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Can Dogs Eat Bagels? 5 Health Risks of Bagels for Dogs

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: May 5, 2022 • 2 min read

Dogs cannot eat bagels. Though plain bagels are safe for your dog to consume in limited quantities, giving bagels to your dog is a bad idea. They offer little nutritional value, and many bagel ingredients are toxic to dogs. Pet owners should not let their dogs eat bagels due to the risk of heart problems and other health issues.

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Can Dogs Eat Bagels?

Dogs cannot eat bagels due to potentially toxic ingredients and toppings. Poppy seeds, onions, raisins, blueberries, sesame seeds, and garlic powder are common bagel seasonings and ingredients that are dangerous for dogs. Everything bagels are particularly harmful because they contain large quantities of toxic ingredients. Bagel spreads and toppings can also be hazardous for your furry friends, such as smoked salmon, cream cheese, or peanut butter that contains the artificial sweetener xylitol.

If your dog accidentally eats a small piece of bagel, it is unlikely to cause major health problems, but do not add this high-calorie snack to your dog’s diet; stick to healthy store-bought or homemade dog food. Consult your veterinarian if your dog gets into an entire bag of everything, garlic, onion, raisin, or poppy seed bagels.

5 Health Risks of Bagels for Dogs

Feeding bagels to your dog can cause several health problems. Dog owners should not offer their pets bagels as a treat because they can lead to:

  1. 1. Allergic reactions: As a highly processed food, bagels contain a long list of added ingredients that can harm your dog. Giving your dog a bagel for the first time can trigger an allergic reaction if your dog’s system can’t handle the filler ingredients. Instead, feed your dog healthy food and treats, such as green beans or apple slices.
  2. 2. Anemia: Garlic or onion bagels are highly toxic for dogs. Onions and garlic are part of the Allium family; they contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide, which damages your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Raisin bagels are also dangerous for dogs because grapes cause kidney failure in canines.
  3. 3. Digestive problems: One of the main ingredients in bagels is white flour. Your dog’s digestive system struggles to break down starches, gluten, and carbs. Since dogs don’t produce high concentrations of the digestive enzyme amylase, they develop gastrointestinal issues from consuming too many bread products. Feeding your dog bagels can cause bloating, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
  4. 4. Excessive fatigue: Bagels can also increase feelings of tiredness and sluggishness in your dog. As a bread product, bagels contain high amounts of carbohydrates, which disrupt blood sugar levels and decrease your dog’s energy levels.
  5. 5. Weight gain: Since bagels are full of carbohydrates, they are not a healthy treat for your pet. Feeding your dog too much bread can cause your pet to gain a lot of weight in a short amount of time, putting stress on their body and immune system. Obesity can lead to additional complications for your dog’s health, including heart disease and diabetes.

Before Sharing With Your Pooch

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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