Can Dogs Eat Pastries? Are Pastries Bad for Dogs?

Introduction

No, dogs cannot eat pastries. Based on the recipe, some pastries can be directly toxic to dogs, while others are only harmful if consumed in larger amounts or too often. Anyway, pastries, in general, are not dog-friendly.

“Pastries” is an umbrella term used to cover a variety of baked goods that can be either sweet or sour. There are seven main types of pastry: rough puff pastry, filo pastry, suet crust pastry, choux pastry, flaky pastry, shortcut pastry, and puff pastry.

Why are Pastries Bad for Dogs?

Pastries are bad for dogs because of several reasons. In general, the main ingredients in the dough are not particularly dangerous for dogs. However, the added spices, fruits, and seasonings can be either harmful or toxic.

To make things easier for understanding, let’s review the different and potentially hazardous pastry ingredients.

dessert

Too Much Sugar

Pastries are loaded with sugars, and dogs do not benefit from this particular nutrient. Sugar overconsumption leads to hyperactivity and mood swings. In the long run, it adds unnecessary weight and puts the dog at risk of developing diabetes.

Fat Overload

Pastries are also rich in fats. Most pastry recipes include the use of butter. Despite containing healthy fatty acids, butter is too strong for dogs and may lead to several issues, including stomach upset, pancreatitis, and weight gain.

The Lactose Issue

Pastries are made with milk, and adult dogs cannot process dairy products as they lack the enzyme lactase. Consuming pastries can make lactase-intolerant dogs develop severe stomach upset episodes.

Potential Toxicities

Many added ingredients into the pastries are toxic to dogs. For example, pastries may contain chocolate, raisins, or nutmeg. All of these foods are toxic to dogs and, based on the consumed amount, can even be life-threatening.

Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Pastries

The signs and symptoms a dog may develop after eating pastries depend on several factors. Some of them are related to the dog and the others with the pastries.

Best-case scenario (if a large dog eats a few bite-sized pastry chunks with no tricky ingredients), there will be no worrisome signs and symptoms. Worst-case scenario (if a small dog overeats on pastries or any dog consumes pastries with something toxic), the signs and symptoms are worrisome and require immediate help.

Here is a general list of the possible signs and symptoms following pastry-related indiscretions in dogs:

  • Vomiting (with or without blood)
  • Diarrhea (with or without blood)
  • Constipation (usually after diarrhea)
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Excess drooling
  • Changes in the urination frequency
  • Dilated pupils
  • Loss of coordination
  • Twitches, tremors, and seizures.

Which of these signs and symptoms will develop depends on the mentioned factors, such as the dog’s size, weight, age, overall health, and the pastry’s amount and exact ingredients.

No matter the combination of signs and symptoms a dog shows, it is imperative to call the vet if some of them arise.      

dog eating muffin

What to Do If My Dog Ate Pastries?

If your dog ate pastries, the first thing to do is remove the uneaten ones to prevent further damage. Next, try to evaluate the situation – determine how many pastries the dog ate and what they contained.

With that being covered, call the veterinarian and explain the problem. The more you can tell about what happened, the better advice the vet will give you. In general, you will either have to monitor the dog at home or go to the vet’s office.

Summary

So, the final verdict of pastries is that they are not a dog-friendly food option. While some pastries are harmless if given in small amounts and infrequently, others are hazardous and can even be deadly.

Therefore, it is best to keep pastries away from your dog’s food bowl. Do not feel tempted to share the pastries with your dog, and do not leave them unattended. If you are eating pastries, offer your dog some pet-friendly snacks.

Sources

  1. Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs, Renee Schmid, DVM & Ahna Brutlag, 2021
  2. Raisin and Grape Toxicosis in Dogs, Sharon M. Gwaltney-Brant, 2021
  3. Can Dogs Eat Nutmeg?, Stacy Painter, 2019

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Ivana Crnec

Ivana Crnec

Dr. Ivana Crnec is a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine, a passionate writer and a devoted pet parent. Specializing in domestic carnivores, her professional experience ranges from preventative medicine and routine wellness care through diagnosing and treating conditions to emergency and specialty care
Bitola, Macedonia