- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Generally speaking, dogs want a bite of whatever you’re eating, and bread is no exception. Dogs can eat some types of bread safely, vets say, but the type does matter.
Small amounts of plain white and wheat bread are safe for dogs as an occasional treat, according to Dr. Paige Adams, a veterinarian with Etowah Veterinary Hospital.
However, bread isn’t the healthiest treat for dogs, since it contains empty calories that can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Many breads may also contain ingredients harmful or toxic to dogs.
So, before you give in to the puppy dog eyes and share your sandwich, it’s important to check the type of bread you’re eating and its ingredients.
Below, learn more about when it’s safe for dogs to have a bite of bread—and when to call your vet if they help themselves.
Risks of Eating Bread for Dogs
Dogs are omnivores, which means they can digest wheat and other grains.
Of course, while most dogs can eat plain bread, that doesn’t always mean they should. Both white and wheat bread are high in carbohydrates, and dogs don’t necessarily need carbs unless they’re pregnant or nursing puppies.
Bread is also a high-calorie food for dogs. One slice of white bread contains 66 calories. That’s nearly 9% of the recommended daily calories for an adult dog weighing 20 pounds. Dogs who eat more calories than they burn may put on extra weight.
Eating too much bread can also pose the following health risks:
- Allergies: Dogs can have wheat allergies, just like people. Dogs with wheat allergies who eat bread may develop stomach troubles or skin issues, like hot spots and hair loss.
- Dental issues: The added sugar in many breads can contribute to dental issues.
- Bloating: While fiber is great for dogs in moderation, too much can cause gas and bloating.
- Diabetes: Dogs who eat excess sugar and carbs have a higher risk of developing diabetes, which can cause dangerous health issues like cataracts or kidney failure.
- Toxicity: Some breads may contain toxic ingredients, like xylitol, chocolate chips, spices, or raisins. If your dog eats bread containing any of these ingredients, call your emergency vet right away!
When Is Plain Bread OK for Dogs?
While bread doesn’t make the best treat for dogs, most dogs can eat small amounts of plain wheat or white bread without cause for concern.
What’s more, since bread does contain fiber, on rare occasions your vet might suggest small amounts of bread to help soothe digestive issues. Just check with them first before trying a home remedy.
Some vet-approved ways to give your dog plain bread include:
- Disguising medicine: You can tuck a pill into a piece of soft bread for a DIY pill pocket.
- Easing constipation: Wheat bread contains fiber, which may help a constipated dog, says Dr. Mondrian Contreras, veterinary advisor for Pumpkin. More nutritious foods, like plain pumpkin puree, can also do the trick.
- Soothing the stomach: Dr. Contreras says bread may help absorb excess stomach acid in dogs with upset stomachs. But again, make sure to ask your vet first.
Bread serving sizes
If you do share some plain bread with your pup, it’s important to limit the amount you give them.
Here are some suggested serving sizes from Dr. Kathryn Dench, holistic veterinarian and Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins:
- Toy (0–10 pounds): A small bite-sized piece
- Small (10–20 pounds): Up to a third of a standard bread slice
- Medium (20–50 pounds): Half a slice
- Large (50–100 pounds): One slice
- Giant (100+ pounds): One and a half slices
Dr. Dench also recommends limiting plain bread to a once-weekly snack, at most.
Safe and Unsafe Types of Bread for Dogs
Breads come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. And while you might enjoy any and all types of bread, you shouldn’t always share with your pup. Many breads have toxic ingredients or lots of sugar, which is also dangerous for dogs.
The guide below can help you decide which types of bread are generally safe for dogs. Just keep in mind that it’s only a guide. Always check the ingredient label before sharing any food with your dog, and contact your vet right away if your dog accidentally eats something with harmful ingredients.
Safe: White bread
Plain white bread comes from wheat, which dogs can digest. But white flour is more refined than whole wheat flour, which means it’s not as nutritious.
For homemade treats with healthier ingredients, try Rover’s recipes for peanut butter pupcakes or pizza bones!
Safe: Wheat bread
Plain wheat bread contains more fiber and vitamins than white bread. So your dog can safely have a bite or two, though the number of bites depends on their size.
Keep in mind, too, that dogs can still gain weight or develop indigestion if they eat too much wheat bread.
