Pastry Ingredient Safety

Can dogs eat baking soda?

Use caution

Short answer: Only the small amount baked into a treat: eaten from the box, baking soda can seriously upset a dog's sodium and potassium.

Also called or found in: sodium bicarbonate, bicarbonate of soda

Why it matters

ASPCApro describes large amounts of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) raising sodium and lowering potassium in pets, along with stomach upset, bloating, vomiting and diarrhea.

The small amount baked into a treat isn't the concern. A dog getting into the box or a science-fair volcano is.

What owners may notice

Vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and with large amounts, weakness or tremors from electrolyte changes (ASPCApro).

This list can't tell you if your dog is OK. Only a veterinarian can.

If your dog ate some

If your dog ate it straight from the box, can or salt shaker, or a salt dough ornament, call now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Have the package, the amount and your dog's weight ready. Don't try home remedies unless your veterinarian or the poison line tells you to.

Sources

Back to School Pet Toxins & Safety Tips, ASPCApro. Checked October 22, 2026.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, ASPCA. Checked October 22, 2026.

Last checked against these sources: October 22, 2026.

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Written by VanillaGoods from the cited sources. Not reviewed by a veterinarian. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.