Can Dogs Eat Raw Dough?
Safety Information
Yeast dough expands in stomach.
Important Notes
Can cause bloat and alcohol poisoning from fermentation.
The Dangers of Raw Dough
1. Painful Bloating and Blockage: A dog's stomach provides the perfect warm, moist environment for yeast to thrive. When a dog eats raw dough, the yeast continues to ferment and rise, causing the dough to expand dramatically in the stomach. This leads to severe, painful bloating and can cause a condition called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), or bloat, where the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood flow. GDV is a surgical emergency. 2. Alcohol Poisoning: As the yeast ferments the sugar in the dough, it produces ethanol—the same alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. This alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the dog's bloodstream, leading to alcohol poisoning. This can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, body temperature, and blood pressure, and can lead to seizures and respiratory failure.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Raw Dough
This is a veterinary emergency. The combination of potential stomach bloat and alcohol poisoning is life-threatening. Contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. The faster your dog receives medical attention, the better their prognosis.
The Bottom Line
Never leave rising bread dough or any other raw, yeasted dough in a place where your dog can reach it. The consequences of ingestion are severe and require immediate medical intervention.
Emergency Notice
If your dog has consumed raw dough, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 immediately.
General Feeding Guidelines
Introduce new foods gradually to monitor for allergic reactions or digestive issues.
Treats and human food should make up less than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake.
Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog's diet, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Every dog is unique, and some may have specific dietary restrictions or allergies. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet.