldn’t give bread to your dog, but if you do, make sure it’s plain bread without butter or toppings. If they’ve eaten a small piece of white or brown bread, it shouldn’t be toxic or dangerous, but keep an eye on them for any adverse digestive reactions.
Dogs shouldn’t really eat bread, however some bread varieties are riskier than others. Here are some answers to your questions about dogs eating different types of bread.
Some vets recommend feeding brown bread for a short while if, for example, your pooch has eaten something sharp or needs some extra fibre. It isn't the worst food in the world, but isn't something to be giving your dog daily (unless suggested for specific health reasons by a professional).
No. Definitely avoid feeding your pooch buttery garlic bread - garlic is an ingredient that dogs’ tummies simply can’t digest. Garlic is toxic to dogs as it’s part of the allium family, along with chives and onions.
*Note all of the above breads should be served plain, do not feed any flavoured breads to dogs.
It’s not recommended that dogs eat sourdough bread. Sourdough contains extra live ingredients that contribute to yeast cultures, and this process can continue in a dog’s digestive system. A small piece of sourdough is unlikely to do harm, but it’s better to feed plain white bread to a dog, or no bread at all.
Banana bread is generally not recommended for dogs as it usually contains a high amount of sugar and butter, as well as potential added ingredients such as nuts or chocolate (which is toxic to dogs, we’re sure you know). If they eat a small piece of organic banana bread made with safe ingredients it’s unlikely to cause harm, but don’t feed it as a regular food - it’s more of a human treat.
A couple of crusts thrown into your dog’s bowl won’t do your dog harm, but it won’t give them any nutrition either. If you want to be sure your dog’s on a wholesome, nutritious diet, avoid feeding them bread products.
Again, there’s unlikely to be any harm in feeding your dog a small piece of plain toast, but it doesn’t benefit your dog. Toast covered in jam or butter should be avoided, it’s too high in sugar and fat. Opt for something healthy and filling for your dog’s snacks instead (suggestions later in the article!).
Plain bread sticks put into your dog’s food for some crunch won’t do them harm, but again, it’s empty of nutrients. If you want your pooch to get some crunchy goodness, opt for carrot sticks or a handful of dry food.
The safest bread for dogs is actually a few days old. The freshest bread may cause bloating and is stodgier to eat, so if your dog has eaten slightly stale bread, it’s not too much of an issue. This is not the case, of course, if the bread is mouldy and well past its best.
In general, bread isn’t a recommended food for dogs, but if they’ve snaffled some gluten-free bread (plain, without butter), it shouldn’t cause them any immediate harm.
Overall, bread isn’t toxic to dogs if it’s unbuttered and plain, but it’s not recommended as a regular snack for dogs either. Bread can cause issues with a dog’s digestion, particularly if it contains grains. If you’re looking to give your dog a filling meal, look to feed lean proteins and nutritious veggies instead.
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