Bagels. A beautiful product of bread that is boiled and baked in a ring shape.
They have reportedly been around since the 13th century and have been widely popularized throughout the world.
Some places, like Montréal and New York City even have a bagel rivalry, due to their diverse methods of making these iconic snacks.
People love bagels! And, if people love them, dogs probably do too. Or, at least they think they do when they see you eating one! So, as you enjoy your doughy bagel, can you share it with your beloved pet?
A question a dog lover might have is, “Can Dogs Eat Bagels?”
This article will answer this question so you know if bagels are safe for dogs to eat. You’ll also find some surprising (and helpful) information on ways in which bagels may be good – or not so good – for your dog’s health.
Can Dogs Eat Bagels?
The short answer is no. Dogs should not eat bagels. It is not a healthy food choice for them. And, in soe cases, they may be downright harmful to your doggo.
There are many types of human-safe foods that are not good for dogs. These include grapes, bones, chocolate, and bagels, too.
Bagels are primarily made from white flour, similar to many types of bread. Most breads are high in carbohydrates. And carbohydrates are not a good nutrient for dogs as they can lead to conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
More on Bagels Nutrition for Dogs
Bagels are pretty much just fillers or extra calories for dogs who need a high-energy diet.
A majority of the time bagels are only harmful to dogs if they eat too much. So, eating small amounts of bagels will usually not have any bad effects on your dog.
Unhealthy Parts of Bagels for Dogs
However, many bagel toppings are unhealthy for dogs. And a few of them are even toxic to dogs.
Typically, bagels are served with butter, jam, and cream cheese. Butter and cream cheese are high in fats.
Although cream cheese is non-toxic for dogs, it contains many fats, and added sugars, which are both bad for dogs. Jam is high in sugar, and even unsweetened jam may have sweeteners that are toxic to dogs.
Many types of cream cheese spreads are mixed with onions as well as other seasonings. As we have discussed in previous articles, onions and other seasonings are poisonous to dogs.
Bagels may also contain garlic and raisins for toppings. Garlic, as well as raisins, are toxic to dogs.
When is it Safe to Feed Dogs Bagels?
In general, bagels themselves do not deliver much benefit for dogs. They may be given as a once-in-a-blue-moon treat, but only if they are served plain, without toxic ingredients and toppings.
So, it is best not to feed dogs bagels as they will only do more harm than good for dogs.
Instead of feeding your dogs bagels, try feeding them other healthier options for snacks such as certain meats and veggies.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is a part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
Up next, find out can dogs eat Vienna sausage?
