Can Dogs Eat Bread?
Yes, a piece now and then: plain white or whole wheat bread with no raisins, nuts, seeds or garlic. Raw yeast dough, on the other hand, is dangerous.
What it gives your dog
Plain bread is not toxic, but it provides little more than calories: about 250-270 kcal per 100 g, mostly starch. It also contains salt; in Spain, regular bread is capped at about 1.3 g per 100 g. A small piece will not hurt a healthy dog, but if it becomes a habit, it contributes to weight gain.
Some breads are a problem: raisin bread, bread with walnuts or other nuts, garlic or herb bread, and sweet breads (brioche, panettone, milk bread) with sugar, butter or chocolate. Seeded breads are not toxic in themselves, but they add fat and some mixes include walnuts. And above all, raw yeast dough: in the warm stomach it keeps fermenting, swells and produces ethanol. It can cause stomach distension and alcohol poisoning, and it is an emergency.
How to serve it
- Plain white or whole wheat bread, fresh or toasted, in a small piece
- No raisins, walnuts, seeds, garlic, herbs or chocolate
- No butter, garlic, oil or cold cuts on top
- Never raw dough or frozen par-baked bread that has not been baked
How much can they eat?
Occasionally, not daily: small dog (under 10 kg / 22 lb), a small piece of about 10 g (the heel of a baguette); medium dog (10-25 kg / 22-55 lb), 15-25 g; large dog (over 25 kg / 55 lb), 25-40 g. A slice of sandwich bread weighs about 25 g.
Risks
- Raw yeast dough: stomach distension and alcohol poisoning
- Bread with raisins, walnuts, garlic or chocolate
- Calories and weight gain if given often
- Salt, in large amounts
- Wheat allergy or sensitivity in some dogs
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my dog eats raw bread or pizza dough?
It is an emergency. The yeast keeps fermenting in the warmth of the stomach: the dough swells, can distend the stomach badly and produces ethanol, which passes into the blood and causes alcohol poisoning. Call your vet as soon as you notice, even if your dog seems fine, and do not try to make them vomit yourself. Tell them how much dough is missing and when it was eaten.
Can dogs eat toast or breadsticks?
A piece of plain toast with nothing on it is just as safe as regular bread. Breadsticks, crackers and pretzels contain more salt and oil, and some contain garlic or seeds; one now and then is fine, but they are not a good treat. Toast with butter, garlic or pâté, never.
Can dogs eat sandwich bread or pastries?
Plain sandwich bread, in a small piece, yes. Pastries, no: muffins, croissants, donuts or brioche contain sugar and lots of fat, and some include chocolate, raisins or sweeteners such as xylitol in "sugar-free" versions. A dropped crumb is not a problem, but if your dog ate several pastries, check the ingredients and watch for vomiting and diarrhea.
General information reviewed against veterinary sources. If your dog has eaten something that worries you, call your vet or a 24-hour emergency vet right away, without waiting for symptoms.