Safe: Wholemeal bread
“Wholemeal” is often used interchangeably with “whole grain,” but it’s a little different. Wholemeal is made with flour milled from all three layers of wheat, giving it more fiber and nutrients than other breads. Whole-grain breads often contain other grains, like oat or barley, in addition to wheat.
Since it’s still made from wheat, plain wholemeal bread is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. However, Dr. Dench cautions that the higher fiber content may not agree with every dog’s stomach!
Safe: White, wheat, or wholemeal crusts
If you want to share your lunch with your pup, Dr. Adams says that sandwich crusts from plain white or wheat bread can make a nice occasional treat!
Just make sure the crusts don’t have any traces of condiments, like mustard or mayonnaise. And if your dog is on the smaller side, you may want to rip the crust into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Safe: Plain toast
Toast from a plain piece of white, wheat, or wholemeal bread can be a safe treat in moderation. Just stick with small portions for small dogs!
It’s also important to leave the toast unbuttered—the high fat content in butter can lead to pancreatitis in dogs with sensitive stomachs, according to Dr. Dench.
Safe: Plain pita bread
Whole wheat pita bread is very similar to regular wheat bread, so dogs can safely have a taste. That said, it’s denser than regular bread, so you may want to offer a smaller piece.
Unsafe: Sourdough bread
Sourdough bread gets its rise from a fermented sourdough starter instead of regular yeast.
The fermentation process adds more lactic acid bacteria to the finished bread. These bacteria have benefits for people, but they can cause bloating and other stomach distress in dogs, Dr. Dench explains.
Unsafe: Pumpkin bread
While dogs can eat plain pumpkin, they shouldn’t eat pumpkin bread. This quick bread contains a lot of sugar and may also contain toxic ingredients.
For example, nutmeg, a staple of pumpkin spice mix, is toxic to dogs and can cause issues ranging from stomach upset to seizures. While the small amount used in recipes doesn’t usually cause intense effects, it’s safest to avoid it altogether.
Unsafe: Hawaiian rolls
Hawaiian rolls can make a delicious base for the sliders and cheesy bread many people enjoy, but experts say dogs should pass.
One King’s Hawaiian roll contains 5 grams of sugar—five times the amount of sugar in a slice of plain white bread. The added sugar can contribute to obesity and dental disease, Dr. Dench explains.
Unsafe: Seeded breads
Dogs can safely eat some seeds, like sesame and sunflower seeds, Dr. Dench says. However, other seeds can pose choking hazards – especially for smaller dogs.
Since it can be hard to tell what types of seeds a bread contains on sight, Dr. Dench recommends avoiding seeded breads altogether.
Unsafe: Gingerbread
Gingerbread may be a favorite holiday treat for many people, but it contains nutmeg, which is a no-go for dogs.
For a festive alternative treat, try our dog-safe gingerbread cookie recipe or our homemade gingerbread dog house!
Unsafe: Rye
“Rye bread is often dense and can be harder for dogs to digest,” Dr. Dench explains.
Plus, commercial rye bread can contain seeds that are toxic or pose a choking hazard.
Unsafe: Banana bread
Along with plenty of sugar, banana bread can contain toxic ingredients, like walnuts or chocolate chips.
That said, while it’s best to keep banana bread safely out of your pup’s reach, bananas themselves can make a delicious treat for dogs. Try these frozen banana bites!
Unsafe: Garlic bread
Garlic is toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In extreme cases, it can also cause more serious issues, like anemia and collapsing.
So, play it safe and keep even the tiniest bit of garlic bread away from your dog.
Unsafe: raw bread dough
It’s important to keep your bread dough away from your pups.
Raw bread dough is very dangerous for dogs due to the yeast content, Dr. Adams explains.
Yeast dough can continue to expand inside your dog’s stomach after they eat, which can block their digestive tract and potentially require surgical intervention. Yeast can also ferment in your dog’s stomach, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.
“If you suspect your dog ingested raw bread dough, reach out to your veterinarian or the closest emergency vet right away,” Dr. Adams says.
Takeaway
“Bread itself isn’t toxic, but it’s nutritionally empty for dogs,” Dr. Dench says.
While dogs can safely eat plain breads made with wheat or white flour, other foods, like pumpkin puree or cooked sweet potatoes, can provide more fiber and nutrition.
Try these nutritious, dog-safe recipes to bake your pup the perfect healthy snack:
