Can Dogs Eat Bread? Plain Slices vs Risky Types

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Bread is the food many dogs steal from the counter. A slice of plain bread is rarely a problem. But there is a long list of breads and doughs that are unsafe, and it pays to know which.

Is plain bread safe?

Plain white or whole wheat bread is not toxic to dogs. It is mostly carbohydrate, with little protein, vitamins or minerals. It adds calories, so too much can contribute to weight gain. It is not harmful in a small piece occasionally, but it offers no real benefit. See carbohydrates in dog food.

Breads that are dangerous

• Raisin bread. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. See grapes and raisins.
• Garlic bread and breads with onion. Alliums are toxic to dogs. See onions and garlic.
• Bread with nuts, especially macadamia nuts. See macadamia nuts.
• Chocolate bread or pastries. See chocolate toxicity.
• Sugar-free breads or spreads containing xylitol. See xylitol.
• Heavily salted or seasoned breads.
• Breads with herbs and spices such as nutmeg. See nutmeg.

Raw dough: an emergency

Raw bread dough contains live yeast. In the warm, moist environment of the stomach, it keeps rising and can stretch the stomach, cause bloat and produce alcohol, leading to intoxication. This can be life-threatening. If your dog eats raw dough, call your vet immediately. See our guide to raw bread dough dangers and bloat in dogs.

Bread and sensitivities

Wheat is a possible allergen in dogs, though less common than proteins such as beef or chicken. Gluten sensitivity is rare. Signs of intolerance include itching, ear infections and digestive upset. See feeding a dog with food allergies.

How much?

A small piece of crust or a bite-sized chunk is fine as an occasional treat. Treats should be no more than about ten percent of daily calories. Bread is calorie-dense, so avoid giving it often, especially to overweight dogs.

Bread as a remedy: a myth

You may have heard that feeding bread helps a dog pass something sharp or swallowed. This is not reliable. If your dog has swallowed a foreign object, call your vet. Do not induce vomiting unless advised.

Pills and bread

A small piece of plain bread can hide a pill, but check with your vet that the medication can be given with food, and use sparingly.

Better snacks

Carrot sticks, green beans or small pieces of lean cooked meat offer more nutrition per calorie. See carrots and green beans.

Storage

Keep bread and dough in cupboards or breadboxes that dogs cannot reach, particularly during proofing. Dogs can smell and reach rising dough surprisingly well.

Bread and gluten

Most dogs digest wheat bread without trouble, and true gluten intolerance is rare in dogs, apart from a few breeds with known conditions, such as Irish Setters with a hereditary gluten sensitivity. If your dog has chronic loose stools, itching or poor coat, talk to your vet instead of experimenting with grain-free diets on your own.

What to do if your dog eats a risky loaf

If your dog eats raisin bread, garlic bread or anything you are unsure about, keep the packaging, estimate the amount and call your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately. Do not wait for symptoms, because treatment is most effective soon after eating. Never try to make your dog vomit unless a professional tells you to.

The takeaway

A nibble of plain bread is harmless, but check ingredients carefully and keep raw dough out of reach.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.