Yes, dogs can eat bread. It is safe for dogs to eat bread as long as they are fed in moderation. Plain white or wheat bread is generally considered safe for dogs to eat if they do not have any allergies, and it seldomly causes stomach trouble.
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What Is Bread?
A staple found in every kitchen, bread comprises a large population’s human dietary needs. The ingredients included are flour, water, yeast, or other leavening agents mixed, kneaded into dough, and baked. It can be a rich source of carbohydrates and B vitamins with appropriate ingredients that increases its nutritional value.
Nutritional Value of White Bread Per Slice (25 grams)
Serving size 1 slice (25 grams)
Calories – 67
Total fat – 1 gram
Carbs – 13 grams
Protein – 2 grams
Fiber – 0.6 grams
Thiamine – 8% of the RDI
Folate – 7% of the RDI
Sodium – 7% of the RDI
Manganese – 6% of the RDI
Selenium – 6% of the RDI
Riboflavin – 5% of the RDI
Niacin– 5% of the RDI
Iron – 5% of the RDI
Bread had a crucial role in the development of early human cultures. Wheat was domesticated in the Fertile Crescent, and cultivation extended north and west through Europe and North Africa, as well as east to East Asia. This, in contrast to the nomadic lifestyle, resulted in the establishment of settlements, which gave rise to increasingly sophisticated forms of social structure. Similar developments occurred with maize in the Americas and rice in Asia.
Is Bread Safe for Dogs?
Bread is safe for dogs in moderation. Small amounts of regular white or brown bread can be given to dogs as a treat during training, but only as a last option.
Some types of bread may be hazardous to your dog and may have added ingredients such as nuts (macadamia nuts are toxic, and all nuts are heavy in fat, which is bad for dogs). Additionally, bread containing chocolate chips, raisins, onions, garlic, and some dessert bread may include xylitol, so always check the ingredients first. Dogs cannot consume uncooked bread dough as well.
Why Is Bread Good for Dogs?
You can eat dry toast to calm your stomach if you have an upset stomach. Many dog owners believe the same is true for dogs with gastrointestinal problems. Feed him a bland diet rather than using bread to calm your dog’s stomach. For gastrointestinal disorders, the Merck Veterinary Manual suggests eating a mixture of cooked white rice and boiled boneless skinless chicken or low-fat cottage cheese but avoiding carb-laden, sugar-filled white bread, which can cause bloating.
However, because it is not nutritionally balanced, this advice is intended for short-term use. It is best to seek advice from your veterinarian regarding your pet’s individual needs. If your dog ingests a sharp object that should not be provided to your pet, such as beef or pork bone shards, bread may assist, but it is always advisable to consult your veterinarian first. Bread may act as a “pad” to remove bone pieces or wood chips, preventing intestinal perforation and wading up string if eaten.
If your dog has gastrointestinal problems, talk to your veterinarian about introducing high-fiber bread, such as whole wheat or grain-based bread. Avoid plain white bread and French bread since they are low in nutritional value. Most pets do not need supplements if they are fed a high-quality, well-balanced dog diet.
Why Is Bread Bad for Dogs?
Bread containing the following ingredients can be bad for dogs:
Nuts: Macadamia nuts are very dangerous to dogs. Furthermore, all nuts are heavy in fat, which might cause pancreatitis in your pet.
Chocolate chips – Although banana bread is a great treat, it is frequently served with chocolate. So keep your dog’s paws off this tasty treat.
Problems Caused by Excessive Consumption of Sugar in Dogs:
Tooth decay.
Nausea.
Loss of appetite.
Diabetes.
Obesity.
Diarrhea.
Stomach soreness.
Stomach inflammation.
Raisins: In the morning, thick slices of raisin-studded bread make delicious toast, but don’t invite your dog to join you for breakfast. Raisins can induce kidney damage in dogs very quickly.
Onions and Garlic: Your dog already has doggie breath, so adding onions and garlic to the mix is not a good idea. What is worse than having bad breath? Along with damaging your dog’s red blood cells, onions and garlic can also cause anemia.
The Symptoms of Onion and Garlic Poison are given below:
Onions or garlic odor on the breath
Irritation of the mouth
Excessive salivation
Vomiting
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Signs of abdominal pain
Weakness
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Panting (tachypnea)
Exercise intolerance
Collapse
Pale or bluish gums
Xylitol: Dessert bread and xylitol-sweetened peanut butter loaves should be avoided. This sugar substitute can produce dangerously low blood sugar levels and liver failure.
