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Tailwise

Grains & bread

Can cats eat bread?

A little In moderation

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

Why Raw yeast dough (expands and produces alcohol)

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

If your cat 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 crumb or two.

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.

Can dogs eat bread?

Cats In moderation

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

How much: A crumb or two.

Safer treats your cat can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can cats eat bread?

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

How much bread can a cat have?

A crumb or two.

What makes bread risky for cats?

Raw yeast dough (expands and produces alcohol).

What are the signs to watch for in cats?

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

What should I do if my cat 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 dogs too?

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

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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