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Tailwise

Grains & bread

Can dogs eat bread?

A little In moderation

A little. Plain white or wholemeal bread is not harmful but adds calories without much nutrition. Raw dough is dangerous.

Why Raw yeast dough (expands and produces alcohol)

Photo: Nutrition, Food Safety & Health (CC0) via flickr

If your dog ate some

  1. A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
  2. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
  3. Raw dough is an emergency.

Signs to watch for

  • Bloated belly (raw dough)
  • Wobbliness (raw dough)

How much, how often

A small piece occasionally.

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories

Serving it safely

  • Plain bread only
  • Avoid raisin, garlic, onion and seeded breads

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs In moderation

A little. Plain white or wholemeal bread is not harmful but adds calories without much nutrition. Raw dough is dangerous.

How much: A small piece occasionally.

Cats In moderation

A little. Plain bread will not harm a cat, but it offers nothing they need.

How much: A crumb or two.

Can cats eat bread?

Safer treats your dog can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can dogs eat bread?

A little. Plain white or wholemeal bread is not harmful but adds calories without much nutrition. Raw dough is dangerous.

How much bread can a dog have?

A small piece occasionally.

What makes bread risky for dogs?

Raw yeast dough (expands and produces alcohol).

What are the signs to watch for in dogs?

bloated belly (raw dough), wobbliness (raw dough).

What should I do if my dog ate bread?

A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. Raw dough is an emergency.

Is bread safe for cats too?

A little. Plain bread will not harm a cat, but it offers nothing they need.

Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards
  3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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