Dough is a mixture of flour, water, and yeast that is used to make bread and other baked goods. While it may seem harmless, raw dough can be dangerous for dogs to consume. The yeast in the dough can cause the dough to expand in the stomach, leading to bloating and potentially life-threatening conditions such as gastric torsion. Additionally, the raw dough may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli. It is best to keep raw dough away from dogs and to never feed them any baked goods that contain raw dough.
If a dog does consume raw dough, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately. The veterinarian may induce vomiting or perform surgery to remove the dough from the dog’s stomach. In severe cases, the dog may need to be hospitalized for observation and treatment.
Safer alternatives to dough include cooked and cooled plain pasta or rice. These options are easy to digest and do not contain any harmful ingredients. Another alternative is to offer your dog commercially-made dog treats that are specifically formulated for canine consumption. These treats are designed to be safe and healthy for dogs to eat and can be found at most pet stores.
