Bread is a common staple in most kitchens, and our furry friends love when we leave sandwich crusts on the floor or kitchen table for them to gobble up.
Sometimes, they’re even lucky enough to be given a slice, or even a full sandwich!
Bread makes up a large part of our diets, but is it also safe for dogs?
Can dogs digest bread?
Find out whether or not bread is safe for dogs, some toxic bread ingredients to avoid, and the dangers of bread dough to your dog.
We even have a dog-friendly banana bread recipe for your pup.
Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Bread?
A small amount of plain white or wheat bread shouldn’t harm your dog, as long as they do not have a wheat allergy.
A good rule of thumb is not to over-indulge them on bread as it is added calories without any real nutrients. So, don’t rely on bread as a full meal for your dog.
Like with any foods, overconsumption will lead to weight gain and obesity, causing health issues for your pup.
Also, be sure to check the ingredient list carefully to avoid giving your dog toxic ingredients.
Keep an eye out for the following.
- Raisins. These dried fruits are often found in baked goods and bread, but raisins are very toxic for dogs. Even if your dog could be one of those who can handle raisins without the nasty side effects, it’s best to keep them out of reach of your canine friend.
- Garlic. Garlic bread may smell great for you and your dog, but it can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
- Xylitol. This artificial sweetener, found in certain brands of baked goods, is also poisonous to dogs.
- Nuts. Some nuts are safe for your dogs, while others, like macadamia, are not. Nevertheless, it is best to avoid all kinds of nuts in bread as they can lead to stomach irritation and even pancreatitis.
- Chocolate chips. Even though banana bread is a delicious treat, it’s often paired with chocolate. Keep your pup’s paws off this sweet snack.
These ingredients have different degrees of toxicity for dogs and can cause anything from diarrhea to pancreatitis or even renal failure.
Can Dogs Digest Bread?
As mentioned, eating a small amount of plain bread is safe for your dog, so it’s unlikely that it will cause an upset stomach. In fact, some experts say that bread is good for dogs with an upset stomach!
For instance, when they have eaten something with sharp points or edges, eating bread can let the foreign material pass more safely through their stomach.
Bread can also come to the rescue if they have eaten a long piece of string, yarn, or thread.
Bread is indeed helpful in managing your furry friend’s upset stomach, unless they have a diagnosed allergy in wheat.
If you know your dog can’t eat wheat, then you can treat your dog’s upset stomach by feeding them a bland diet of rice and boiled chicken.
Don’t Feed Your Dog Bread Dough
If you like making your homemade bread at home, then keep the dough away from your furry friend. Consuming dough will cause it to rise and expand in their stomach, leading to bloating.
You should also beware of the dough when your dog is around since the yeast can release ethanol. If ethanol gets into your dog’s bloodstream, they will fall victim to alcohol poisoning.
Here are some signs of alcohol poisoning caused by bread dough, which may appear anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingesting it.
- neurological depression
- distended abdomen
- elevated heart rate
- unproductive retching and vomiting
- low blood pressure
- hypothermia
- seizures
- respiratory failure
- unsteady gait
- weakness
- coma.
Rush your dog to the emergency room as soon as you find out they have ingested bread dough.
Will Yeast Worsen A Dog’s Skin Infection?
Yeast in the bread and yeast on your dog’s skin are two different things that share a name. There is no connection between your dog eating yeast and suffering from a skin infection.
In fact, yeast is also found in some dog food products. It’s a dried, non-active ingredient that is made through fermentation of beer. Yeast only becomes dangerous when bread dough is consumed.
Is Gluten-Free Bread Better for Dogs?
We recommend keeping wheat and grains in a dog’s menu unless there’s a health reason to avoid gluten.
Your dog will benefit from a gluten-free diet if they have a wheat allergy. Dogs that are not allergic to wheat will only lose out on a valuable source of energy and fiber when you feed them a gluten-free diet.
Even if you think that your dog is allergic to wheat, don’t go grain-free immediately. Seek the advice of a vet, as most food allergies in dogs are related to animal protein.
They will help you rule out more common culprits, such as beef, eggs, dairy, and soya.
Banana Bread for Dogs Recipe
Want to prepare a yummy and healthy bread that is safe for your dog? PetGuide shares a recipe for banana bread that is made specifically for fur babies.
Prepare the following:
- 2 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
- 2 bananas mashed
- ⅛ cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ cup coconut or almond milk
See the full recipe here!
If you’re still unsure about giving bread to your dog, look for other soft treats instead! We recommend HILL’S Grain F/ree Soft-Baked Naturals Dog Treats.
These training treats also make a good snack for your furry friend because they provide the right balance of flavor and nutrition in every satisfying bite.
This chewy dog treat comes in four different flavors which are all made naturally without artificial preservatives and flavorings.
So, Should You Feed Your Dog Bread?
As long as it is given in small amounts, bread is safe for dogs that are not allergic to wheat. It can even aid in digestion if your dog accidentally swallowed thread or foreign materials with sharp points.
If you want to bake your own bread for your dog, try making some dog-friendly banana bread that is guaranteed yummy and healthy.
