Bread is consumed every day in almost all American homes. There are beautiful pictures of dog owners sharing a slice of bread with their dogs. But, the real question is, “Can dogs eat bread?” We answer it in this article by showing you the benefits and risks of dogs eating bread.
Dogs can eat bread but only if the bread is brown or plain white and in very limited amounts. Any other type of bread is harmful to dogs and will lead to an upset stomach. The bread should be given only in small portions and as an occasional snack. It shouldn’t be a part of their nutritional plan or diet.
As you share bread with your canine friend, don’t add any toppings like peanut butter, raisins, and nuts. Some ingredients that are toxic to dogs include garlic and onions.
Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Bread?
Dogs can safely eat very small portions of bread as long as it’s brown or plain white. Although bread is safe for dogs, it has no nutritional value. Bread contains lots of starch, and if your dog eats huge amounts of this food, it can lead to diabetes or obesity.
Similar to older dogs, bread for puppy is okay in small amounts only. Experts recommend that you only give your dog bread as a treat and in moderation. Even as a treat, it should form less than 10% of your dog’s diet.
If your dog is diabetic, don’t give them bread at all. Also, ensure that your dog isn’t allergic to wheat.
Risks of Feeding Bread to Dogs
Dogs and bread may look harmless, but there are certain risks if your dog eats bread in large amounts. These risks include:
Health Concerns
Bread contains a lot of starch and sugar and if your dog eats lots of bread 2-3 times per week, it can lead to diabetes or obesity. Bread should only be fed as an occasional snack very rarely.
Harmful Ingredients
Not all types of bread are good and safe for your dog. Certain types of bread like garlic bread are toxic for dogs as they are made with ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
Also, dogs shouldn’t eat raw dough. If you’re making bread at home from scratch, ensure that your dog doesn’t ingest the raw dough. The results can be fatal.
Toxic Bread Ingredients
Again, as mentioned above, bread for dogs is okay if given in moderation and only if the bread is brown or plain white. However, there are some ingredients used in bread making that are toxic to dogs. These toxic ingredients are:
What Types of Bread Can Dogs Eat?
Is bread good for dogs? It’s not good but okay. However, not all types of bread can be given to dogs. Some types of bread are harmful.
Types of bread that dogs can eat are:
Cornbread
Rye bread
Plain white bread
Sourdough bread
Whole wheat bread
Note! Before feeding your dog bread, ensure that they aren’t allergic to wheat.
Types of bread that your dogs should never eat because they contain toxic ingredients include:
Garlic bread
Raisin bread
Ginger bread
Conclusion
“Can dogs eat bread?” is one of the common questions within pet parents. While brown or plain white bread is okay for dogs, it has no nutritional value. Dogs can only eat bread as an occasional treat and in very small quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat pizza crust?
No. It contains toxic ingredients that are harmful to dogs. These toxic ingredients include cheese, onions, and garlic.
Can dogs eat sourdough bread?
Yes. However, it’s only good if your dog eats it in moderation.
Can dogs eat garlic bread?
No. Garlic is toxic for dogs and causes an upset stomach.
Can dogs eat banana bread?
No. Banana bread contains harmful ingredients for your dog. These ingredients are nutmeg, raisins, sugar, and macadamia nuts.
