Can Dogs Eat Croissants? 15 Must-Read Dangers

These crescent-shaped pastries smell so buttery.

That even your dog couldn’t help but be curious about them.

So they may demand a bite of your croissant while you’re having some.

Or steal a piece when you’re away.

However, is it safe for your Fido to eat it?

Read on to find out:

15 possible dangers of croissants to dogs.
How much is considered toxic for canines.
9 common signs of poisoning that you must know.
3 tips on what to do if your Fido accidentally consumed one.
And many more…

Can dogs eat croissants?

It’s not recommended for dogs to eat croissants. Although a bite of plain bread is safe for them, these pastries are different. This is because they come with many flavors that may contain toxic substances. Your dog may get diseases instead of nutrients as the snacks are high in calories too.

What are croissants made of?

Croissants are usually made of eggs, flour, butter, sugar, yeast, and water. These are the basic bread ingredients. And most of them are considered safe for dogs in small portions.

However, this type of bread has a high amount of butter.

It’s used in creating multiple layers of dough. And it’s needed in achieving the croissants’ flaky texture and honeycomb interior.

Commercially-made ones have 15% to 25%. While classic and high-quality croissants can have as much as 45% to 80% of butter.

So, are croissants bad for dogs?

If taken frequently, plain ones could make canines sick. But it’s a different issue when:

They have fillings inside.
The dough is consumed raw.
There are added toppings/ingredients.

Are croissants safe for dogs?

Most types of croissants aren’t safe for dogs. This is because almost all variations have ingredients that are toxic for them.

Say, chocolate or raisin ones. And these can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting to organ failure.

Below is a list of common croissant ingredients and whether each one poses hazards for dogs or not.

Croissant ingredients	Is it safe or bad for dogs?
Milk	Bad (they can be lactose intolerant)
Eggs	Safe
All-purpose flour	Safe
Active dry yeast	Bad
Unsweetened butter	Bad
Vegetable oil	Bad
Water	Safe
White sugar	Bad
Salt	Bad (in high amounts)
Cheese	Safe
Ham	Bad
Raisins	Bad
Almonds	Bad
Xylitol	Bad
Chocolate	Bad

15 dangers of dogs eating croissants

Croissant bread

#1: GDV

This is short for ‘gastric dilatation and volvulus.’ And in dogs, it can be caused by consuming raw bread dough.

Like other bread, croissants also have active dry yeast. This microorganism releases a gas that makes the dough rise.

So if a canine accidentally eats some of it, it’ll continue to inflate inside their stomach. And this is because their tummy is warm like an oven, according to experts.

This will now cause bloat. And it’s going to be painful as the dough will block the walls of their stomach.

So this is considered life-threatening and may need immediate surgery.

#2: Alcohol poisoning

While the dough rises, it doesn’t only release gas. But also alcohol which can poison canines.

Based on PetMD, it’ll make them feel lethargic and have a slow heartbeat. And it may also cause a heart attack.

You might also like: Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets? 9 Dangers + 5 Safety Tips

Butter croissants

#3: Stomachache

Butter is made from milk fat. Although it’s not poisonous for dogs, it can cause digestive problems if they consume too much of it.

“Why?”

This is because most canines are lactose intolerant.

To break down the sugars (lactose) in milk, they need enzymes called lactase. And dogs had plenty of this when they were young. As it helps in the digestion of their mom’s milk.

However, as they grow up, their bodies will produce less lactase, leading to intolerance.

So ingesting a high amount of butter may cause stomach ache for your Fido. And this could last for days.

#4: Gastroenteritis

When a dog is lactose intolerant, their body doesn’t have enough lactase to break down the milk. So it’ll pass through their organs undigested which could lead to the swelling of the stomach and intestines.

As a result, they’ll experience diarrhea. And this often comes with vomiting, as well as abdominal pain.

According to VCA, canines who have this will vomit a foamy yellowish liquid. And you’re also going to notice gagging after eating.

What to do?

Watch out for dehydration. You can give your Fido a vet-approved dosage of electrolyte solution to replenish their lost fluids.

#5: Pancreatitis

Fatty food is the common cause of this health problem. And it’s known that butter is mainly saturated fat.

So this might cause inflammation of the pancreas in the long run. Especially if they also have otheir oil sources in their meals.

“What signs should I look for?”

Experts say that dogs who have this will sit in a ‘praying position.’

