Can dogs or cats eat bread?

May 3, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat bread?

Dogs can safely consume plain white or wheat bread, but only in moderation. Bread contains carbohydrates, which provide energy and can contain essential nutrients such as vitamins B and E. However, sometimes certain types of bread contain harmful ingredients like onion powder or raisins/grapes, which can pose serious health risks to your dog. Always check the label!

Overfeeding your dog bread may also lead to obesity or stomach upset. Bread doesn't offer much nutritional value compared to a dog's regular diet, so you should avoid making it a significant part of their meal plan. You can incorporate small amounts of plain white or wheat bread into their diet as an occasional treat without causing harm.

When choosing what type of bread to feed your dog, opt for simpler types without any additives — this way they'll get some nutritional benefits with minimal risk.

Can cats eat bread?

Good news for cat lovers who enjoy sharing their food with their feline friends: Bread is safe for cats to eat, though only in moderation

Bread contains carbohydrates and calories, which are essential nutrients for cats, just as in humans. However, excessive intake of bread can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes in the long term. Bread also lacks other essential nutrients required by cats, so it shouldn't be used as a substitute for their regular meals, and should only be given in small amounts.

And be warned: Not all types of bread are safe or healthy for your cat's consumption. You should avoid giving them sweetened or flavored bread like raisin toast or cinnamon rolls because these contain ingredients that can be toxic to cats. Instead, opt for plain baked white or whole-grain bread without any extra additives.

While feeding your cat small amounts of plain white or whole-grain bread won't hurt them, they should still get most of their nutrition from balanced commercial pet diets designed specifically for felines. Always seek guidance from your veterinarian about what people foods you can safely share with your furry friend!

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet