Should I Worry If My Dog Ate a Loaf of Bread?
If your dog ate an entire loaf of bread, it’s important to be vigilant, especially for the first 48-72 hours.
Some dogs, particularly larger dogs, can eat a whole loaf of bread without suffering any gastrointestinal issues. If your dog is eating, drinking, and behaving normally, they’re likely not in any danger. Keep a close eye on them for the next few days, but don’t worry too much.
Some dogs, however, can develop symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, dehydration, or vomiting. An entire loaf of bread would be difficult for many humans to eat; a smaller dog, with its smaller stomach, will have an even harder time. Additionally, because a dog’s digestive system keeps food in the stomach for longer than the human gut does, it takes longer for the dog to digest. Combine that with the high level of air and carbohydrates found in bread, and you have several complicating factors, each of which can lead to discomfort for your poor pup.
If your dog seems uncomfortable, or if they start exhibiting any unusual gastrointestinal symptoms, call your veterinarian. Your vet will ask you questions about your dog’s size, breed, weight, and current symptoms in order to offer a personalized treatment plan. Depending on your dog’s size or symptoms, they may recommend inducing vomiting, withholding food for 24 hours, or keeping them to a regular fluid intake schedule.
In many cases, your dog will be able to recover comfortably at home. However, bloat can lead to gastric dilatation and volvulus (also known as GDV or gastric torsion). GDV is life-threatening, and some dog breeds, such as deep-chested breeds like Great Danes and Irish Setters, are particularly susceptible. If your vet recommends bringing your dog in, do so immediately—and if your vet isn’t open, don’t wait until the next day. Take them to an emergency clinic stat.
Is Bread Bad For Dogs?
The short answer is no. In small quantities, it is unlikely that bread will cause any harm. There is one caveat to this, of course. It truly depends on the ingredients the bread contains. Most standard white or wheat bread is fine in small moderation. However, bread that has raisins in it, such as a fruit loaf, is potentially toxic, so an immediate trip to the veterinarian is advised.
Quantity matters as well. If a dog eats the same amount of plain white bread, this is not likely to be problematic. Of course, if your canine companion eats a very large quantity of bread, such as a whole loaf, a whole French breadstick, or a pack of bread rolls, this could cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, and bloat.
Can I feed my puppy an occasional slice of bread?
No, you should avoid giving puppies bread. Because their stomachs are so small, their digestive systems will have a much harder time handling bread products than an adult dog would.