Since dogs have different nutritional needs from humans, you might wonder if it’s safe for them to eat bread. In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not it’s safe for dogs to eat bread as well as any benefits or risks.
Dogs can eat bread, but it’s best to only give them a small amount at a time. For dogs, bread can be a good source of energy and carbohydrates. In some cases, it can also aid in digestion, but it’s important to remember that bread cannot take the place of the food your dog should regularly eat, such as meat or vegetables.
Humans most frequently consume whole-wheat bread, which has health benefits like fiber, protein, vitamin B, magnesium, and more. White bread lacks nutrients and can cause bloating in dogs if consumed frequently. However, this does not imply that these foods should never be given to dogs; simply give them bread in moderation or in small amounts.
More substantial vitamin-rich foods include cheese, bananas, eggs, honey, and even spinach.
Dogs can consume bread with no health risks, but this is not always the case. It is crucial to understand that there are superior substitutes, such as vegetables or fruits, and that bread shouldn’t take the place of meat as the main food source. Depending on the type of bread you feed your dog, breads can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including protein, magnesium, vitamin B12, iron, and many others. White bread has few nutrients and, when consumed frequently, can cause bloating due to its high carbohydrate content, which can also cause obesity in larger dog breeds. Before introducing your dog to any new foods, we advise you to consult your veterinarian.
What you need to know about bread and dogs
Vets don’t consider most bread toxic to dogs. The ingredients, toppings, and format in which it is consumed are problematic for your dog.
Dogs require high-protein diets. They can digest both plants and proteins because they are facultative carnivores (some people refer to them as omnivores), provided that protein is the main component of their daily diet.
Dogs’ digestive systems barely changed as they evolved from their ancestors. Their bodies still need a lot of protein, little fat and carbohydrate, and barely any grains.
The bodies of dogs’ ancestors stored extra fats and carbohydrates for use as energy when food wasn’t readily available. In domestic dogs, those excess carbs get stored too. However, because our dogs eat regularly, those carbohydrates accumulate and lead to weight gain.
Bread is a high-carbohydrate food. Its carbs turn to sugar (energy) in the body. There is no need to give your dog bread as a treat or as a regular part of their diet if you give them balanced dog food, healthy dog treats, and enough exercise.
Many dog parents try to avoid gluten, which is found in wheat bread. Even though veterinarians believe wheat bread to be a healthier option for your dog, some dogs can experience an allergic reaction to it. You can give your dog bread made with rice or coconut flour if it has a wheat allergy.
White bread can bind to foreign objects or ease stomach pain. However, consuming excessive amounts of food can lead to weight gain, which in turn can cause obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and joint pain.
Because they stick to the teeth and gums, bread sugars can damage your dog’s teeth. The sugars attract bacteria to the teeth, creating tooth decay. As the decay advances, it becomes a periodontal disease. By the age of three, most dogs have dental disease, according to veterinarians and studies.
As humans, we eat a lot of bread on a daily basis, but can our dogs eat bread too? Find out all you need to know on whether bread is good for dogs and the types to avoid with our guide.
Most people consume bread in some form on a daily basis, making it an essential part of the human diet. We can safely say that as a species we eat a lot of bread, whether it be toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, or a big slice of crusty bread to go with a stew or soup for dinner!
We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know from is bread good for dogs to the types to avoid. As a nation of dog lovers, we love to share everything with our dogs, and when they’re giving us their best puppy dog eyes as we tuck into our food, it begs the question: can dogs eat bread.
Yes and no. Dogs can eat bread, but only in moderation. For dogs eager to try this staple human food, small amounts of plain white or brown bread are acceptable, but they should only be given as very rare treats. Certain bread varieties may be toxic to your dog and contain extra ingredients.
Breads with chocolate chips, raisins, onions, and garlic, as well as some dessert bread may also contain xylitol, are added extras to watch out for. Macadamia nuts are toxic and all nuts are high in fat, which is bad for dogs. Similar to humans, it might be best to steer clear of bread if your dog has allergies. Always check with your vet if you’re concerned.
Dogs can eat bread, but we don’t recommend it because it’s bad for them. If you do decide to give your dog some bread, it must be plain, given in moderation, and should be a special treat. It’s crucial to keep in mind that treats should only comprise 10% or less of your dog’s diet, and you should only ever give them occasionally.
Like larger dogs, puppies can occasionally consume small amounts of bread, but there is no nutritional benefit. Before you give your dog bread, be aware of any allergies they might have. Make sure the bread doesn’t contain any toxic additives because your dog could get sick from them.
Given that it typically doesn’t cause any stomach upset, plain white bread is generally safe for dogs to eat. This is as long as they dont have any allergies.
Giving your dog your breadcrusts shouldn’t cause them any issues. However, it doesn’t offer them any nutritional advantages, so it won’t need to be included in their diet. Make sure there is no butter on the toasted crusts.
Wholemeal bread (or brown bread) is safe for dogs to eat, but it must be free of seeds, nuts, and fruits. Feeding whole-wheat bread to your dog won’t add any nutritional value to their diet.
Dogs cannot eat bread with any additives – including seeds. Dogs should not be fed bread containing seeds, chocolates, nuts, cinnamon, or dried fruits (like raisins).
Similar to untoasted bread, your dog can consume toast in moderation if they don’t have any allergies. Once more, there is no nutritional benefit to it, so there shouldn’t be any butter on the toast.
How can I feed my dog bread?
Our advice would be to avoid feeding your dog bread. Although it is acceptable in moderation as a snack, bread does not benefit your dog and, in some cases, it contains ingredients that can be dangerous. Instead, choose to give your dog nutritious treats like cooked lean meat and fresh vegetables.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that our dogs are not human beings.
We frequently eat dry toast to calm an upset stomach, but dogs don’t benefit from it in the same way that humans do. A bland diet of boiled chicken breast and rice is best for dogs who have stomach upset, but always consult your veterinarian before using any home remedies.
You now understand the response to the query, “Can dogs eat bread?” With our article on whether dogs can eat strawberries, you can learn more about feeding your dog and what you can include in their diet.
FAQ
How much bread can a dog eat?
Bloating, a serious issue for our animal friends, can also be brought on by bread. As a result, you should only give your dog very little bread as a treat on occasion. A crust is acceptable, but a whole slice is excessive. Additionally, you need to call your veterinarian if your dog somehow manages to eat the entire loaf.
Can bread cause blockage in dogs?
“If you give too much, the yeast in the bread can cause it to expand, which can lead to nausea, diarrhoea, or even a blockage.” If given frequently, bread can also make your dog gain weight. Depending on the type, a slice of bread contains typically 100 calories. It’s best to consider your dog’s size and portion appropriately.
Why dogs should not eat bread?
No, bread isn’t good for dogs. If you feed dogs too much bread, which has no nutritional value for them and is also packed with carbohydrates, they may put on weight. A balanced diet and premium dog food should provide all the nutrition your dog needs.
Does bread settle a dog’s stomach?
Plain white bread can also help calm your dog’s upset stomach, but dog owners should think twice before giving their pets slices of bread due to several health risks. However, never give raw dough to dogs.