“What does it look like?”

They’ll stretch their front legs forward while their hinds are raised. And their head will also be close to the ground.

Apart from it, they’ll also show other signs such as:

Fever.
Vomiting.
Lethargy.
Loss of appetite.

Almond croissants

#6: Obstruction

Almonds aren’t considered toxic to our furry friends. However, one of its greatest dangers is causing blockage to their intestines, esophagus, or windpipe.

This can result in difficulty in defecation. As well as death, if not removed immediately.

In this type of bread, almonds are sliced thinly. But it has too many on top of it, and dogs can’t digest nuts well.

So once they’re accumulated inside their body, it could still pose the same hazard.

#7: Food allergy

Dogs might also have an allergy to nuts like almonds.

But their reactions will range from mild to serious ones – depending on their sensitivity and amount consumed.

Common symptoms of allergy are:

Swelling.
Sneezing.
Coughing.
Having itchy skin.
Difficulty breathing.

Fidos may also scratch themselves, rub their bodies, or lick excessively to ease the itchiness.

#8: Bad gas

Consuming almonds might also cause the formation of bad gas in dogs. Or also called flatulence.

Nuts aren’t easily digested by canines. Plus, they’re high in fats, too (so they may lead to pancreatitis as well).

So if eaten regularly (even in small amounts), almonds could lead to the excess gas buildup in their colon.

For further reading: 5 Reasons Why Your Dog’s Farts Smell Like Rotten Eggs & Sulfur

#9: Dental cavities

Almond croissants may also have powdered sugar sprinkled on their top.

So this, together with other glucose in the other ingredients, can cause cavities in dogs’ teeth.

These will then produce acids that’ll damage their enamel – the protective coating of their teeth. And they’ll result in various dental diseases.

You might also wonder: Why does my dog suddenly have bad breath?

#10: Obesity

Most of the ingredients in this type of food are of no nutritional value to dogs. They only add extra carbs and fats to their body.

So daily intake of this might also lead to weight gain. And we know that excess body mass has several consequences.

One of them is being more prone to other health conditions like diabetes and heart problems.

The other one is the added pressure to their joints. So this will be painful for dogs with arthritis or any bone-related issues.

The main culprit of all of this is refined sugar. And you’ll find it more in this type of croissant.

Note: Too many sweets can cause an upset stomach as well. This is because sugar triggers the growth of bad bacteria in the intestines. As well as cause their blood pressure to rise all of a sudden.

#11: Diabetes

Other effects of sugars in a dog’s body are hormonal imbalance and metabolic changes.

There will be an increase in insulin levels, so it’ll affect their:

Muscle tone.
Storage of fat.
Immune system.

As a result, canines will be more vulnerable to diseases and bacteria. And a high amount of insulin in the body can also make their cells immune to it, which results in diabetes.

Chocolate croissants

#12: Poisoning

Chocolate has chemicals that can uplift a human’s mood. However, it’s the opposite for dogs.

This is because it’s made of cacao beans high in ‘methylxanthines’ – caffeine and theobromine. And these substances are toxic for them since they can’t digest these well like humans.

“What can these chemicals do to their body?”

The severity of effects will depend on the following:

Size of dog

Toxins are usually more potent in smaller ones.

So the same dose of chocolate may have severe effects on Chihuahuas compared to Great Danes.

Type of chocolate

Those that are less sweet have higher amounts of toxic substances. So bitter ones like cocoa and dark are more dangerous than milk and white chocolate.

The table below shows the total amount of caffeine and theobromine per ounce or gram based on Merck Vets.

Variation of chocolate	Amount of methylxanthine concentration
Dry cocoa powder	800 mg/oz (28.5 mg/g)
Unsweetened/baker’s	450 mg/oz (16 mg/g)
Dark	150–160 mg/oz (5.4–5.7 mg/g)
Milk	64 mg/oz (2.3 mg/g)

Although the type used by bakers will vary, semi-sweet are usually indicated in many recipes.

This is why this type of croissant is highly poisonous to dogs.

Amount consumed

According to the same research above, eating a small amount or 0.0007 oz. (0.02 g) per their body weight is enough for dogs to experience:

Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Increased thirst.

While a study reveals that consuming 0.045 oz/lb (1.3 g/kg) of baker’s chocolate is lethal for them.

So a dog weighing 44 lbs (20 kg) will be severely affected once they eat 0.88 oz (25 g) of it.

