Can dogs have sourdough bread? You may be surprised!

Have you ever tried feeding your dog bread? You've probably seen them scavenge some leftover pieces of regular bread, and while it may have been harmless, you're probably thinking of a healthier snack, like sourdough bread. If you're wondering if your dog can have sourdough, then hang in there because the answer might surprise you.

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What is sourdough bread?

Sourdough bread is a type of naturally leavened bread that requires natural yeast to rise. It is made with the simplest ingredients including flour, water and a the beginning of sourdough. Filled with a culture of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria.

Sourdough has a long fermentation process which inevitably enhances its unique flavors, making it tastier and more digestible.

Is sourdough starter bad for dogs?

Yes. Sourdough starter is extremely dangerous for dogsthis is why you should not allow your dog to eat any sourdough preparations.

Sourdough starter is very similar raw dough, which is also extremely harmful to dogs. Since the starter is fermented, it will continue to ferment after being ingested, thus producing alcohol and causing more harm to your dog.

That being said, a sourdough starter is perfectly safe when added to dog treats, as they will be fully cooked before being consumed by your dog.

Is sourdough bread safe for dogs?

Like regular bread, sourdough bread is not toxic to dogs, as long as they are not intolerant to wheat and cornmeal.

While sourdough bread contributes nutrients to the human diet, the same is not true for dogs. This is why you can feed your dog a small amount of sourdough bread without making it a large part of their diet.

What happens when dogs eat sourdough bread?

Dogs are very different from humans, so even though sourdough bread has an incredible nutritional profile, it doesn't always benefit our little furry friends.

Here are some of the possible dangers for dogs that eat sourdough bread:

Bloating

Uncooked sourdough bread dough can grow in size in your dog's stomach and cause immense bloating and pain.

The dough builds up in your dog's body, filling his stomach with gas, causing excruciating pain and leading to fatal conditions as it progressively worsens.

Some of Signs of bloat in dogs may include:

• Mouth watering
• Abdomen enlarged
• Foamy saliva
• Rapid or shallow breathing
• Agitation or vomiting
• Extra attention to the stomach
• Unable to vomit

If your dog has any of these symptoms, then consult your vet immediately.

Alcohol poisoning

During the fermentation process, ethanol is produced, with less than 2% remaining after ripening.

However, if the bread is not baked properly, consuming sourdough bread can cause alcohol poisoning in dogs.

Alcohol is absorbed into the dog's bloodstream, causing a drop in blood sugar, body temperature and blood pressure. This will depend on the size, health and weight of the dog.

Here are some signs of alcohol poisoning:

• tremors
• Ataxia or loss of body movements
• Disorientation
• shocking
• Difficulty in breathing
• vomiting
• diarrhea

Wheat allergy

Both grains and wheat are essential to your dog's diet, however, if your dog has been diagnosed with a wheat allergy, then you should not feed them sourdough bread.

However, wheat allergy in dogs is quite rare, so don't abandon grains altogether because of a simple assumption. Instead, talk to your vet about your fears and let them advise you on whether it's safe for your dog to eat meat, dairy or wheat.

Some dogs are allergic to wheat as gluten is difficult to digest, and even 30% of humans can't seem to digest it properly.

Allergy to corn flour

Sourdough bread is often coated with cornmeal. Corn is not part of a dog's diet and many dogs find it difficult to digest.

Many dogs can potentially develop an allergy after repeated consumption of cornmeal.

Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:

• Thick coat
• Ear infections
• Cracked or itchy skin
• Weight problems

If your dog has experienced any of these after eating sourdough bread, then consult your vet immediately.

You can always swap out your grains for a grain-free or gluten-free alternative.

Symptoms of wheat allergy or celiac disease in dogs

Gluten, wheat allergy and celiac disease are pretty much the same thing. If your dog has a wheat allergy and happens to eat sourdough bread, he can develop some serious symptoms.

The most common symptoms of wheat allergy in dogs are skin problems such as:

• Itchy hives
• Scratching and biting
• Vomiting
• diarrhea
• The sneeze
• Chewing the legs
• Ear infections

What type of sourdough bread is safe for dogs to eat?

Classic sourdough bread made with whole wheat flour or any other type of flour can be fed to a non-allergic dog. in moderation. Your dog can safely consume homemade sourdough bread with the addition of nutritious ingredients such as bananas.

What type of sourdough bread should dogs not eat?

Sourdough bread is generally safe for your dog to consume, except for those with these ingredients:

• Raisins
• Nuts and seeds
• Garlic and onion
• seasoning
• Artificial sweeteners

So if you want to make my sourdough recipes like wild garlic sourdough OR sourdough with cheeseDO NOT give it to your dog!

Oatmeal/Pumpkin Dough Dog Biscuits

Since it's relatively safe for dogs to consume sourdough in moderation, why not take this opportunity to whip up some delicious sourdough treats for dogs to throw down? You can use up some of that extra sourdough toss and customize these cakes with anything you like!

Ingredients

• 113 g oat flour
• 113 g whole wheat flour
• 1 spoon. baking soda
• 3 tablespoons. pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon. any pumpkin or sunflower seeds, flax seeds, ground chia seeds
• 1 cup low-fat milk, or any plant-based milk
• 1 egg
• 113 gr starter for the sourdough

GUIDELINES

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl
2. Mix the milk and egg in a medium bowl, and stir in the pumpkin puree and starter.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the liquid and mix. The dough should be thick but quite sticky, so add more flour or liquid wherever necessary.
4. Drop a tablespoon of batter onto the baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each cookie.
5. Wet a fork and lightly press each cookie.
6. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour.

So can dogs have sourdough bread?

If your dog does not have any type of wheat allergy, then he can consume sourdough bread in moderation. Make sure the bread is well cooked so your dog doesn't end up extremely ill.

Can dogs have sourdough bread – Frequently Asked Questions

Print

• 113 g oatmeal
• 113 g whole wheat flour
• 1 spoon. baking soda
• 3 tablespoons. pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon. any pumpkin or sunflower seeds, flax seeds, ground chia seeds
• 1 cup low-fat milk, or any plant-based milk
• 1 egg
• 113 g the beginning of sourdough

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl
2. Mix the milk and egg in a medium sized bowl and stir in the pumpkin puree and starter.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the liquid and mix. The dough should be thick but quite sticky, so add more flour or liquid wherever necessary.
4. Drop a tablespoon of batter onto the baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each cookie.
5. Wet a fork and lightly press each cookie.
6. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour.

endnoteS

Never feed your puppy raw sour cream. Remember to give these treats only in moderation!

• Author: Natasha Krajnc
• Cooking time: 45 minutes – 1 hour