Can Dogs Eat Breadsticks?

One of the most popular types of bread we love and eat regularly is breadsticks. Popularly known as dipping sticks, they are dry-baked and crispy pieces of bread. The pencil-sized bread originated from Italy but has a soft-baked version popular in North America. They are mainly eaten with dips and frequently served as an appetizer.

While you enjoy the breadsticks, you might wonder if it is safe to share them with your furry friend.

Are Breadsticks Safe For Dogs?

The shortest answer to this question is yes. Introduce the delicacy to your dog in moderation. This will help you know if your dog has any allergies to breadsticks. If there is a negative reaction, you can avoid feeding it to them in the future.

Are Breadsticks Good For Dogs?

Breadsticks are not the best choice of meal or treat to add to your dog’s regular diet as they offer little to no nutritional value to canines. Breadsticks are packed with lots of carbohydrates which can cause your dog to add weight quickly if fed to them regularly. The weight gain from the meal can change their overall quality of life.

Do Dogs Love Breadsticks?

Pets have a solid attraction to what their owner often consumes. If you eat breadsticks regularly, your dog can be excited if you share the snack with them.

Though your canine may be eager and beg for more after having some, ensure that you do not overfeed them.

Can Dogs Eat Breadsticks Daily?

While breadsticks can be a regular breakfast or appetizer meal to humans, you should only occasionally offer them to your dog. Your dog should regularly eat protein-based meals that are safe for them.

Benefits Of Breadsticks

There are many benefits that your canine can get from eating breadsticks. Though they provide little nutritional value, a homemade breadstick made of whole wheat or grain can benefit your dog. Whole grain breadsticks contain the following nutrients that are essential to a dog’s health:

Dietary Fiber

Feeding your dog meals with generous levels of fibers can assist in relieving gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation. It can further help in the regulation of intestinal glucose and insulin. This can boost your dog’s health if they are suffering from diabetes or obesity.

Iron

It is an important nutrient to dogs as it assists in synthesizing their blood. The mineral helps hemoglobin and red blood cells which are responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout a dog’s body.

Magnesium

It is an essential macromineral that is accountable for more than 300 biochemical reactions in canines. It assists in various functions such as:

• Keeping a steady heartbeat
• Maintaining normal body functions
• Keeping teeth and bones stronger

Omega 3 Fatty Acid

It is a beneficial supplement to dogs as it contains anti-inflammatory properties and assists in healing wounds. It can also help heal a dog’s damaged skin and improve mobility by relieving pain from aching joints.

Other than the nutrients present in breadsticks, your dog can also get other benefits from the meal. Bread is used to deal with stomach issues such as acidity in humans, and the same can apply to canines.

Breadsticks can also cushion sharp objects that your pooch accidentally ingested. The breadstick will wrap around the foreign object, enabling a safe passage through the dog’s gastrointestinal tract.

Is Breadstick Dough Dangerous For Dogs?

Preparing some homemade breadsticks for your dog can be a challenging process. You will need to let your dough rise after kneading. While taking time off to let it rise, your dog can get attracted by the pleasant smell and have a bite of the raw dough. This can be very dangerous to your canine, so you should immediately contact a vet.

Bread dough is hazardous as it contains yeast that can keep rising in your dog’s stomach. Yeast will emit toxic ethanol to your dog’s bloodstream and can cause bloating. Common symptoms that you will notice after consumption of dough include:

• Seizures
• Weakness
• Intoxication
• Hypothermia
• Depression

Risks Of Feeding Breadsticks To Dogs

Just because breadsticks are safe for dogs does not mean they should become a regular part of your dog’s diet. There are several risks to your dog eating breadsticks. They include:

1. While most breadsticks are soft, some are hard and crunchy. When not adequately chewed, they can be a potential choking hazard to your dog.
2. The sugar level and calories are pretty high and can be dangerous to your canine if it is suffering from obesity.
3. If your canine friend has a gluten allergy, it can cause an adverse reaction putting their health at serious risk.
4. Several varieties of breadsticks have ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as garlic, nuts and raisins. Your dog consuming such varieties can be fatal.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Croutons?

Final Thoughts

Dogs can eat breadsticks in small quantities; you should offer them as a treat and not consider them a regular part of their diet. If making homemade breadsticks for your dog, use whole grains or wheat to add some nutritional value.

Keep the dough out of your dog’s reach to protect them from alcohol toxicosis, as it is fatal to dogs.

Further Reading:

• Can Dogs Eat Lasagna?
• Can Dogs Eat Pizza? Here’s the Deal
• Can Dogs eat Mac and Cheese? Here’s All You Need to Know
• Can Dogs Eat Flour?
• Can Dogs Eat Bread? Is Bread Safe for Dogs?
• Can Dogs Eat French Toast?