Safety guide
Is Bread safe for dogs?
A little plain baked bread is harmless but just empty calories — the real danger is RAW bread dough, which is a medical emergency.
Small amounts of plain, fully baked bread (white or wholemeal) are harmless to most dogs — it's just empty calories with no real nutritional value, so it shouldn't be a regular treat. The serious hazard is RAW bread dough. If swallowed, the warm stomach makes it rise, expanding and potentially blocking or twisting the gut. As it ferments, the yeast produces alcohol that's absorbed into the bloodstream, causing alcohol poisoning. Raw yeast dough is an emergency — contact a vet straight away. Also avoid bread with toxic add-ins such as raisins, onion, garlic or xylitol.
Symptoms to watch for
- Swollen, distended or painful abdomen
- Unproductive retching or attempts to vomit
- Wobbliness, disorientation or weakness (alcohol effect)
- Drooling, restlessness, collapse
What to do immediately
- 1If raw dough was eaten, treat it as urgent and phone a vet immediately
- 2Do not wait for symptoms and do not try to make your dog vomit unless told to
- 3Remove any remaining dough from reach
- 4Note the amount eaten and the time
When to call your vet
Your dog has eaten raw bread dough, or shows a swollen belly, unproductive retching, wobbliness or disorientation — this is an emergency.
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