Toxic amount of chocolate (unsweetened)	Dog’s weight
0.45 oz (6 g)	10 lbs (4.5 kg)
0.9 oz (11.7 g)	20 lbs (9 kg)
1.35 oz (18.2 g)	30 lbs (14 kg)
1.8 oz (23.4 g)	40 lbs (18 kg)
2.25 oz (29.9 g)	50 lbs (23 kg)
2.7 oz (35.1 g)	60 lbs (27 kg)
3.15 oz (41.6 g)	70 lbs (32 kg)
3.6 oz (46.8 g)	80 lbs (36 kg)
4.05 oz (53.3 g)	90 lbs (41 kg)
4.5 oz (58.5 g)	100 lbs (45 kg)

Warning: The first signs will occur within 6-12 hours. They may develop into more serious ones, which can result in death. So, if they ingest a huge portion of chocolate croissants, bring them to the clinic asap.

#13: Seizures

The study mentioned earlier also found that 0.002 oz/lb (0.06 g/kg) of chocolate can cause seizures in canines.

This is considered a significant amount for them.

Plus, the toxins could make their heartbeat 2 times faster than usual. While other Fidos might also run and act out of control due to the high dosage.

The seizures they’ll show may range from a facial tremor, sudden barking to whole-body convulsions.

Ham and cheese croissants

#14: Onion toxicity

Although ham and cheese croissants look safe at a glance…

There could be toxic spices hidden within them.

Some recipes might not have this, but most of them include onions which are poisonous for canines.

“Why?”

Like chocolates, they also have a harmful substance.

It’s called N-propyl disulfide. And this can damage their red blood cells or RBCs once ingested.

How much of it is dangerous for dogs?

AKC says that a 45 lb (20 kg) canine could be severely affected by eating 0.22 oz (100 g) of it. Which is equivalent to 1 medium-sized onion.

So it’ll be fatal if they consume too much of it. Whether it’s taken regularly in small amounts or eaten in one big serving.

Here’s a more detailed table:

Toxic amount of onions	Dog’s weight
2.4-4.8 oz (67.5-135 g)	10 lbs (4.5 kg)
4.8-9.5 oz (135-270 g)	20 lbs (9 kg)
7.4-14.8 oz (210-420 g)	30 lbs (14 kg)
9.5-19 oz (270-540 g)	40 lbs (18 kg)
12-24 oz (345-690 g)	50 lbs (23 kg)
14.3- 28.6 oz (405-810 g)	60 lbs (27 kg)
17-33.8 (480-960 g)	70 lbs (32 kg)
19-38 oz (540-1080 g)	80 lbs (36 kg)
21.7-43.4 oz (615-1230 g)	90 lbs (41 kg)
23.8-47.6 oz (675-1350 g)	100 lbs (45 kg)

Warning: Continuous rupture of the RBCs may also lead to anemia after a few days. So if your Fido exhibits other unusual signs, better have them checked by a vet immediately.

#15: Hypernatremia

This happens when there’s too little water and high amounts of salt in their body. Due to the imbalance, the concentration of sodium in their blood will rise too.

And this is dangerous if not taken care of immediately. As research shows that it has a 20.6% fatality rate out of 957 canines.

What are its causes?

This is usually caused by the loss of fluid due to severe diarrhea and vomiting.

There’s also a report where an 8-year-old male Airedale terrier died because he consumed a salt-flour mixture for clay sculpting.

Although 1 serving of this croissant won’t result in salt toxicity, it might cause lethargy and throwing up.

This is because one of its main components is ham. And what is mainly responsible for its curation and rich flavor?

Sodium.

There’s said to be 1,117 mg of it per 85 g of ham, according to experts.

Store-bought ones even have preservatives called nitrates and nitrites, which are mostly salt. And it’s unhealthy for humans, so imagine the effect it has on canines.

Warning: If consumed frequently, this can also lead to kidney damage in the future. Along with ingesting other food high in sodium and fats.

9 signs of poisoning in dogs

#1: Gastrointestinal problems

Once toxins enter their body, they’ll affect their stomach and intestines first.

One of the earliest signs is reduced appetite. And since it’s a common symptom, some people might overlook it as an indicator of another condition.

This is then followed by:

Nausea.
Diarrhea.
Vomiting.

Other dogs may also show dry heaving. As well as excessive drooling or foaming of the mouth.

