can dogs eat sourdough bread

Dogs can eat sourdough bread in small amounts if it is fully baked, but it is generally not recommended as a regular treat. Baked sourdough bread is not toxic to dogs, but it contains yeast, salt, and wheat flour, which are unnecessary for their diet and may cause stomach upset or bloating. Some dogs may also have wheat allergies or intolerances, so bread should be avoided altogether in those cases. Uncooked sourdough bread or raw dough is dangerous for dogs because it continues to ferment inside their stomach, producing ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide, which can cause alcohol poisoning, bloating, and potentially life-threatening conditions like bloat or gastric- dilation volvulus. Symptoms of consuming raw sourdough include excessive drooling, vomiting, weakness, disorientation, and difficulty breathing, requiring immediate veterinary attention. In summary, small amounts of cooked sourdough bread are safe as an occasional treat, but raw or uncooked sourdough bread must be avoided completely. There are better, healthier treat options for dogs than bread. This information is based on veterinary expert guidance and pet health sources from 2025.