Why only in moderation for dogs
Plain baked white or rye bread is not toxic to dogs. It is mostly starch and calories, with little of the protein a dog needs. So bread is not a harmful treat, but not a useful one either.
The danger is not the bread itself but what goes into it. Raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, chocolate and the sweetener xylitol are dangerous to dogs. Raw yeast dough is dangerous too: it rises in the stomach and produces alcohol.
How to give it
- Give only plain baked bread without seeds, nuts, raisins or seasoning.
- Give only a small piece.
- Do not give bread with butter, jam or other spreads.
- Give bread only now and then, not as part of the meal.
What to watch out for
- Bread with raisins, onions, garlic, nuts or chocolate can contain substances that are dangerous to dogs.
- Raw yeast dough rises in the stomach and produces alcohol, so if a dog eats some it needs a vet urgently.
- A lot of bread adds calories and can contribute to weight gain.
- A larger mouthful can cause bloating, and diarrhoea in a sensitive dog.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Baked bread
In moderationA small piece of plain baked bread is fine as an occasional treat.
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Raw yeast dough
DangerousRaw yeast dough is dangerous to a dog, because it rises in the stomach and produces alcohol.
What to give instead
- Rice Yes, plain cooked rice is fine for dogs: it is easy to digest, as long as it has no salt, seasoning or sauce. Safe
- Oatmeal Yes, cooked oatmeal is fine for dogs: just cook it in water, with no sugar, salt or anything added. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
- Sweet potatoes Yes, plain boiled or baked sweet potato without salt, butter or spices is fine for dogs, peeled and cut into small pieces. Safe
Looking for a treat?
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