Labrador Food Recipes

Can Labradors Eat Bread?

Jane Davis

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As my puppy always tries to steal some bread from me, I thought I better research and find out if Labs can have bread. So I researched and found that my puppy could have some bread.

The answer is a resounding YES. Labradors can eat bread (in moderation)

Labradors can eat bread in moderation. They will love it! Like anything else, you should not give them too much of it. Too much bread might lead to health issues such as diabetes or obesity.

The benefits of bread for dogs

Bread is an excellent source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for dogs. It also contains protein, fat, and a range of vitamins and minerals. All of these nutrients are essential for your dog’s health.

Bread is an excellent supplement to your dog’s diet and ensure they get all the necessary nutrients.

But – only in moderation. Bread has a lot of calories, and you don’t want your puppy to become overweight.

It soothes an upset stomach

Bread can soothe your pup’s upset stomach. It acts almost like a sponge and soaks up excess stomach acids.

So, bread and other carbs like pasta or rice (in moderation) are acceptable for your Labradors, but more protein is better. And don’t overdo it with the number of treats! Too many of those will lead to obesity as well – and the soothing effect will go the other way…

Here is a good article about it: https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_can_dogs_eat_bread

It pads indigestible foreign objects.

We don’t want it to happen – but it happens anyway… Your puppy swallows something they are not supposed to, like balls, stones, or whatever you can imagine.

Bread will help prevent these indigestible foreign objects from hurting your canine – it can ease the passage of things through the digestive tract.

Especially when your canine friend has swallowed a sharp object (such as a splintered chicken bone), bread is the best thing to have with you.

You do not want to induce vomiting, which could lead to the object getting stuck in the esophagus on its way out.

It relieves constipation

How do you know that your dog is constipated? They will not defecate for days.

“If your dog is constipated, he or she will probably attempt to pass feces unsuccessfully several times. You may observe your dog circling excessively, scooting (dragging bottom along the ground) or squatting frequently, or even crying out in severe cases. Other clinical signs include decreased appetite, vomiting, small amounts of watery feces or feces that contains mucus (without a normal stool), and weight loss.”

source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/constipation-in-dogs

Brown bread or whole wheat bread has high fiber content and will help oppose constipation. Full-grain, brown bread has a higher fiber content which will benefit your dog’s digestive system as healthy gut flora – beneficial bacteria that live in your pup’s intestines contribute to their immune system as well as synthesizing vitamins such as biotin.

The cons of bread for Labs

bread dough

Bread is not as nutritious or beneficial for dogs as regular food or kibble. Bread is high in calories, and feeding too much bread will make your dog fat. It might also contain yeast – which gives bread its rising properties.

Danger: Raw Bread Dough is Toxic for Dogs

Never let your puppies have raw bread dough. It’s the yeast that causes a problem. Yeast is added to the dough to make it rise.

Imagine your pooch munching away on some bread dough, happily producing carbon dioxide gas as it ferments in his stomach.

read.. can labradors retrievers eat barley?

This can lead to a potentially fatal situation known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). This is where gases build up inside your dog’s stomach and cause it to swell to an enormous size.

The process also releases ethanol – which will enter your lab’s bloodstream. That could result in alcohol toxicosis – which is life-threatening!!

How Much Is Bread Good For Dogs?

You should not be feeding your Lab any raw bread dough. And you should limit the amount of bread in his diet to about twice a week or less. That means an average-sized dog could have 1-2 slices of bread per week.

Bread as an occasional treat is harmless, but you should use it sparingly. It’s best to avoid bread altogether if your dog suffers from diabetes, obesity, or other dietary-related issues.

Summary

Labradors can eat bread in moderation. Bread is not as nutritious or beneficial for dogs as their regular food or kibble, and it is high in calories and can lead to obesity if fed in large quantities.

Bread could help soothe an upset stomach and is ideal if your puppy swallowed something sharp. Bread can ease the passage of indigestible foreign objects through your pup’s digestive tract and also supposes constipation.

Raw bread dough is toxic for dogs and should be avoided. Bread can be used as an occasional treat but should not be given to dogs who suffer from diabetes, obesity, or other dietary-related issues.

About

Jane Davis

Hi, my name is Jane Davis, and I love dogs. I own a labrador retriever named Max. When I was growing up, we always had dogs at our house. They provide us with such unconditional love and companionship, and I can't imagine my life without one by my side.

This website does not provide pet medical advice. For professional advice regarding your pet's health, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your local area.
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