Yes, dogs can eat wheat bread, but in moderation. Although feeding your dog wheat bread may not cause severe health issues, it can only be given as an occasional treat and can never be a part of a dog’s healthy diet. In addition, it doesn’t contain any nutritional values that can benefit your canines.
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What Is Wheat Bread?
Wheat bread is made of white and whole wheat flour, cultured by yeast, leavened and baked in the oven. Due to high gluten content, common wheat is used in this preparation. A staple in every kitchen, bread makes an enormous population’s human dietary needs. It looks brown as opposed to the traditional white bread.
Is Wheat Bread Safe for Dogs?
When offered as an occasional treat, wheat bread is safe for dogs. Remember, you can feed only a slice of plain wheat bread without any dog toxic ingredients to your pets. Some types of wheat bread may be dangerous to your canines. It may have added ingredients such as nuts (macadamia nuts are toxic, and all nuts are heavy in fat, which is bad for dogs). Additionally, wheat bread containing chocolate chips, raisins, onions, garlic, salt, and other spices is lethal to dogs. Hence, it is always better to check the ingredients first. Dogs cannot consume uncooked bread dough as well.
Why is Wheat Bread Good for Dogs?
Works as a pad: If your dog ingests a sharp object that you should not eat, such as beef or pork bone shards, bread may act as a “pad” to remove bone pieces or wood chips, preventing intestinal perforation and wading up string if eaten.
Relieves Gastrointestinal issues: If your dog has gastrointestinal problems, talk to your veterinarian about introducing high-fiber bread, such as whole wheat or grain-based bread. It reduces gastrointestinal issues and constipation in dogs.
Nutrients: Wheat bread is a high-quality dog food rich:
Iron
Magnesium
Fiber
Omega-3 fatty acid
Protein
Why is Wheat Bread Bad for Dogs?
With few benefits, wheat bread is not preferable for dogs as wholesome food. Here are some drawbacks of feeding wheat bread to your dogs.
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.
Dried Fruit and Raisins: Wheat bread with dried fruit and raisins can introduce gastrointestinal health risks. A dog that eats raisins is at immediate risk. That is critical; if you suspect your dog ate raisins (or grapes), do not panic and take your pup directly to the vet.
Butter and Oil: Dogs are strictly prohibited from consuming butter and oil, as they are greasy. Dog’s digestive system cannot tackle fatty elements properly. The consequences of consuming butter and oil are:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdomen pain
Gastrointestinal tract infection
Pancreatitis
Liver infections
Kidney damage
Salt: Dogs should not consume salt as it is hazardous to them. Sodium-ion poisoning is widespread in dogs. The consequences of sodium ion poisoning are:
Dehydration
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Depression
Tremors
Seizures
High temperature
Death
Spices and Seasonings: Some store-bought wheat bread may contain ingredients like garlic, onion, and other spices harmful to dogs. Vegetables in the allium family have thiosulfates. Symptoms of consuming such seasonings and herbs can cause:
Damages to red blood cells
Hemolytic anemia
Weakness
Inactive
Lethargy
Vomiting or nausea
Diarrhea
Pale gums
Elevated heart rate
Red or brown urine (discolored)
Breathlessness
Nuts like macadamia are toxic to dogs. These nuts can cause pancreatitis in dogs when consumed in excess. Some store-bought wheat bread may contain nuts. Symptoms of pancreatitis include:
Stomach pain
Prolonged vomiting
Prolonged diarrhea
Dehydration
Lack of appetite
Depression
Yeast: Yeast, added to make the dough soft and fluffy, is highly toxic for dogs. In addition, yeast can upset your dog’s digestive system.
Chocolate: Wheat bread containing chocolate chips in them can prove to be lethal to your dog. Chocolate never sits well with dogs. It is best to avoid this ingredient. Chocolate contains stimulants, caffeine, and theobromine, which increase heart rate. It might take several hours to show signs of indigestion. So, do not wait until it’s too late to contact your vet.
Common signs of chocolate poisoning in your dog include:
Hyperactivity
Anxiety
Panting
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Extremely rapid heart rate
Arrhythmias
Frequent urination
Tremors
Seizures
Death
Wheat or gluten allergy: Wheat grains have substances like gluten that give 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
Dough: The fermented dough can cause stomach bloating in dogs as the ethanol in yeast can cause alcohol poisoning. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs are:
If untreated, alcohol poisoning results in organ failure and even death in severe cases. Even a tiny slice of bread without dog-friendly ingredients can be lethal to your dog.
Xylitol: Your wheat bread with peanut butter is an excellent dessert but not for your pet! Peanut butter contains Xylitol, an artificial sweetener dangerous for dogs. They are strictly prohibited for dogs to consume. The consequences of consuming these elements are:
Obesity
Diabetes
Weight gain
Fat
Lack of coordination
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Convulsions
Tremors
Seizures
Muscle cramp
Degradation of coat and skin
Rapid heart rate
Hypoglycemia
Liver diseases
Coma
Death
How Much Wheat Bread to Feed Your Dog?
It is best if your dog is fed tiny amounts of wheat bread as an occasional treat. If baking this treat at home, ensure that you cut them into small pieces and give your dog sparingly over time. Always be careful of their limits.
How to Serve Wheat Bread to Your Dog?
You can serve wheat bread in the following ways to your canine:
Offer only that wheat bread that is plain, free of artificial sweeteners or dog-toxic ingredients.
Cut bread into bite-size pieces as a dog-treat.
You can mix the cut slices with your dog’s food.
What if My Dog Ate Wheat Bread?
Symptoms of accidentally feeding your dog wheat bread with toxic ingredients are:
Increased heart rate
Retching
Vomiting
Bloating
Low blood pressure
Weakness
Lethargy
Respiratory problems
Seizures
Coma
You should see a vet immediately if your dog suffers from the above or other dangerous side effects after eating wheat bread.
Alternatives to Wheat Bread
You can also choose better and healthier alternatives for your dog. Some are listed below:
Yes, dogs can eat banana bread in moderation. Bananas are healthy for canines, but the sugar and fat content added to prepare it can cause some ailments like tooth decay, weight gain, and diabetes.
Yes, dogs can eat plain white bread but as an occasional treat.
Why Do Dogs Like Bread So Much?
Dogs may love the bland flavor of the bread. However, regular intake gives a different taste and texture, making dogs love bread.
Can dogs eat bread crusts?
Yes, dogs can eat bread crusts as an occasional treat. However, please check if they contain harmful ingredients and feed your dog.
Can dogs eat multigrain bread?
No, dogs should not eat multigrain bread as it contains nuts and grains toxic to your dogs.
Can dogs eat pumpkin bread?
Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin bread in moderation. Kindly check if it contains chocolate or nuts.
Final Thoughts
Yes, dogs can eat wheat bread as long as it is plain. It doesn’t matter if the bread is untoasted or toasted; the only thing that matters is whether it is free from sauces and seasonings. However, do not overfeed your dog with bread, as it is high in carbs and provides little nourishment. It poses few risks as long as the ingredients are safe for your dog as an occasional snack. Finally, anytime your dog eats something unfamiliar, it is best to watch for unusual signs or symptoms. Keep the local poison control hotline number easily accessible in an emergency.
