Can Dogs Eat Bread? The Truth About Bread in a Dog’s Diet
Can dogs eat bread? Discover the facts about feeding bread to your dog, including which types are safe, which to avoid, and a simple dog-friendly bread recipe.
As dog owners, it’s natural to want to share a bite of our meals with our pets—especially something as common and comforting as bread. But is bread safe for dogs? The short answer is: sometimes—but it depends on the ingredients, portion size, and your dog’s individual health needs.
In this evidence-based guide, we’ll explore:
Whether dogs can eat bread safely
Common ingredients that may be harmful
Potential health risks of feeding bread
How much bread is too much
A dog-friendly bread recipe you can make at home
Let’s break it down.
What’s Actually in Bread—and Why It Matters
Bread might seem simple, but its ingredients can vary significantly. Most traditional bread includes:
Flour – Usually wheat flour, which is safe for most dogs unless they have a wheat or gluten sensitivity.
Water – Harmless for dogs.
Yeast – Used to make the dough rise, but dangerous when raw.
Salt – Fine in small amounts, but too much can lead to dehydration or sodium toxicity.
Sugar, butter, or milk – Added for taste, but these can upset your dog’s stomach, especially if they are lactose-intolerant.
Other ingredients like seeds, dried fruit, or herbs can also sneak into artisanal breads—and that’s where things get risky.
Is Bread Safe for Dogs?
Plain white or whole wheat bread, given occasionally and in small amounts, is generally safe for most healthy dogs. But the devil is in the detail. Let’s look at what to watch out for.
1. Toxic Additives in Bread
Some breads contain ingredients that are dangerous—or even deadly—to dogs:
Raisins or grapes – Extremely toxic and can cause acute kidney failure.
Garlic and onions – Can lead to haemolytic anaemia and damage red blood cells.
Xylitol – A common sweetener in "sugar-free" breads that is highly toxic to dogs.
Chocolate – Never safe for dogs and may cause neurological symptoms or death.
Always check the ingredients list before sharing bread with your dog.
2. Raw Dough is a Medical Emergency
Unbaked bread dough with active yeast is extremely dangerous. Yeast continues to ferment inside a dog’s warm stomach, producing gas and alcohol. This can lead to:
Gastric dilation (bloat)
Alcohol poisoning
Vomiting and collapse
If your dog eats raw dough, contact your vet immediately.
3. Watch the Portion Size
Bread is high in carbohydrates and calories, but low in nutritional value for dogs. Feeding too much can contribute to:
Weight gain
Obesity-related diseases
Elevated blood sugar levels
Dogs with diabetes, pancreatitis, or those on calorie-controlled diets should avoid bread altogether.
4. Can Dogs Be Gluten Intolerant?
Some dogs—like some people—do show signs of gluten sensitivity. This may include:
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Bloating
Itchy skin or ear infections
If you suspect a gluten issue, skip bread containing wheat and consult your vet or a canine nutritionist for an elimination plan.
Risks of Feeding Bread to Dogs
Bread may be a common human food, but it’s far from a canine superfood. Risks include:
Weight Gain – High carbohydrate content adds unnecessary calories.
Digestive Upset – Too much bread can cause bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea.
Allergies – Wheat and gluten can trigger food sensitivities.
Toxic Ingredients – Bread with raisins, garlic, chocolate, or artificial sweeteners is dangerous.
How Much Bread Can Dogs Eat?
If you want to give your dog a small bread treat, use these rough guidelines:
Small dogs (under 10kg): A small cube (1–2cm) once in a while
Medium dogs (10–25kg): Up to a quarter slice
Large dogs (25kg+): Half a slice occasionally
Bread should never replace a balanced diet. Think of it as a rare snack—not a regular addition to the food bowl.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Too Much Bread (or the Wrong Kind)
Call your vet if your dog has eaten:
Raw bread dough
Bread with raisins, garlic, xylitol, or chocolate
A large quantity of bread leading to bloating or vomiting
Signs to watch for:
Lethargy
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Swollen or distended abdomen
Unsteady walking or collapse
Better safe than sorry—seek veterinary advice if you're unsure.
Dog-Friendly Bread Recipe: Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Want to make your own safe, simple, and dog-approved bread alternative? Try these easy pumpkin biscuits.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
½ cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
¼ cup water
1 egg (optional – helps bind the dough)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
Cut into small squares or shapes.
Place on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Cool completely before serving.
Storage tip: Keep in an airtight container for up to one week.
Final Verdict: Can Dogs Eat Bread?
Yes—but only occasionally and in moderation. Plain bread made without harmful ingredients is unlikely to cause harm in healthy dogs, but it also offers little nutritional benefit. Avoid:
Bread with toxic ingredients
Raw dough
Frequent feeding that displaces complete meals
If you're ever unsure, reach out to your vet or a qualified canine nutritionist before adding new foods to your dog’s routine.
Need Personalised Help With Your Dog’s Diet?
At The Canine Dietitian, I specialise in:
Customised nutrition plans
Support for dogs with allergies, GI conditions, or obesity
Safe homemade meal formulation
Supplement guidance and treat alternatives
✅ Get a FREE diet assessment
✅ Explore my services at www.thecaninedietitian.co.uk
✅ Join The Canine Code – the UK’s first dog nutrition membership for exclusive recipes, gut health guides, and ongoing support
References:
Rojas, J. A., & Campos, V. A. (2017). Nutritional evaluation of breads for animal feed. Journal of Animal Science and Technology.
Van der Veen, A. (2020). Gluten sensitivity in dogs. Veterinary Science Advances.
Schwertl, M., & Tschegg, E. (2018). Canine gastrointestinal disorders and dietary triggers. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
The Canine Dietitian offers one-on-one consults and tailored nutrition plans to support dogs and their owners Join The Canine Code for exclusive recipes, gut health tips, and supplement guidance tailored to your dog.
If you need personalised advice regarding your dog’s diet or health, feel free to reach out to The Canine Dietitian at www.thecaninedietitian.co.uk. Or click here for a FREE diet assessment. We’re here to help ensure your dog gets the best nutrition possible!
