Dogs love to sneak around and eat whatever is in their reach. As a pet parent, you often worry about what if your fur baby consumes something that is unhealthy for it. It is not an unlikely scenario, and pups often end up eating inedible or harmful things. Since not all human food is safe for dogs, you may wonder, “can dogs eat flour?” We all know flour is a staple ingredient in our kitchens, and it is only natural that you want to learn more about dogs and flour.
Let’s learn about it!
Can dogs eat flour?
Yes, they can; however, you should know that an excess of it can be bad for your canine friend. Flour does not add any significant nutrition value, but it does not harm dogs either. Besides, flour is a binding ingredient in many dog treats, which are safe to consume.
Dogs love to eat dog treats and often demand that you give them in abundance quantity. While your dog may look at you pleadingly, melting your heart, you need to stay firm. Do not feed them more than the recommended quantity, as it may cause health issues.
Flours are of different types; let’s learn about some of them!
Can dogs eat all-purpose flour?
All-purpose flour does not add any nutritional value; thus, your dog should avoid it. However, a tiny quantity of all-purpose flour does not hurt dogs.
All-purpose flour is commonly available and used in many dishes. Since it combines soft and hard wheat flour, it is a preferred choice for many bakes and makes a wide variety of baked delicacies.
You may want to add all-purpose flour to your dog’s treat, as it may already be part of your kitchen. We recommend avoiding it because other alternatives are better for your pup.
Can dogs eat whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour is safe and healthy for your pup. It is packed with minerals, vitamins, fiber, and protein, i.e., gluten, essential for your dog’s diet. So, if your dog does not have a wheat allergy, switch to whole wheat flour and feed your beloved animal scrumptious treats.
Gluten in this flour can trigger an allergy in dogs, making it an unhealthy choice for wheat allergic dogs. Remember, if whole wheat flour is new to your dog, do not feed it in an adequate quantity. Instead, introduce it gradually and see your furry friend’s reaction to it.
Carbohydrates, protein, fibers, and minerals, you name it, and almost all nutritional elements of dog food are in whole wheat flour.
Can I feed my dog coconut flour?
Yes, you certainly can, as coconut flour is excellent for dogs. The best aspect of coconut flour is that it is gluten-free. Plus, the flour is filled with calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and various vitamins.
The pulp of coconut is grounded in fine powder to make it flour. Coconut flour is a healthy choice for dogs as it is low in carbs and fats but high in dietary fiber and protein. Also, coconut flour has some health benefits as it lowers blood sugar levels in canines and humans. So, switch to coconut flour and let your dog reap its health benefits.
Can dogs have oat flour?
Oat flour indeed is a safe choice for dogs. Oat flour is free of gluten, has low sugar content, and is high in protein, making it an excellent alternative to other flours for your dog.
Moreover, oat flour is dense and can retain more moisture. Dog’s treats made of oat flour come out a little moister. Oat flour is full of antioxidants. Hence, you do not have to worry about the weight gain of your beloved pup, even when you feed it baked cookies and cupcakes.
Can I feed non-grain flour to my dog?
Yes, non-grain flours are also healthy for your pet. Non-grain flour includes almond, coconut, chickpea, or pumpkin seed flour. Most of these are easy to make and do not require additional seasoning. Therefore, non-grain flour can be added while baking dog treats.
You can safely use almond flour as an alternative to wheat flour for dogs allergic to wheat. Chickpea flour contains magnesium, iron, and zinc and is an excellent source of plant-based protein. Whereas pumpkin seed flour is a great choice for canines, who need to calm their nerves. It has tryptophan which helps dogs with anxiety and inflammation.
After learning that dogs can eat flour, you may want to know its recommended amount for dogs.
Let’s read about it!
How much flour can a dog consume?
Dogs should not be given flour in large quantities. While flour is safe for dogs and whole-grain flours are healthy, you should provide flour in small amounts.
Introduce a new flour to your dog gradually and monitor its conditions. Some dogs may have gluten or wheat allergies and react badly to them. Besides, too much flour consumption can result in slowed growth, dehydration, gas, or bloating.
Flours do not cause any severe health issues unless your pup has a medical condition. Still, act smartly and feed only recommended amount to your four-legged fur baby.
What would happen if my dogs ate too much flour?
If your pup eats too much flour, it might suffer through the following problems:
- Bloating or gas
- Slowed growth
- Diarrhea
- Yeast infections
- Dehydration
- Obesity
What to do if my dog ate too much flour?
If your dog ate too much flour, keep it hydrated, do not feed it for a while, and take it somewhere where it can pass gas easily. If your pup starts to bloat, take it to the vet immediately.
Related FAQs to whether dogs can eat flour!
Are all types of flour safe for dogs?
Experts recommend avoiding feeding all-purpose flour to dogs. Aside from it, flour is safe for dogs; however, you must ensure that your dog is not allergic to wheat or gluten before giving it to it.
Which flours are safe for dogs?
- Whole wheat flour (has gluten)
- Almond flour
- Brown rice flour
- Garbanzo bean flour
- Coconut flour
- Sorghum flour
- Quinoa flour
Can dogs have bread flour?
Bread flour may give your pup a spike or drop in its blood sugar levels.
Do dogs have wheat or gluten allergy?
Yes, some dogs may have wheat or gluten allergy. Studies reveal that food allergies account for 10% of all dog allergies, including wheat and gluten intolerance.
Which flours to avoid for dogs?
- Corn flour
- Soy flour
- All-purpose flour
How are wheat flour and white flour different?
Wheat flour is rich in fiber; on the contrary, white flour does not have much fiber. Most of the fiber is removed from white flour during processing.
Can dogs eat flour and eggs?
Yes, a dog can eat flour and eggs if it is not allergic or sensitive to these items.
Can dogs eat self-rising flour?
Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, which are not good for dogs. Avoid using it in dog treats.
Can I use wheat flour instead of white flour?
You can swap white flour for wheat flour in some recipes. Not all baking goods with white flour can be made with wheat flour, as wheat flour is denser than white flour. If the recipe allows, use 177g of wheat flour instead of 237g of white flour to have the same texture.
Concluding our thoughts on whether dogs can eat flour!
Pet parents want to ensure that their beloved animals eat healthy yet tasty food. Therefore, they invest time learning about the dos and don’ts of the dog’s diet. It is almost impossible to avoid flour for dogs as it is used in most dog delicacies. The good news is that flour is safe for dogs to consume; however, an excess can be harmful.
