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Most people eat sandwiches and since your dog is probably sitting there begging for a piece, you’ve probably given them a piece of the sandwich on more than one occasion. Indeed, dogs seem to love bread as much as humans do.
If allowed, they’d probably eat a whole loaf of wheat bread! But here’s the question – should they?
In this article, we will discuss this question and you’ll learn more about the best treats for dogs, whether bread should be considered a safe treat, and more! Ready to add some great canine dietary information to your knowledge about your favorite pet? Let’s dive in.
Can Dogs Eat Wheat Bread?
Much in the same way as humans, wheat bread is probably safe for dogs to eat in most cases – as long as you offer plain bread without harmful extras like sugar-filled jam.
Keep in mind that some dogs may have wheat allergies, or they tend to be sensitive to grains. This is one thing you should be aware of; because allergic reactions to dogs can be a big issue.
Wheat bread has minimal nutritional value, and it can be more difficult than other grains for your dogs to eat. Don’t worry, there are several other dog treats to try out if your dog is allergic or you worry about the nutritional content. In any case, it might be best to limit the amount of bread that your dog eats on a daily basis.
Bread Ingredients Dogs Must Avoid
Now you know that bread is safe for dogs to eat on occasion, you should also be mindful of which ingredients often show up in normal and novelty bread. Let’s look at some harmful ingredients to avoid.
Chocolate
Though banana bread can be a delicious treat, it is often paired with chocolate to enhance the taste. By now, most dog owners know that chocolate is dangerous and potentially fatal to dogs, so keep your pup’s paws off this treat.
Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onion bread is simply delicious. However, your dog should avoid any bread with these ingredients. Garlic and onion can cause anemia in dogs by destroying red blood cells.
Nuts
Nuts are known to be very toxic to dogs. You should know that all nuts are high in fat, and it may also lead to pancreatitis for your dogs. Keep them away from nuts because it may also be hard for them to chew and they might also break your dog’s teeth.
Xylitol
Don’t let your dogs consume dessert bread or any other bread that contains peanut butter with xylitol. This sugar substitute may lead to risky low glucose levels and liver failure in dogs.
Raisins
Slices of raisin-studded bread make excellent toast for humans. But never let your dog join your breakfast when this is what you’re having. Raisins have been linked to kidney failure in dogs.
Conclusion
Aside from being tasty, wheat bread and grain-based bread contain fiber. This could be a benefit to your dog’s diet if fiber is lacking. However, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet before adding wheat bread to your dog’s diet.
Some may also use bread as a remedy for dogs when they have an upset stomach. While this is generally not a problem, vets may recommend plain white rice as a better option as it both calms the stomach and rehydrates the dog.
If you see unusual symptoms after your dog has enjoyed a slice of plain bread, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet. It might be an allergic reaction. Thankfully, this is quite rare!
If in any doubt, rather purchase dog treats that are specially formulated for dogs. You can find lots of biscuits, chews, dental treats, and more online and at your local vet. A word of caution though. Avoid rawhide treats as these are not just treated with dangerous chemicals but are also a serious choking hazard. Many dogs have had to undergo surgery to remove a blockage caused by pieces of swallowed rawhide toys.