Bread is a big part of our every day diet, as it comes in many forms and can be served in different ways.
Toast is also believed to be good if we’re dealing with stomach problems.
But the question is- does this apply to dogs as well and is bread even safe for dogs to have?
Dogs love to eat, that’s a fact! Unfortunately, this love for food can sometimes result in your dog eating something it shouldn’t and that’s bad for dogs. So, it’s your responsibility as a dog owner to know what is and isn’t safe for dogs to eat.
As you know, dogs don’t have to eat human food that much as they get their nutritional needs satisfied from their dog food. But, we’re well aware of the fact that our dogs sometimes beg us for the food we’re eating. And some food can in fact be very healthy to our furry friends as well!
So, the question of the day is the following…
Can I Give My Dog Bread?
Yes, you can give bread to your dog as bread itself isn’t dangerous or toxic to dogs. However, there are some things you should think about when giving bread to your dog. Also, it isn’t that beneficial in general.
First of all, you have to make sure your dog isn’t allergic to wheat. Second, dogs shouldn’t be eating bread with much sugar or with some other ingredients, such as raisins or nuts. Finally, bread should be given in moderation in order to avoid problems.
Let’s get into details!
What Bread Shouldn’t Dogs Eat?
As mentioned, bread itself isn’t dangerous. However, certain types of breads should definitely be off-limits. Dogs shouldn’t eat:
- Raisin bread. Raisins are very dangerous to dogs and can cause kidney failure and even lead to death in some cases.
- Banana bread. Even though bananas are safe for dogs, banana bread contains various ingredients toxic to dogs, including chocolate.
- Onion and garlic bread. Both are very dangerous to dogs and can lead to damage of the red blood cells.
- Bread with mold. This may seem weird to you, but it’s extremely important to avoid bread with even the least bit of mold on it! It’s extremely toxic, and furthermore, disgusting.
What Type Of Bread Can Dogs Eat?
The best choice is homemade and whole grain bread. A much better choice than white bread because of dietary fiber in it and, of course, a better choice than the previously mentioned bread types. If your dog is gluten intolerant, gluten-free bread is mandatory. Finally, pumpkin bread is also a great choice and most dogs love it!
Can Bread Be Beneficial To Dogs?
Bread does have some nutrients, but they’re not that important for dogs. However, bread can be very beneficial when it comes to upset stomachs! As mentioned, whole grain bread contains dietary fiber which are helping in the digestion. Bread is especially helpful in the following situations:
- Your dog has eaten something sharp. Again, dogs love to eat and chew on things. Sometimes this leads to unwanted food and objects in their stomach, causing digestion problems. For example, your dog may have swallowed sharp bones, needles or nails.
- Your dog has eaten string, yarn or thread. These, and similar objects, are called ”linear foreign bodies”. If a dog swallows long pieces of them, it will most probably get stuck somewhere in the intestinal tract. This will cause problems in the intestines and prevent them from working normally.
- Mild, upset stomach. This happens often, after skipping a meal or eating something that doesn’t feel good for the dog. In this case, bread can be helpful as it acts like a sponge and sucks up whatever is irritating the stomach.
Why is bread helpful in these situations?
Bread encases the foreign material or allows it to pass through more safely. It can also protect the esophagus from sharp pieces. In the case of a linear foreign body, it helps by wadding the material up in a clump and passes it through easier.
Naturally, it’s not a cure for everything and if you notice other symptoms the safest option is to take your dog to the vet. However, it can be of great help in situations like these.
Take a look at this cute puppy eating bread!
How Much Bread Can Dogs Eat?
If your dog likes bread, it’s still very important to feed it in moderation. Bread is very rich in sugar, calories and carbs and can lead to extra weight or obesity in the worst case. That’s the case with humans and bread as well, right?
Besides being rich in calories, too much bread can lead to stomach ache and bloating, which can be very dangerous. So, the best would be to feed small bread pieces from time to time. If you want to use it as a treat, you can add some peanut butter on it.
Can Dogs Eat Bread Dough?
This is a question associated with the main question in this article. However, the answer is not the same as dogs definitely shouldn’t eat bread dough!
If your dog were to consume raw yeast dough, the possibility of it fermenting in the stomach and becoming toxic would be very big. This can even be fatal in some cases. Besides, yeast dough can lead to bloating and ruptures in the stomach or intestinal tract! Vomiting, seizures and even coma are also possible consequences of dogs eating bread dough.
Finally, if the bread dough expands inside your dog’s stomach, it will result in ethanol toxicosis. The symptoms of this can appear from 30 minutes to 2 hours after the consumption and are the following:
- Excessive gas
- Bladder problems
- Vomiting, or need to vomit but not being able to
- Lethargy
- Behavioral changes
- Loss of coordination
- Depression
- Cardiac arrest and death – in the worst case scenario
If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately.
Conclusion
Bread is in general safe for dogs to eat, as long as you’re careful about the type of bread you’re feeding your dog. The best choice is homemade, whole grain bread. On the other hand, raisin, garlic and banana bread are definitely off-limits.
Even though bread is safe to eat, except the types mentioned above, it doesn’t have that much nutritional value for dogs. Furthermore, it could lead to weight gain and obesity. However, bread can be great when your dog has an upset stomach!
So, if your dog likes bread you can use it occasionally as a treat – just don’t overdo it and beware of the kind of bread.
