Bread is a staple in our diets. From white and wholegrain to sourdough and gluten-free, many of us enjoy a tasty sandwich or a delicious piece of avocado toast for breakfast.
As pet parents, we often want to share what we’re snacking on with our four-legged friends. But can dogs eat bread?
We asked Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, a PetLab Co. veterinary consultant, to explain whether bread is good for dogs and what types are considered safe and harmful. We also discuss other precautions to keep in mind before feeding your canines this carb-heavy food.
Is Bread Good For Dogs?
Bread is not necessarily good for dogs, but it’s usually not harmful in small quantities. “I wouldn’t call bread good for dogs, but regular bread is safe and non-toxic for most healthy dogs,” says Dr. Koehler.
However, bread shouldn’t become a significant part of your dog’s diet as it doesn’t provide or offer the necessary nutrients dogs need.
One of the biggest risks when giving your dog bread is potentially toxic ingredients. “You should double check the ingredients in the bread as some breads can contain dangerous items like garlic, onion, or chocolate,” says Dr. Koehler. “Sourdough starter, raw yeast, and bread dough can be dangerous for dogs and should not be fed to them.”
What Bread Can Dogs Eat?
Bread is primarily made from flour, water, and yeast, which means it is packed with carbohydrates. While dogs need carbohydrates in their diet, they also need other nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals that are not often found in bread. If you’re planning to give dogs bread, make sure to do so in moderation.
The following types of bread are generally considered safe for dogs:
Plain White Bread
White bread is considered one of the safest options for dogs as long as it is served plain without any added ingredients like butter or jam.
Whole Grain Bread
Whole grain bread may be a slightly healthier option for dogs over white bread. If giving your dog whole grain bread, opt for choices without seeds.
Whole Wheat Bread
Plain, whole wheat bread is another popular bread choice for dogs. Similar to white bread, whole wheat bread should be served without butter, jelly, or other spreads.
Sourdough Bread
Baked sourdough bread is not toxic for dogs, and dogs may enjoy the sour taste and crispy crust as a once-in-a-while snack. But pet owners should take extra precautions if they are making sourdough bread at home since the uncooked dough can be extremely dangerous for dogs if eaten.
Corn Bread
It is fine to give dogs small amounts of plain corn bread if you are enjoying it during a barbecue. Corn bread is safe for dogs. However, just watch for added spicy ingredients like jalapenos or chillies since these ingredients may cause discomfort or digestive upset for pups.
Potato Bread
Soft and fluffy potato bread is okay to share with dogs, as long as it doesn’t contain any additional harmful ingredients. Potato bread recipes offer more potassium than white or wheat bread, and dogs are likely to enjoy the slightly sweet taste.
Bread with Moderate Risk for Dogs
Pet parents should take extra precautions to check the ingredients on the below bread types before feeding them to dogs:
Banana Bread
Bananas are good for dogs, so banana bread is typically okay for dogs to eat. But recipes that are made with chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, or high sugar content should never be given to dogs.
Rye Bread
Rye bread is usually a safe option for dogs. It is denser than wheat bread and has less gluten than white or wheat bread. However, it’s best to avoid rye slices with caraway seeds and dogs shouldn’t be given rye bread with onion and garlic on the ingredient list.
Pumpernickel Bread
Part of the rye family, plain pumpernickel bread is safe to feed dogs. But many pumpernickel recipes add in raisins or grapes, which can be toxic to dogs.
Pita Bread
As a staple side of Mediterranean dishes, pita bread is found in many homes. While plain pita bread is okay to give to dogs, many versions of this flatbread are made with spices (like onions and garlic) that can be harmful to dogs.
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin has many benefits for dogs, and plain pumpkin bread is okay for our canine companions in small quantities. However, pumpkin bread recipes may contain chocolate or potentially toxic spices like nutmeg, cloves, or cocoa powder.
Dangerous Bread for Dogs
While you should always check the ingredients on any bread that you are feeding your dogs or that your dog gets their paws on, the following ones are never safe for our canine companions:
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread should never be fed to dogs. If consumed in large amounts, garlic can be toxic to dogs and cause gastrointestinal upset and hemolytic anemia.
