Dogs love it when we share our snacks and meals with them. Your dog has been an important part of your life for as long as they have been around, and you have probably shared a few meals with your furry friend.

It's difficult to say no to a freshly cooked croissant and all of the beautiful aromas that accompany it. Interestingly enough, your dog may be having the same issue. Whether you are thinking of sharing a croissant with your pup or he already grabbed a croissant off the table while you weren't looking, you may be wondering if dogs can safely eat croissants.

Some foods are safe to share with your dog, some are toxic, and some are on the line between safe and hazardous. But what about croissants? Can dogs eat croissants? Although plain croissants do not contain any substances that are toxic to dogs, the ingredients may nevertheless be harmful to your dog's health.

Butter, flour, water, sugar, and yeast are the most common ingredients in croissants. A dog who eats one or two bits of the croissant by accident is unlikely to become ill. Any higher intake, on the other hand, could result in health problems such as stomach distress and diarrhea.

Croissant Ingredients & Your Dog

The base ingredients used in making croissants are not toxic to dogs. However, some croissants could contain ingredients that are toxic to your dog. Common ingredients used include:

Flour

Wheat flour makes up the majority of the flour we eat; it is not dangerous to your dog unless they have a wheat allergy. Furthermore, the flour from a croissant is unlikely to hurt your dog. It may, at worst, produce little discomfort, such as an upset stomach.

Butter

Butter is a different scenario due to its fat content. Butter is more likely to upset your dog's stomach, but it shouldn't cause much more trouble than that. If your dog eats a stick of butter, on the other hand, you should be concerned about the likelihood of increased digestive symptoms.

Sugar

Too much sugar can induce weight gain in dogs and contribute to tooth decay, just as it can in humans. While sugar is not dangerous to dogs, giving them too many sweet treats might shorten their lives and potentially cause diabetes.

Almonds

Almonds can be found in croissants, and while they are not harmful to dogs, they are difficult to digest and can induce GI discomfort and even pancreatitis. Almonds can also be a choking hazard, particularly if they are flaked.

Chocolate

Chocolate may be present in some croissants, however chocolate is harmful to dogs. Theobromine and methylxanthine, two compounds found in chocolate, are poisonous. Both the circulatory and neurological systems are stimulated by these chemicals.

Raisins

Although raisins are a common ingredient in croissants, these sweet morsels are harmful to dogs. Raisins can induce kidney failure in dogs, depending on the dog's sensitivity to them and how many are consumed. 

Xylitol

The artificial sweetener Xylitol is commonly found in products that claim to be sugar-free. This ingredient could be found in sugar free croissants. When a dog consumes Xylitol-containing foods, their insulin production increases. As a result, your dog's blood sugar levels drop to dangerous levels.

My Dog Ate A Croissant. What Should I Do?

If your dog ate a croissant that does not contain any of the toxic ingredients listed above, chances are that he will be fine. Watch for signs & symptoms of digestive distress. Signs & symptoms are usually digestive-based and short lived:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach Ache
• Loss of Appetite

If you notice these signs, even though they are minor, it is best to contact your veterinarian. If your dog ate a croissant that contains raisins, chocolate, or xylitol, bring your dog to the veterinarian right away.

Review: Can Dogs Eat Croissants?

Croissants are tasty, but keep in mind that they are not good for your dog in any way. So, can dogs eat croissants?

A bite or two of a croissant that does not contain any xylitol, raisins, chocolate, or any other ingredients that are toxic to dogs should be fine. It should be noted that croissants contain no nutritional value to your dog. They are empty calories that are likely to lead to weight gain and diabetes if given to your dog often.

Stick to your veterinarian's recommended diet and become familiar with the substances that dogs are unable to consume. If you have any questions or concerns regarding what your dog may and cannot eat, always consult with your veterinarian.