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Can Dogs Eat Bread?

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March 27, 2025
4 min read
Chocolate Labrador eating food out of a white bowl.

As humans, we eat a lot of bread on a daily basis, but can dogs eat bread too? Find out all you need to know on whether bread is good for dogs and the types to avoid with our guide.

In This Article

Bread is a staple of the human diet, with many of us consuming it in some regard on a daily basis. Whether it’s toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch or a big slice of crusty bread to go alongside a stew or soup for dinner, it’s safe to say as a species we eat a lot of bread!

As a nation of dog lovers, we love to share everything with our dogs and when they’re giving us their best puppy dog eyes as we tuck into our food, it begs the question: can dogs eat bread? We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know, from is bread good for dogs to the types to avoid.

Can dogs eat bread?

Yes and no. Dogs can eat bread, but this should be only in moderation. Small amounts of plain white or brown bread are okay for dogs eager to try this staple human food, but it should be only given as an occasional treat. 

Certain bread types may be toxic to your pup however as they can contain added extras.

The added extras to watch out for are things like nuts – macadamia nuts are toxic and all nuts are high in fat, which isn’t good for dogs, breads with chocolate chips, raisins, onions, and garlic; and some dessert bread may also contain xylitol, so always be sure to double-check the ingredients first. 

Similarly, if your dog has allergies or dietary sensitivities, it might be best to avoid bread altogether. In these cases, take your vet’s advice on adding any additional items into your dog’s diet – even if just given occasionally.

While dogs can have bread, we don’t advise it as a regular thing because it’s not healthy for them. If you do want to feed your dog a little bit of bread, it should be plain, in a small quantity and as a special treat. 

Remember that treats should only make up 10% or less of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

Can puppies eat bread?

Like older dogs, puppies can eat small amounts of bread occasionally but there’s no useful nutritional value. Be aware of any allergies your pup may have before you give them bread. As always make sure any bread given is plain white or brown with no ‘extras’.

Is bread good for dogs?

While not toxic, bread isn’t good for dogs. It contains no nutritional value for them and it’s full of carbohydrates too, so if you give too much bread to dogs it can cause them to gain weight. Your dog should be getting all the nutrition they need from a balanced diet and high-quality dog food from our Pro Plan range.

Again, some dogs also suffer from dietary sensitivities or allergies, so if this is the case with your dog, be sure to avoid bread entirely.

Can dogs eat white bread?

As long as your dog doesn’t have any allergies or dietary sensitivities, plain white bread is generally safe for them to eat, and is unlikely to give them any stomach upset. 

Can dogs eat rye bread? 

Plain rye bread also safe to give to dogs, however, this doesn’t mean that it should be given to your dog as a regular snack. Pure rye bread is wheat free but should not be given to dogs that have dietary sensitivities or allergies.  

Can dogs eat bread crusts?

Giving your dog your breadcrusts shouldn’t cause them any issues. It doesn’t, however, provide them with any nutritional benefits, so it won’t need to be a part of their diet. If the crusts are toasted, make sure there’s no butter on them.

Can dogs eat wholemeal bread?

Dogs can eat wholemeal bread but it’s important to make sure there’s no seeds, nuts or fruits in it – so read labels carefully. 

Can dogs eat seeded bread?

Dogs cannot eat bread with any additives – including seeds. Seeds, chocolates, nuts, cinnamon and dried fruits (like raisins) are toxic to dogs, so they must not be fed bread with these in.

Can dogs eat toast?

Like with un-toasted bread, toast is fine for your dog to eat in moderation (provided they don’t have any allergies). Again, it doesn’t add any nutritional benefit and there should be no butter on the toast.

Can dogs eat toast with butter?

We do not recommend dogs eat toast with butter although the odd smear won’t hurt. Butter is mostly fat, which isn't healthy for your dog to eat in large quantities. If your pup eats a small amount of buttered toast on accident, this shouldn't cause any harm. Always check with your vet if you’re concerned.

Can dogs eat garlic bread? 

No. Dogs should not eat garlic bread, this is because garlic is toxic to dogs. Butter and fat are not good for your dog either. If your dog eats garlic bread they may get an upset stomach, and in some severe cases, feeding them too much garlic can lead to garlic poisoning. 

Can dogs eat Sourdough bread?

Sourdough is safe for dogs to eat although like other breads, it isn’t the most nutritious of treats for your dog. However, it is safe as an occasional snack. Make sure that the bread is cooked. The danger of sourdough bread lies within the raw dough. 

If your dog eats uncooked sourdough, they may display some of the following symptoms:

  •   Excessive or unusual drooling 
  •   Pacing or restlessness 
  •   Vomiting
  •   Bloating or abdominal pain 

If you see any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

Can dogs have uncooked bread dough

Dogs can’t have uncooked bread dough and it can be extremely hazardous. Interestingly, their stomachs offer the ideal conditions for dough to rise. When they eat it, it expands and distends their stomach, releasing toxic levels of ethanol into their bloodstream – possibly leading to alcohol toxicosis.

Do not feed your dog uncooked bread dough, and if your dog has ingested any and you notice any of the following symptoms after your dog has eaten bread dough, contact your vet immediately:

  • Elevated heart rate.
  • Weakness.
  • Unsteady gait – may appear almost ‘drunken’.
  • Distended abdomen.
  • Depression.
  • Seizures.
  • Respiratory failure.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Retching or vomiting.
  • In severe cases, your dog may fall into a coma.

How can I feed my dog bread?

While it’s fine in small doses as a snack, bread offers no benefit to your dog and in some cases, bread contains ingredients which can be harmful. Instead, opt to feed them healthy dog treats such as fresh vegetables and cooked lean meat instead.

Can bread help an upset stomach?

It’s common for us to have a dry piece of toast to help settle an upset stomach, but it doesn’t offer the same advantage for dogs. If your dog has stomach upset, a bland diet of boiled chicken breast and rice may be helpful, but always contact your vet for advice before trying any home remedies.

Now you know the answer to the question can dogs eat bread. Find out more about feeding your dog, and what you can add to their diet with our article on can dogs eat strawberries.

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