While bread has come a long way since the ancient days of pull-apart sourdough bread, nonetheless, it’s still a star in most of our dishes.
As a dog parent, you may be wondering if you can also offer your fido a slice of white bread.
So, can dogs have white bread?
Yes.
Plain white bread in moderation is unlikely to cause harm to your dog, so long as they’re not gluten or wheat intolerant.
However, you should only feed your dog white bread as a treat and not form a staple in their diet, as it offers them little to no nutritional value.
This article will discuss the benefits and the risks of feeding your dog white bread.
It will also talk about the steps to take should your dog eat white bread in large amounts.
Health benefits of white bread for dogs
Although white bread is considered a filler food that does not contain any nutrients already supplied by your dog’s food, it also has other benefits.
It binds indigestible foreign objects
Like most bread, white bread pads swallowed foreign objects like splintered bits of bone or indigestible objects that cause intestinal blockage, pain, and discomfort.
This allows them to pass safely through the digestive tract but only if the objects are small.
For larger objects or shards of bone, contact your vet before offering your dog white bread for this purpose.
It binds with water and adds volume to the dog’s stool, allowing your dog to pass it easily.
It can soothe an upset stomach
Feeding your dog a tiny amount of white bread experiencing stomach upset can help offer relief.
White bread is high in starch that aids in absorbing the ascorbic acid that disrupts the dog’s stomach, relieving the pain and discomfort.
Supplies energy
White bread is an excellent source of carbohydrates and sugar vital for providing energy to dogs.
Dogs can convert carbohydrates into simple sugars that are easily absorbed.
The carbohydrates are further metabolized and broken down into glucose, giving your pup a boost of energy.
Potential health risks of white bread for dogs
Allowing your dog to eat large amounts of white bread regularly can cause several health issues for your dog.
These may include:
Unnecessary weight gain
White bread contains processed carbs high in sugar which can result in unnecessary weight gain.
White bread is essentially a filler food that can cause obesity especially if your dog doesn’t exercise as required.
This may result in many health issues, including obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and joint problems.
Wheat allergies and gluten
For dogs sensitive to wheat or gluten, white bread can trigger an allergic reaction.
Before feeding your dog white bread, ensure that he can safely consume it.
If your dog is allergic to wheat or gluten, you can try alternative flours like almond, coconut, rice, or oatmeal.
Tooth decay
White bread is rich in sugars that can wreak havoc in your dog’s teeth as they can attach to the teeth and gums.
The sugars draw bacteria to the teeth causing cavities that may result in periodontal disease.
Bread dough
White bread includes yeast as one of its ingredients which can be lethal for dogs.
Your dog’s stomach offers an optimum environment for the yeast to activate, causing the bread dough to rise.
As the dough distends and ferments in your dog’s stomach, it may lead to vascular distention and compromise the blood supply in the walls of its stomach, causing respiratory issues.
This causes your dog’s digestive system to release toxic levels of ethanol into its bloodstream leading to bloating and GI distress, and worse still, resulting in alcohol toxicosis.
When should you feed your dog white bread?
You can feed your dog white bread in moderation any time of the day, as it is an excellent source of digestible carbohydrates that your dog can break down and process into energy.
Feeding your dog white bread during bedtime may help improve his sleep.
White bread supplies the necessary carbohydrates used in the production of serotonin, which is necessary for regulating sleep patterns in fidos.
The starch in white bread also acts as a sponge that absorbs the gastric acid, which helps relieve stomach upsets in dogs.
The fiber content in white bread also aids in digestion and helps relieve constipation, soothing the discomfort in your pup.
Can white bread affect your dog’s mood?
Yes. White bread has a calming effect on a dog’s mood.
Feeding your dog white bread helps ease tension and anxiety, causing your dog to calm down.
White bread contains tryptophan, which helps form the hormone serotonin.
The brain releases serotonin which improves mood and affects happiness.
Can puppies eat white bread?
You can feed your fully weaned puppies white bread safely in moderation.
This is because white bread is rich in carbohydrates that can help give your puppy the energy they require to fuel their activity.
White bread also contains folate that ensures rapid cell growth in infancy, supports immune function, and normal blood formation.
It’s also rich in iron which helps your puppy’s body perform important functions like carrying oxygen in the hemoglobin of red blood cells throughout the body, allowing the cells to produce energy.
Iron is also essential for certain enzymes in your puppy’s body to function normally.
However, you should consult your vet before introducing white bread to your puppy to rule out any allergies while also understanding the correct portions to offer your dog.
What should I do if my dog ate too much white bread?
If your dog accidentally consumes too much white bread than he should, try feeding him a bland mixture of cooked white rice and boiled boneless, skinless chicken in small amounts regularly. You can also offer him low-fat cottage cheese. This will help settle your pup’s stomach without overloading him.
In conclusion
Avoid feeding your dog copious amounts of white bread now and then, as there are far too many potential risks.
Before allowing your dog to nibble on a piece of crust, consult your vet on the possible dangers and other healthier alternatives available to maintain his health.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
