Can Dogs Eat Sourdough Bread?

Sourdough bread has a distinct, somewhat tangy flavor that makes it stand out from other types of bread—perfect for sandwiches, pizza, bagels, and even cinnamon rolls depending on whom you ask. But can dogs eat sourdough bread too? Not always.

We spoke with emergency veterinarians on whether sourdough is safe for dogs to eat, what to do if your dog eats it, and precautions to take to prevent them from eating it.

Always check with your veterinarian before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet.

And is sourdough bread safe for dogs? Plain sourdough bread isn’t toxic to dogs when fully baked, much like other types of bread.

It’s safe to give your dog an occasional, small piece of baked sourdough bread made without toxic ingredients like raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, or xylitol, says Shalsee Vigeant, DVM, medical director of Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Sugar Land, Texas.

Serving sourdough to your dog only in small amounts and in moderation may help prevent your pup from getting an upset stomach.

However, there are several serious problems associated with uncooked, yeasted bread.

Raw sourdough bread can pose life-threatening health risks to dogs, specifically bread dough toxicosis.

The reason it’s so dangerous is because the dough ferments and produces ethanol (a type of alcohol) and carbon dioxide, Dr. Vigeant explains.

“This fermentation process can continue in the stomach, leading your pet to become disoriented and create excessive amounts of gas in the stomach that can potentially lead to bloat,” adds Pansy Lee-Suzuki, DVM, medical director of VEG in Washington, D.C.

Signs of “drunkenness” due to the ethanol causing alcohol poisoning can further lead to

• Tremors
• Low blood pressure and/or temperature
• Slow or shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

These are critical symptoms that require immediate veterinary treatment.

According to Drs. Vigeant and Lee-Suzuki, symptoms of ingesting raw sourdough bread may include:

• Unproductive attempts to vomit
• A large, swollen belly (bloat)
• Discomfort or pain
• Lethargy
• Difficulty walking
• Weakness
• Stumbling

As for cooked bread, it isn’t the most nutritious human food to share with dogs. Plus, occasionally dogs may have a wheat allergy, in which case they should avoid eating bread entirely.

If your dog has eaten raw sourdough, follow these steps:

1. Immediately contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinarian, or the Pet Poison Helpline® at 855-764-7661. Time is a critical factor in the treatment of sourdough bread poisoning.
2. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if it’s recommended. A vet may administer medications to induce vomiting to get the sourdough bread out of their system if it’s within a 15- to 30-minute time frame from ingestion. Otherwise, a vet can hospitalize and treat them to counteract the effects of the dough in their system. Never attempt to induce vomiting (make your dog throw up) at home, which can be dangerous and lead to complications.

If your dog has eaten fully baked, plain sourdough bread, watch for potential signs of stomach upset and consult your vet.

Common signs of stomach upset include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Gas
• Dehydration
• Lethargy
• Restlessness

The best way to keep your dog from ingesting sourdough bread is by preventing them from getting to it in the first place, Dr. Vigeant says.

Here’s how you can keep your dog safe:

• Store rising dough in the oven, pantry, or cabinet—anywhere they can’t physically get to. Install child-proof locks if your dog has discovered how to open these. (Note: Avoid putting rising bread or any other off-limits foods high on the counter, as your pet may still be able to reach it and counter surf if they’re determined enough.)
• Use a dog gate to close off access to the kitchen.
• Provide them with toys and treats to keep them entertained.

To keep your inquisitive canine safe from eating sourdough, consider feeding them dog-friendly (not to mention, super wag-worthy!) treats, like American Journey® peanut butter biscuits, Full Moon® chicken strips treats, or Fruitables® pumpkin and blueberry dog treats.

What do I do if my dog ate sourdough starter?

If your dog has eaten sourdough starter, contact your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinarian, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately, as it’s dangerous to pets.

What kind of bread is safe for dogs?

Baked white bread or wheat bread are safe options for dogs to eat in small amounts. These bread varieties should always be given plain and made without ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like raisins, chocolate, garlic, onions, or xylitol.

Are sourdough treats good for dogs?

Sourdough treats that are intended for dogs to eat are safe to give in moderation. It’s always best to consult your vet before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet.

This content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.