Bread Dough: Keep your dog away from the dough if you prefer preparing your fresh bread from scratch. If your dog scarfs down your bread dough when you’re not looking, her stomach will provide the ideal circumstances for the bread to grow and expand. Stomach bloat can be caused by rising bread dough, but the actual problem is the ethanol generated by the yeast. Since ethanol is readily absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream, it can get alcohol poisoning.
Be careful of the following symptoms, which may emerge 30 minutes to 2 hours after your pet consumes bread dough:
A heart rate that is too fast
Retching and vomiting are unproductive.
Abdominal distension
Depression caused by the brain
Hypothermia
Blood pressure that is too low
Seizures
Unstable gait
Failure of the respiratory system
Weakness
Coma
Wheat or gluten allergy: Wheat grains have substances like gluten. Wheat flour has this gluten, which gives the dough an elastic texture. Some humans and dogs are prone to this type of allergy. The signs of gluten allergy include:
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Constipation
Fatigue
Heartburn
Anxiety
Anemia
Calories: Too many calories are not suitable for your pups. Obesity is a problem for dogs as in humans. An excess amount of calories will make your furry friend obese at a later stage. That may have immediate adverse effects and also lead to serious health problems.
Sugar: Sugar is not suited for dogs. Many dogs have a sweet tooth! Your dogs enjoy feeding on sugary bites. If they get used to it, they will even start craving it. Sugar may cause dental problems, like tooth cavities.
Further, constant sugar intake will gradually cut down your dog’s metabolism. This might lead to weight gain and, if the diet is not changed, diabetes. Diabetes is a severe condition that will shorten your pup’s life span.
How Much Bread to Feed Your Dog?
It is not necessary to feed bread to your dog. In case you want to do it, do it only in moderation. It would be in your best interest if you would consult the veterinarian before serving bread to your dog.
How to Serve Bread to Your Dog?
Bread can be served in the following ways to your dog:
Cut bread into bite-size pieces as a dog-treat.
A slice of bread is cut into pieces and mixed with your dog’s feed.
Bread that is plain, free of artificial sweeteners or dog-toxic ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (180 degrees Celsius).
Combine flour, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large mixing basin and stir well.
With a fork, mash bananas in a small bowl.
Whisk together the bananas, honey, egg, and almond milk until well blended.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Make sure the dough is level before placing it in a loaf pan.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and for 45 to 50 minutes bake it.
Before serving, make sure the bread has thoroughly cooled.
Peanut Butter Sandwich
You can make a peanut butter sandwich for your dog.
If baking is not your thing, a simple snack of little peanut butter sandwiches will suffice. Your dog can enjoy this treat with just a tiny bit. This snack can also be used as a pill pocket to conceal your pet’s regular medications or supplements. Always go for basic white or wheat bread free of xylitol, nuts, or raisins.
What If My Dog Ate Bread?
Symptoms of accidentally feeding your dog bread with toxic ingredients are:
Increased heart rate
Vomiting
Retching
Bloating
Weakness
Low blood pressure
Lethargy
Respiratory problems
Seizures
Coma
You should see a vet instantly if your dog suffers from the above or other dangerous side effects after eating bread.
Yes, dogs can eat banana bread in moderation. Bananas are healthy for canines, but the sugar and fat content added to make it can cause some ailments like tooth decay, weight gain, and diabetes.
Why Do Dogs Like Bread So Much?
Dogs may love the bland flavor of the bread. However, regular dog food gives a different taste and texture that can make dogs love bread.
Conclusion
Yes, dogs can eat white or brown bread as long as it is plain. It doesn’t matter if the bread is plain or toasted; the only thing that matters is kept plain. However, do not overfeed your dog with bread, as it is high in carbs and provides little nourishment.
Provide your dog with a complete meal like puree instead of bread to keep them fuller for longer. Puree provides all the nutrients and the correct quantity of carbs your dog needs to keep them fuller for longer. In addition, puree’s carbs are complex, resulting in a gradual sugar release that provides your dog the energy they require throughout the day, rather than the sugar highs and lows that might occur with some chemically-fueled dog diets.
