Can dogs eat bread?

A slice of white bread contains about 70 to 80 calories. For a 10 kg (22 lb) dog, that is roughly 15 percent of its daily energy needs. A small piece of crust now and then is fine; slices as regular treats can lead to weight gain.

Wholemeal and plain sourdough are equally safe in small amounts.

Raisin bread, hot cross buns, fruit loaves, and panettone contain dried grapes, which can cause kidney damage in dogs. Garlic bread and onion bagels contain alliums. Chocolate brioche and chocolate chip loaves carry theobromine. Some nut breads include macadamia nuts, which can cause weakness and tremors.

Low-carb or keto breads sometimes use sweeteners, and xylitol is dangerous for dogs even in small amounts.

A common piece of advice is to feed bread after a dog swallows something sharp. Do not do this without speaking to your vet first. Sometimes it is appropriate and sometimes it is not, depending on what was swallowed and where it is likely to be.

Any other home remedy deserves the same phone call first.

Stale or moldy bread in the bin or compost is a hidden hazard. Some molds produce toxins that cause tremors and seizures in dogs. Throw moldy bread in a sealed outdoor bin rather than feeding it to birds on the lawn where your dog can find it. Stale bread thrown out for ducks or birds in parks is another common find on walks, so keep a close eye on your dog near ponds.