Bread is common in many human diets, whether you personally prefer whole wheat bread, gluten-free bread, banana bread, or garlic bread—or all of the above. With all that bread around, it’s pretty easy for pups to snatch a crust—or a slice.
Dogs can eat some types of bread safely, experts say, but it’s not the best food for them to eat regularly.
Many types of bread aren’t toxic to dogs, but bread contains mainly carbohydrates that can lead to weight gain if eaten in excessive amounts, says Dr Kathryn Dench, MA, VetMB, chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins.
If your dog eats a piece of plain white or wheat bread, they’ll probably be just fine. Of course, bread may upset their stomach if they have a wheat intolerance or sensitivity.
Read on to learn more about the possible benefits and risks of feeding bread to dogs, according to experts.
When Is Bread Dangerous For Dogs?
Some types of bread contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Toxic ingredients you may find in bread include:
Before you give your dog bread—or after your dog sneakily grabs a slice—check the ingredients list to make sure it doesn’t contain any of these ingredients. If you have any doubts about the ingredients, contact your vet and follow their directions.
You can also call the paid-for Animal PoisonLine.
Bread dough toxicosis
If your dog gets their paws on raw bread dough, the yeast that makes bread rise can activate in your dog’s stomach, expanding and causing their stomach to bloat.
This is a medical emergency, says Dr Mondrian Contreras, DVM, veterinary advisor for Pumpkin. If your dog has eaten raw bread dough that contains yeast, call your vet right away.
Other risks
Bread may also pose some other health risks for dogs, including:
- Allergies. Wheat is one of the most common food allergies in dogs. Dr Contreras says some dogs may have allergic reactions to wheat and need a gluten-free diet. Watch for major signs of food allergies, such as sneezing, skin rashes, or frequent scratching.
- Health concerns. Excessive bread consumption can lead to bloating or constipation, Dr Dench says. Foods high in fat or sugar can also contribute to conditions like obesity or pancreatitis, she adds. Eating a lot of bread can lead to weight gain over time, which can raise a dog’s risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and joint pain, Dr Contreras says.
- Dental issues. Bread that contains sugar can also cause tooth decay, especially if your dog doesn’t receive proper dental care, according to Dr Contreras.
What Types Of Bread Can Dogs Eat?
Some types of bread are safer for dogs than others.
| Type of bread | Safe for dogs? |
| White bread | Yes |
| Whole wheat bread | Yes |
| Sourdough bread | Yes, if it has no added ingredients |
| Rye bread | No, contains onion powder |
| Cinnamon bread | Maybe, if low in sugar and free of raisins and sugar substitutes |
| Banana nut bread | No |
| Garlic bread | No |
| Sugar-free bread | No |
| Raisin bread | No |
| Chocolate bread | No |
It’s always best to ask your vet if your dog can safely eat any kind of bread. They can offer more specific guidance based on your dog’s age, activity level, and overall health.
Does Bread Have Health Benefits For Dogs?
One slice of white bread has the following nutrients:
- 80 calories
- 1 gram of fat
- 3 grams of protein
- 14 grams of carbohydrates
Though dogs can eat a few bites of plain bread as a treat, bread doesn’t offer much in terms of nutrition, says Dr Contreras.
Still, Drs Contreras and Dench say bread may have a few other benefits for dogs, including:
- Soothing the stomach. White bread can help absorb excess stomach acid, Dr Contreras says.
- Easing constipation. Dr Contreras says whole wheat bread contains more fibre than white bread and can help keep a dog’s digestive tract moving.
- Disguising medication. Dr Dench says you can use bread to give your dog medication. If your dog doesn’t like to take pills, try pushing the pill into a piece of soft bread and giving it to them that way.
Potential drawbacks of bread for dogs include:
- excess carbohydrates and sugars
- possibility of allergic reactions
- digestive system disruption
- weight gain over time
- greater risk of diabetes
How To Feed Bread To Dogs
Drs Contreras and Dench agree that bread should only be an occasional treat in a dog’s diet.
“Your dog will likely be OK if they steal your sandwich crusts once in a while, but bread should not be a regular treat,” Dr Contreras says.
He adds that one quarter of a standard slice of bread should be enough to provide relief if you want to help settle your dog’s stomach.
Dr Dench recommends limiting bread to a once-weekly treat, at most, to avoid disrupting your dog’s diet.
When giving bread, she recommends the following feeding guidelines based on your dog’s size and weight:
- toy (0-4.5 kg or 0–10 pounds): a small bite-size piece
- small (4.5-9 kg or 10–20 pounds): up to a third of a standard bread slice
- medium (9-23 kg or 20–50 pounds): half a slice
- large (23-45 kg or 50–100 pounds): one slice
- giant (45+ kg or 100+ pounds): one and a half slices
She emphasises the importance of feeding dogs bread only in small amounts. Dogs require a balanced diet high in protein and fats, which bread doesn’t have. Breads without added sugars are also best for dogs.
Human foods and other treats you give your dog should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
If you’ve never given your dog bread before, it’s important to pay close attention and make sure they don’t experience any unusual symptoms that could point to an allergic reaction.
Alternatives To Bread For Dogs
If your dog snatches a piece of bread, you generally don’t need to worry. But if you’re offering them bread as a treat, plenty of other foods make better treat options for dogs.
Pet stores carry a wide variety of safe, healthy dog treats most dogs are bound to love. In fact, if your dog could talk, they might even say store-bought dog treats are the best thing since sliced bread!
You can also try making dog treats at home with an extra dash of love.
Some dog-friendly human foods our experts recommend include:
- unseasoned meat or fish
- raw or cooked sliced carrots
- green beans
- cucumbers
- apple slices
- blueberries
- banana slices
If your dog has an upset stomach, Dr Contreras says you can try offering plain, boiled chicken and white rice to help settle it.
As delicious as you might find bread, it’s not a common ingredient in dog food. Generally speaking, experts recommend giving it only in small amounts as a treat or medication disguise.
