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Can Dogs Eat Croissants? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Hanh Duong

By Hanh Duong

Can Dogs Eat Croissants

Vet approved

Dr. Lorna Whittemore Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Croissants are one of the most popular pastries in the world. As humans, it is difficult to resist the delectable smell of a freshly baked croissant and its great taste. Since croissants are safe for human consumption (not to mention delicious) we tend to eat a lot of this pastry. But what about dogs? Can dogs eat croissants?

The short answer is that dogs can eat certain types of croissants in moderation without harm, but they are not a good source of nutrition and should be avoided. Let’s explore all the things you need to keep your dog safe and away from the risks that some croissants can pose.

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Croissant Nutrition

According to the USDA, one large croissant (67 g) has the following nutritional content1:

Calories: 272
Fat: 14g
Protein: 5.5g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Sodium: 313mg
Fiber: 1.7g
Sugars: 7.5g

What Do Croissants Contain?

The croissant is a pastry widely known for its signature crescent-like shape, buttery flavor, and flaky texture. Today, they come in a variety of flavors and fillings. Butter, flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and milk make up the base of croissant dough. Classic sweet-filled croissants often use almonds, marzipan, or chocolate, while savory ones can be filled with spinach, cheese, or ham.

Some croissants are high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat, and some may even contain trans fats that are unhealthy for dogs. In addition, certain types also have ingredients that are harmful to canines, such as chocolate, xylitol, raisins, etc. So you should read the following sections carefully to help your dog avoid unwanted situations related to those croissants.

Croissants
Photo Credit: Pexels, Pixabay

Can Dogs Eat Croissants?

Dogs can eat croissants, but only in moderation and depending on the ingredients. Giving your dog one or two bites of a croissant won’t likely make them sick, but any larger intake might cause health problems.

Please note that this only applies to plain croissants. If your dog consumes a flavored version that includes toxic ingredients like chocolate, you may need to take them to a veterinarian.

Why Aren’t Croissants Healthy for Dogs?

The main ingredients of a croissant are flour, butter, sugar, water, salt, and yeast, so it’s no surprise that this pastry isn’t on the healthy dog food list.

Croissants contain a lot of butter. While the butter content of commercially produced products varies from 15% to 30%, it can range from 40% to 80% in traditional, high-quality ones. Butter has a high percentage of saturated fat and provides little nutritional value to your dog. It raises their risk of pancreatitis as well as obesity,2 which can cause hip and joint problems.

Croissants also include salt and sugar, and a diet rich in sodium can lead to various health issues, such as kidney and heart damage.

If you get croissants from a store, they can have dog-toxic ingredients like xylitol, raisins, chocolate, etc. So, ensure you check the product’s ingredient list before buying and feeding it to your dog. That said, it’s best to avoid giving your furry friend this pastry.

Baked Croissants
Photo Credit: Photowill, Pixabay

What Happens if a Dog Eats Croissants?

Your dog is unlikely to get sick if they only take a bite or two of your croissant. However, if they consume a significant amount, there is a high chance that there will be consequences. The abundance of fat and dairy content in this pastry can irritate a pup’s stomach and result in vomiting or diarrhea, and for some dogs, pancreatitis.

Additionally, many dogs lack the enzyme required to digest dairy products and are thus lactose intolerant. Therefore, ingesting large amounts of butter in croissants can be challenging for their digestive system and may cause diarrhea, bloating, and stomach aches.

Nowadays, chocolate croissants are also very popular. Unfortunately, although rarely fatal, chocolate consumption can lead to many serious illnesses. In a nutshell, a 50-pound dog would only need to eat 1 ounce of baking chocolate to potentially exhibit some poisoning signs.3 The most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, excessive urination, panting or restlessness, and a racing heart rate. In more severe cases, dogs can experience muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure.

There’s also a chance your dog could be allergic to flour or almonds in croissants. Be on the lookout for signs including vomiting, gas, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and general discomfort if they accidentally eat some.

Sick French Bulldog
Photo Credit: Mylene2401, Pixabay

Can Dogs Eat Butter Croissants?

A small butter croissant bite would not harm dogs. However, they may experience stomach upset if they overeat. Long-term effects such as weight gain can also occur.

Can Dogs Eat Almond Croissants?

Many owners wonder if they can give their dogs some of the much-favored almond croissants. It’s best to keep your pup away from this type of croissant because the canine system does not properly digest the proteins in nuts. Large quantities of almonds, whether eaten all at once or regularly in small amounts, can cause gastrointestinal distress, obesity, and pancreatitis.

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate Croissants?

Methylxanthines (specifically caffeine and theobromine) found in chocolate have a negative impact on dogs’ health. Dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate croissants since chocolate is toxic for them.

Healthy Croissant Alternatives for Dogs

You can offer your dog many delicious fruits and vegetables as healthy treats. These foods are obviously high in nutrients and low in calories, which makes them excellent for your dog’s health. Here are some simple, all-natural dog treats for you to consider:

  • Apples
  • Green peas
  • Carrots
  • Green beans
  • Broccoli
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon
  • Cooked sweet potatoes
  • Cooked squash
apples
Image Credit: pasja1000, Pixabay

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Conclusion

Yes, croissants are tasty, but remember that they are not healthy for dogs and should not be given to them regularly, if at all. These foods contain high levels of fat and potentially dangerous ingredients, so sharing them with your animals isn’t worth the risk. And don’t hesitate to take your dog to the vet immediately if you suspect they have swallowed any toxic substances.

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Featured Image Credit: Pexels, Pixabay

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