Can Dogs Eat Wheat Bread?

Fun Facts Discovered: Can Dogs Eat Wheat Bread?

 

Whole Wheat bread is one of those foods that are always pushed on us by the “health nuts” and if they are “super health nuts” then they push whole grain bread on us. It is understandable that they would do such a thing. Whole Wheat and Whole Grain bread are much better for our digestive systems than regular white bread or Italian bread.

Knowing this about whole wheat bread, are we then to assume that it would provide our furry family members with the same health benefits? Can dogs eat wheat bread? Is it an essential part of their diet that we have been neglecting? Alternatively, is it one of the many human foods that we should avoid offering to the four-legged population? If we examine what whole wheat bread really is, then maybe, we can decipher whether or not it is safe to feed our pooches.

What is whole wheat bread?

Whole Wheat Bread is a type of bread that is usually a light to dark brown color. The color of the bread will depend on the kind of flour that is used to make it. Bread that is made from milled whole wheat flour will be a much darker brown than the bread that is made from partially milled or almost whole wheat flour.

Many whole wheat bread bakers will coat the outside of the bread with a layer of oats or cracked grains. This is both visually appealing and an extra health benefit. However, the outer oats provide minuscule benefits compared to the benefits found in the bread itself. The oats can also be used as a marketing ploy to enhance the look of the product to seem even healthier than it already is. In fact, depending on your location in the world, the term “Whole Wheat.” may not be true to the name.

For example, if you live in Canada, then the whole wheat bread you are purchasing may not, in fact, be whole! It is not illegal in Canada to remove part of the wheat germ from the flour and still refer to the bread as being “whole wheat”. Also, it is not illegal, here in the United States, for bread manufacturers to use white wheat flour (hardly any nutritional benefit), add caramel coloring to make it appear a hue of brown and market it under the name “whole wheat.”

It is important for your own health to choose your bread carefully and read the packaging. As a consumer, you should be aware as to what you are buying into.

Whole Wheat Bread and Whole Grain Bread are considered “healthier” choices of bread because they provide our bodies with essential fibers and other nutrients that assist our digestive tract. However, even these “healthy” choices can become dangerous when consumed in excess.

Can dogs eat wheat bread?

It seems that, as pet owners, we have a desire to make our pets part of every moment of our lives. We want them to participate in the same things that we participate in, feel the emotions that we feel and eat the foods that we eat. While many “human only” foods are safe for our canine companions, there are also many that are not safe for them. It is essential to the health of our pooches that we know the difference.

Bread is one of the main components of our daily diet. Most of us eat bread multiple times a day, in fact. Moreover, we all know that dogs will eat just about anything without hesitation. So, it is not unheard of for our pups to snatch a piece of toast off the breakfast table and they seem to be fine. However, are they really? If they eat it on accident or if you offer it to them on occasion, then it will not harm them.

However, this should not be included in their daily diet. Multiple problems can arise if your dog is provided bread of any kind on a regular basis or has access to it as he pleases. If you are interested in providing your four-legged buddy with bread as a treat, then you should discuss this option with your veterinarian.

Certain breeds, ages, and health conditions can be affected differently by bread than others. If the veterinarian gives you the green light, then you should be in the clear. However, if she finds a legitimate reason for you to avoid giving your dog bread, then avoid it. The health of your pooch is far greater than you sharing your morning bagel with them.

Surprisingly, dogs can become slightly addicted to bread, and they can easily make a habit out of eating it if you let them. Dogs can even be diagnosed as having a gluten allergy or intolerance. Your veterinarian will be able to test your dog for this condition as well as discuss treatment options with you.

The formation of a new bad habit and potential gluten allergies are only a few of the many negative aspects of feeding your dog bread. For example, bread is full of calories. These calories are not necessary to your canine’s daily intake. In fact, the excess calories could contribute to obesity. An overweight dog is a sick dog. Overfeeding your pooch to the point of obesity will cause multiple health conditions, all ranging in severity. Some of these possible conditions include:

  • Diabetes
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Heat intolerance
  • Decreased stamina
  • Organ Failure/ Heart Failure or Disease
  • Reduction in functionality of the immune system
  • Liver disease
  • Hypertension
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tumors
  • Death

Many of the same conditions can happen to humans if they consume too much bread. It does not matter all that much about whether it is White, Italian, Whole Wheat, Whole Grain, etc. the bottom line is that bread is not healthy in excess. Sure, the whole wheat or whole grain bread will provide more fiber and other health benefits, but, they are still carbs.

Everything in moderation. For your dog, bread intake should be extremely moderate to rare. Dogs do not actually benefit from the fiber in the bread as much as we do. In fact, the bread is more likely to upset the dog’s stomach, create the sensation of being “full” as well as add up the calories rather quickly.

Final thoughts to sum up:

Dogs do not need to eat everything that humans eat. As a matter of fact, they really shouldn’t. If you want to increase your dog’s fiber intake, do not turn to bread for it! Bread (regardless of they type of flour used) does more harm than it does good in their case. Can dogs technically eat bread? Yes! Should dogs eat bread? No! It is really quite simple.

 

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