No, dogs shouldn’t eat yeast bread.
Bread dough is a poison hazard for dogs, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. The yeast in the bread dough continues to rise after ingestion, distend the stomach and release toxic levels of ethanol into the dog’s circulation.
What if a dog eats yeast dough?
A dog accidentally eats a small amount of bread dough should not be a problem. The dough may become extremely distended in the stomach, causing discomfort, but will eventually pass through without incident.
However if your dog ate a large quantity of yeast bread or other baked goods containing yeast and sugar, contact your veterinarian immediately. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and more.
Can dogs eat cooked yeast bread?
No, dogs cannot eat cooked yeast bread either. The same risks mentioned above still apply.
If a dog eats baked goods with yeast, he should be observed for vomiting and other signs of distress such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Seizures
Can dogs eat cooked yeast rolls?
Yes, cooked yeast rolls are okay for dogs to eat.
The processing used to bake the rolls destroys the yeast and alcohol content of the bread. This means that there is no risk associated with your dog eating a roll or two. As always, be sure not to leave any food where your dog can reach it, and keep an eye on your dog when you are eating.
What should I feed my dog instead?
Dogs do not need bread, and there are plenty of healthy alternatives they can eat.
If your dog is craving a carbohydrate source, you can grate up some potatoes and sweet potatoes (just make sure to cook thoroughly in multiple changes of water to remove the toxic alkaloids found in the fruit), or boil them and mash them up.
Summary
So, can dogs eat yeast bread? No, they should not. If a dog eats yeast dough it could become distended from the gas produced by the action of the yeast as it releases its alcohol and sugars to continue feeding the yeast organisms.
This can be very uncomfortable for your pup, but will eventually pass. If your pooch has eaten a large quantity of unbaked bread dough, get him to the vet immediately.