It’s not just the garlic that poses a threat. The butter, herbs, cheese, and large amounts of oil can upset your pup’s stomach and digestive system, too. Plus, garlic bread is packed with calories and fats, which are unhealthy for your dog.
Raisin Bread
Raisin bread should never be fed to dogs. “Raisins are toxic to dogs, so raisin bread can cause kidney failure, diarrhea, and vomiting,” says Dr. Koehler.
Veterinarians don’t yet know why raisins are toxic to some dogs. Some dogs will react with very few raisins while others seem more resistant to their toxic effects.
Bread Dough
If you’re someone who bakes your own bread, you know first-hand that the smell alone is amazing and incredibly enticing. But uncooked bread is extremely dangerous for dogs.
This is because the yeast will continue to release gas and ethanol in a dog’s stomach if consumed, leading to severe bloating – similar to gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition.
“The distention can affect the blood flow to the stomach, as well as make it hard for your dog to breathe,” says Dr. Koehler “Ethanol production can make your dog act intoxicated, as well.”
If your dog eats uncooked bread dough, take them to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. In some instances, surgery may be required.
Moldy Bread
Bread with mold growing on it should be thrown away in a secure location to prevent dogs from eating it. “While most dogs are going to be okay and only have mild stomach upset after eating moldy bread, it’s possible for moldy bread to contain mycotoxins, which can cause tremors or seizures,” says Dr. Koehler.
If you notice your dog has eaten moldy bread, contact your veterinarian to see if they recommend monitoring at home or inducing vomiting.
Can Dogs Eat Toast?
Toasted plain bread is okay for dogs in small amounts as long as it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. However, if the toasted bread is coated in butter or jelly, it’s best to avoid it. Butter is extremely fatty and salty, while jelly can contain high sugar content or dangerous artificial sweeteners, like xylitol.
Can Dogs Eat Bread Crust?
Dogs can eat plain bread crust or pizza crust, but it contains little to no nutritional benefits. A small piece of crust every now and then shouldn’t cause any bother, as long as it doesn’t have any butter, jam, or other toxic foods on it.
What If My Dog Eats a Whole Loaf of Bread?
If your dog snags a whole loaf of bread off of the counter and eats it, you might freak out and wonder if they will be okay. As long as the bread doesn’t contain toxic ingredients like garlic, onions, chocolate, and xylitol, it’s probably nothing to stress about.
“Most dogs who eat a whole loaf of bread will experience mild gastrointestinal upset that causes decreased appetite, vomiting, and/or diarrhea,” says Dr. Koehler. “You should be able to monitor for symptoms at home and then reach out to your veterinarian if they develop.”
However, if your dog eats a whole loaf of moldy bread or also eats the bread’s packaging, contact your veterinarian and follow their recommendations.
Can I Give My Dog Bread for an Upset Stomach?
It is a common belief that bread can help settle a dog’s upset stomach, but is it true? Turns out, giving dogs bread for an upset stomach is not a good idea.
“You should not give dogs bread for an upset stomach. Too much bread can cause stomach upset in dogs,” says Dr. Koehler. “If your dog’s stomach is upset and you’re noticing vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite, contact your veterinarian.”
Other Precautions When Feeding Dogs Bread
If you do want to share a couple pieces of safe bread with your dogs, it should only be done in moderation. Too much bread can lead to weight gain and digestive upset.
“Keep in mind that treats should not make up more than 10 percent of a dog’s total caloric intake,” says Dr. Koehler. “So bread should only be given to dogs as an occasional treat.”
Also, if your dog has been diagnosed with a health condition, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before offering bread as a snack.
“If your dog has chronic health conditions like diabetes or food allergies, bread could cause them to become sick,” says Dr. Koehler. “Speak with your veterinarian before feeding any new foods to your pet.”
Bread for Dogs: Final Thoughts
Just because dogs can eat some types of bread, it doesn’t mean that they should. Bread offers little to no nutritional value, so adding it to your dog’s diet won’t benefit them.
Avoid giving your dog bread containing raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, nuts, or artificial sweeteners.
Like with introducing anything new to your dog’s daily routine, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide you with personalized advice on what foods are safe for your individual dog and help you develop a well-balanced diet that meets your dog’s nutritional needs.
