Before you toss some flatbread to your dog, it is important to ask can dogs eat pita bread? Pita bread is found almost everywhere in the world as it is used in tacos and pizza etc. It is fairly common amongst humans due to its versatility but when it comes to dogs, things are a bit different.
Although, pita bread is not proven to be harmful or toxic to dogs but should always be offered in moderation. Since it is not an essential part of your dog’s regular diet, you should not replace it with other healthier meals.
Therefore, if you plan on offering some pita bread to your dog, you need to explore the concerns surrounding pita bread and how you can avoid serious health concerns if any. Let’s begin.
Is pita bread safe for dogs?
Yes, pita bread is safe for dogs as long as it does not contain garlic, raisins, xylitol, nuts, and chocolate chips, etc. The reason raisins are toxic to dogs is because they contain a toxin called mousseline. The seeds from the fruit’s pit can cause kidney failure in dogs. This is why you need to make sure that the pita you are about to offer is free of such components.
On the other hand, garlic is not good for dogs as it might cause anemia. Meanwhile, xylitol is found in sugar-free candies and even toothpaste. It is a seriously dangerous ingredient that can cause insulin levels in dogs to suddenly drop.
Furthermore, pitas with nuts are a huge no-no for dogs as they can become constipated, experience diarrhea, or even develop pancreatitis in worse-case scenarios. In addition to that, chocolate chips tend to contain toxic chemicals that can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach upset, heart arrhythmia, seizures, and muscle tremors, etc.
Moreover, pita bread can go stale if kept in the pantry. Therefore, it is best to put it in the fridge so that it remains fresh for a couple of days. Considering the risks involved, you should only offer pita bread in moderation as human foods are not supposed to be processed by dogs.
However, if you still feel like offering some pita bread to your dog, make sure to monitor it closely.
Is pita bread bad or good for dogs?
Pita bread in itself is actually good for dogs as it contains iron, calcium, and fiber. Offering pita bread to your dog in moderation is going to help improve their digestive system rather than opting for unhealthy alternatives. Plus, pita bread is also good for teething puppies that can easily chew and swallow the bread without many complications.
At the same time, pita bread also does not contain gluten or carbohydrates, which can make your dog sick. You can simply break down the break into a few pieces and offer it to your dog as an afternoon snack. Moreover, if you intend to offer pita bread to your puppy, you should start with a small quantity.
Dogs that are eating human foods for the first time may experience an upset stomach. With that said, you should only offer a small amount at the start and observe if your dog experiences any discomfort. If you observe that your dog has not developed a taste for pita bread, you should stop offering it.
Some dogs will simply not develop a liking for certain food items. However, considering the fact that pita bread is a good source of calcium and fiber, it could be a healthy food item for pregnant dogs. Meanwhile, your dog’s digestive system will improve as well, which is important as the mother is prone to experiencing morning sickness or constipation at this stage.
Can sick and elderly dogs eat pita bread?
Yes, elderly dogs can safely eat pita bread. The reason is that as dog’s age, the digestive system becomes weaker. As a result, the dog is relatively more vulnerable to constipation, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. With that said, pita bread tends to contain a lot of fiber that helps with digestion and bowel movements. Additionally, pita bread also contains calcium, which can help strengthen your dog’s bones and muscles along with iron needed to stay energetic during senior years.
Meanwhile, sick dogs may also be offered pita bread in very small quantities if the dog is not able to digest other food items. However, you will first need to consult your vet. Plus, you will need to keep a close eye on your dog as well.
What happens if dogs eat too much pita?
If your dog happens to eat too much pita, chances are that it will experience an upset digestive system. The thing is that dogs require a balance of essential nutrients and vitamins to remain healthy and proactive. If you continue offering the same food item for longer durations, your dog will not be able to take in the essentials that were offered by other food items.
As a result, while your dog ingests pita bread, it might need some additional help for the food item to go through. At the same time, excessive consumption of pita bread can also lead to diabetes. The reason is that excessive carbohydrates in pita bread can lead to an imbalance in blood sugar levels.
Can diabetic and overweight dogs eat pita bread?
Yes, diabetic dogs can eat pita bread as it contains close to zero sugar. Plus, it also contains fiber and carbohydrates that help with the digestion process. However, remember to offer a limited portion each time to prevent diabetes due to excessive pita consumption.
On the other hand, pita bread is suited to overweight dogs as well as its glycemic index is low and does not cause your dog to gain weight fast. Infact, the bread might help your dog shed some weight by burning calories and keeping it full for longer time periods.
What bread can dogs not eat?
Bread is safe for dogs to eat as long as it is plain white or wheat bread. Just make sure that it is free of ingredients like nuts, xylitol, etc. that are toxic to dogs.
Can puppies eat pita bread?
Yes, puppies can eat pita bread but in a balanced manner. At the same time, you should make sure that your dog does not suffer from any allergies or experience an upset stomach.
Can I give my dog toast?
Yes, you can offer a toast to your dog provided that it isn’t allergic to gluten or wheat or lactose intolerant. If it is, you should avoid offering it a toast and opt for something relatively safer to eat. However, if there aren’t any sensitivities, you can also apply some spread on the toast but then again, make sure the ingredients are not toxic to dogs.
Conclusion
While pita bread is not harmful to dogs but it does not necessarily mean that you offer it regularly. You can provide some in moderation but it should not be made a part of your dog’s regular balanced diet. Plus, if you observe your dog acting strange upon ingesting a few pieces of pita bread, you should avoid offering it and opt for treats and snacks that are designed to match the needs and preferences of the dogs.
