As pet owners, it’s important to ensure our four-legged friends get the best nutrition possible. Dog owners may be unsure if wheat bread is a suitable addition to their pet’s diet. It’s a common misconception that wheat bread is unhealthy for dogs, and one which needs dispelling. There is a wealth of information available which can help us make informed decisions about the food we feed our pets. This blog post will discuss the safety of wheat bread for dogs, in order to provide clarity for pet owners and help them make the best dietary decisions for their furry friends.
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.
Can Dogs Eat Bread And Butter?
Butter contains salt. The effects of sodium ion poisoning, which can result from consuming too much salt, include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, an increase in body temperature, seizures, and even death.
A small amount of butter won’t kill your dog, but you might get some unpleasant side effects like stinky farts and diarrhea. In addition to causing digestive issues, milk and dairy products can also set off food allergies.
Is Bread Good or Bad for Dogs?
As delicious as bread is for us humans, each person’s dietary requirements, preferences, and allergies determine whether or not it is “good” or “bad.” The same applies to our canine companions, too.
“While [bread] is not bad for dogs, it is typically not recommended unless there may be a medical benefit from it, as dogs are not meant to digest bread,” says Laura Robinson, DVM, Lead Veterinary Advisor to Pawp. “In general, it is safe if you are feeding plain white or wheat bread, but some ingredients are not recommended because they are either toxic or can make them sick.”
FAQ
How much wheat bread can a dog eat?
A small bite or two is safe, but if your dog consumed an entire loaf, there is cause for concern. Too much could rupture a dog’s stomach and intestines.
Why is bread not good for dogs?
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.
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.
Which is better for dogs rice or wheat?
Domestic dogs can safely eat and digest wheat. This grain is a superior supply of easily absorbed carbohydrates, which your dog uses as fuel. In formulas with meat, wheat is a good source of supplementary protein. The ideal form of this grain for dogs is whole wheat.