#2: Changes in behavior

If a dog is unwell, they might withdraw and stay in the corner to avoid any interaction.

Or in other cases, such as chocolate poisoning, they can be hyperactive at first instead. And it’ll progress into more severe signs later on.

#3: Abnormal liquid intake and urination

Due to vomiting and diarrhea, they’ll also experience loss of fluids or dehydration.

Poisonous substances like raisins and grapes may cause kidney failure as well. And one of its common indicators is changes in the frequency of urination – whether increased or decreased.

Note: Onion toxicity can make canines’ urine reddish.

#4: Unusual temperature

Some toxics can make a dog’s body temperature drop – below 100 F° (38 C°).

This is called hypothermia. And it might be caused by kidney or hormonal problems due to alcohol (from yeast) poisoning.

While others will have an opposite effect which is hyperthermia. They’ll increase their temperature instead – higher than 104°F (40.0°C).

And this is also accompanied by…

#5: Weakness

A poisoned dog may suddenly look nervous and restless.

Some will even collapse due to lethargy. As well as low blood sugar levels which indicate liver failure. And this is common in canines who ingested xylitol.

Reading tip: Why is my dog restless at night all of sudden?

#6: Difficulty in breathing

Dogs might also suffer from shortness of breath. So they’ll gasp for air and have labored breathing.

Note: This is an emergency. So if your Fido shows this, take them to the vet right away.

#7: Elevated heart rate

The normal heart rate for dogs is 120 to 160 beats per minute for small ones. While it’s 60 to 120 beats in larger hounds.

Yeast and chocolate are the 2 known culprits of racing heart rate in canines. And this is extremely dangerous, especially to those who have an existing health condition.

#8: Seizures

Hyperactivity and increased heart rate might also progress in this.

As harmful chemicals poison the body, they can also damage their brain and nerves. This will result in muscle spasms, tremors, or convulsions.

#9: Strange gum color

You can also see it in their gums.

A dog with blue ones may not have enough oxygen in their blood. Or it’s because they’re having difficulty breathing.

On the other hand, pale gums indicate anemia or kidney problems due to toxicity.

While yellow-colored ones could be the result of xylitol poisoning or liver failure.

3 tips on what to do if your dog eats a croissant

#1: Remove and monitor

First, quickly remove all the remnants that your dog might still eat. Make sure to put them out of their reach.

Next, check the insides of their mouth for any residues. Then make them drink lots of water.

Monitor your Fido’s condition overnight and watch out for any of the signs listed above. Some symptoms can show as fast as 30 minutes. While others may take up to 12 hours or more.

Note: If they have only eaten some, call your vet for emergency care. This is to know the things you should and shouldn’t do for potential poisoning.

#2: Do the right first aid

Knowing the things you should do in an emergency like this could make a difference.

Induce vomiting

How long has it been since they ingested a croissant with toxic ingredients?

If it’s still 15 to 30 minutes, experts say that you should make your Fido vomit. Throwing up may help them get the toxins out of their body.

But if it’s more than that already, don’t attempt to do this.

“So how can I make them vomit?”

PetMD listed several options. But still, it would be nice to ask your dog’s vet about this matter.

Offer them a small meal. This could make them vomit, provided that their tummy is empty for the past 2 hours.
Give them 3% hydrogen peroxide. For every lb or kg of their body weight, measure 0.034 fl oz (1 ml) of it. But take note, you can only give up to 1.52 fl oz (45 ml). So don’t add more even if their weight is more than that.

Warning: If they’re still not vomiting after 15 minutes, make an appointment to the clinic asap.

Also, don’t do this if:

It’s xylitol poisoning.
The dog is restless.
They’re having seizures.

Activated charcoal

This is safe for dogs, and it’s used to absorb any ingested toxic chemicals.

It’s like a magnet that safely holds the harmful substances out of their body – through defecation.

According to ASPCA, the standard dosage is 0.035 to 0.11 oz/lb (1 to 3 g/kg) per body weight.

Using a syringe, give this orally to your dog. And if they’re absorbing it and it shows with their defecation, you can repeat this every 4 to 8 hours.

#3: Bring them to the hospital

But if they ingested many toxins (e.g., chocolate, yeast), going to the clinic at once would be the right thing to do.

These chemicals can be fatal, and the toxicity will progress fast inside their body. So they may need immediate IV fluids or surgery to remove the harmful matter.