Last Updated on 11/17/2021 by Veronica Jones
Humans eat bread on a daily basis, whether it’s toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch or to serve alongside a delicious stew in the evening. Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread. Your dog may enjoy the aromas too, but can dogs eat bread?
Pandan is a fragrant tropical plant grown in Southeast Asia. The leaves are used to add a unique taste and aroma in both savory and sweet dishes. The leaves are also used to wrap chicken or rice. Many people use pandan in bread to give it a distinctive green look and sweet, fragrant taste.
We reveal the do’s and don’ts when it comes to feeding your dog bread.
Can dogs eat pandan bread?
The short answer is yes, dogs can safely eat bread, including pandan bread. However, it should be eaten in moderation like all human foods and pet owners should check that the bread doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients.
Ingredients in bread that could harm your dog
Whilst bread may seem harmless enough, it does contain ingredients that may make your pup sick, including:
Wheat – although rare, dogs can develop a wheat allergy that can make your pup unhappy and uncomfortable from itching. Symptoms of a gluten allergy include poor hair and skin, inflamed paw pads, overall poor body condition and diarrhea. If your pooch has a wheat allergy, feeding him wheat bread could cause sickness and discomfort so avoid all foods that contain gluten and grains.
Raisins – grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxic substance that can cause kidney failure in animals. If you suspect your dog has eaten bread with raisins in it, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
Onions and garlic – whilst not harmful to humans, onions and garlic contain thiosulfate which causes damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Nuts and seeds – the most dangerous nuts for dogs are macadamia nuts. If ingested, these nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fevers and tremors. All nuts contain high levels of fat, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and lead to pancreatitis.
Chocolate chips – chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate contains higher levels of these harmful substances, however all chocolate should be avoided. Whilst delicious, banana bread often contains chocolate chips, making it unsafe for canines to consume.
Baking powder – baking powder and baking soda are incredibly poisonous to dogs and should not be used when making bread for your canine.
Xylitol – an artificial sweetener often found in baked goods that is highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause seizures, liver failure and fatalities. Always check the ingredients of any baked goods for xylitol before letting your dog eat them.
Head straight to your nearest emergency vets if your dog has ingested any toxic ingredients.
In addition to the potentially harmful ingredients described above, bread contains high levels of carbohydrates which can be difficult for a dog to process in large quantities and can lead to weight gain.
Is pandan bad for dogs?
Pandan itself is considered safe for animals, including dogs. Pandan only becomes harmful when combined with other ingredients that are not dog-friendly.
Can dogs eat pandan leaves?
This leafy plant also contains iron and fiber, whilst the leaves are high in potassium and antioxidants which are safe for a dog to consume and can benefit a dog’s overall health.
What bread is safe for dogs? Is adding peanut butter ok?
Plain, white or brown bread is the safest type of bread for dogs to eat, unless your pup has a wheat allergy. Adding dog-safe peanut butter is a safe treat that your pup will love.
Avoid sharing raisin bread, onion and garlic bread, banana bread or nut bread with your four-legged friend as these all contain toxic ingredients that can make your dog extremely sick.
If you really want your pooch to experience the taste of bread, it’s best to make it yourself so you can avoid adding any ingredients that may make your four-legged family member sick.
Can dogs eat matzah?
Matzah bread doesn’t contain any rising agents and it’s safe for canines to consume. Whilst it’s suitable for dogs, the fat content is believed to be double a normal slice of bread so feed it to your pet with caution. As with all other types of bread, check the ingredients of matzah bread before letting your pup take a bite. There are no known side effects to dogs eating matzah, however pet parents should limit consumption and monitor behavior to check for any reactions.
How much bread should dogs eat?
A small piece of plain bread or bread with dog-safe peanut butter can be given occasionally as a treat. Avoid giving your pet too much bread in one go as this can cause an upset stomach. Giving canines bread regularly could also lead to various health problems such as diabetes and obesity.
Is bread dough safe for canines to eat?
No, you should never feed your pet bread dough. It can be extremely hazardous to dogs because the dough can expand in their stomach and release ethanol into the bloodstream.
If your dog ingests raw bread dough or shows signs of the symptoms below, consult your veterinarian immediately.
• Stomach bloat
• Weakness
• Rapid heart rate
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Low blood pressure
• Breathing difficulties
• Coma (in extreme cases)
Dogs and pandan bread
Whilst bread can be part of a balanced dog’s diet, it’s not healthy for them and eating too much of it could cause weight gain. Keep raw bread dough well out of reach of your pet and offer your pup healthy dog treats or fresh vegetables instead.
Looking for More Great Articles About What Your Dog Can (or Can’t) Eat?
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Reference list
- Pets4homes “wheat allergies in dogs” https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/how-would-you-know-if-your-dog-had-a-wheat-allergy.html Accessed 21st October 2021
- ASPCA “foods to avoid feeding your pet” https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets#:~:text=Although%20the%20toxic%20substance%20within,grapes%20and%20raisins%20to%20dogs. Accessed 21st October 2021
- VCA Hospitals “Raisin poisoning in dogs” https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/grape-raisin-and-currant-poisoning-in-dogs Accessed 21st October 2021
- PETMD “can dogs eat nuts” https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_dog-owners-guide-to-nuts-and-seeds Accessed 21st October 2021