are oats good for dogs uk
Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?
A healthy breakfast choice that offers an abundance of nutritional value to humans, oatmeal is a staple found in many peoples homes. But, can dogs eat oatmeal? The answer is yes, but there are some things you should keep in mind before feeding your pup this snack.
Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?
Oatmeal is high in fiber and contains a plethora of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. Served in moderation, oatmeal can benefit a dog in a variety of ways, says Dr. Carly Fox of New York Citys Animal Medical Center. It is a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat or grains. Oatmeal contains vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to maintain the strength of dogs skin.
Its also a great source of soluble fiber, which can regulate blood glucose levels and help dogs that have irregular bowl movements. But Dr. Fox cautions that feeding your dog foods containing a lot of fiber can lead to GI upset, whose symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.
How to Serve Oatmeal Safely to Dogs
When preparing oatmeal for your canine companion, make it with water, as opposed to milk. Dogs are very sensitive to dairy, and their bodies dont break down lactose as easily as humans do, says Dr. Fox.
If you plan to share your oatmeal, make sure its cooked and not sprinkled raw over food; serving it raw will only make it harder for your pup to digest. It should also be plain; while humans might enjoy additives, such as salt, butter, chocolate, raisins, or grapes, these ingredients can be extremely harmful to a dogs health. Never feed your dog flavored oatmeal, as it often contains more sugar and may even have artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Once the oatmeal is cooked, serve it at room temperaturegiving your dog food thats too hot can cause burns inside their mouth.
Dr. Fox also advises owners to stay away from instant oatmeal. While its faster and easier to prepare, its highly processed, and the health benefits your dog gets from eating oats will decrease. It loses its nutritional value, explains Dr. Fox. The least processed version provides the most health benefits.
Dietary Advice
Whats important to remember is that too much of any human food can be upsetting to a dogs stomach. Just because youre eating oatmeal daily for breakfast doesnt mean your dog should, too. Generally, you can feed your dog one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of their weight.
Dont give your dog too much oatmeal at once because it contains a lot of carbohydrates and is relatively high in calories. Consuming a large amount can also lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and/or bloat, which can be life threatening. Half-a-cup of cooked oatmeal (at most), one to two times a week is more than enough for most large dogs. Your dog should be eating a well-balanced commercial diet, Dr. Fox says.
When introducing human food into your dogs diet, start off gradually and gauge how well he handles it. If he has any adverse reactions, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Here at the AKC, we field many queries from anxious dog owners about what is and isnt safe for their canine companions to eat. Questions range from the obvious (Can dogs eat steak bones?) to the trendy (Can dogs eat quinoa?) Check out more Can dogs eat articles on AKC.org to see what foods could be harmful to your dog, includingcherries,avocados, andonions.
Are Oats Good for Dogs? Heres What the Science Says
Is there amore hearty way to start your morning than a bowl of oats? Rich, filling and packed with energytheyrea powerful fuel to get you through the rest of your day. But its not justour own breakfast bowl where youll find oats.
Increasingly youfind a healthy serving of oats in many commercial dog food recipes. On par with flaxseed for dogs, it's loved by pet parents as a complex grain that's gluten-free.
But are oats good for dogs?Is itsafe for your dog to eat them daily? And if so, are there any benefits of oats for dogs?
To find out, we searched through academic journals and researchstudies, examining the science behind oats for dogs. Well explore what benefits you can expect, and how you should prepare oats for dogs in the healthiest way possible.
Can dogs eat oats?
In short: Yes. Dogs can and likely should eat oats as part of their diet. Contrary to a popular view that dogs are strict carnivores,they are actually more omnivorous in their wild diet than many think.
Between their ancestral diet and their evolution alongside humansover the past 30,000 years,dogs caneat a wider range of foods than strict carnivores like cats.
But just because dogs can eat oats doesnt mean they necessarily should. To understand that, wedove into the research.
We found that oats are a phenomenal source of fiber, fatty acids, vitamins and overall nutrition.
So why are oats good for dogs? Here are5 key benefits:
Benefit #1: Better skin health
Weve all heard of omega-3s. Especially if you subscribe to Yumwoof's blog! Theyre the wonder ingredient found in oily fish. Its said they boost memory and general health in dogs and people.
What about omega-6s?
Linoleic acid is one type of omega-6 fatty acid in oats. Taken regularly, linoleic acid produces a luxurious, healthy coat and skin. Researchers supplemented a dogs diet with zinc and linoleic acid in one study. The results showed that dogs receiving linoleic acid saw significantly glossier coats. There was also less water loss through the skinimproving overall hydration [*].
When eaten in the right amounts daily, linoleic acid helps maintain the skin barrier, promotes wound healing and soothes inflammation [*].
Oats also contain B vitamins, which play a critical role in producing healthy skin cells [*]. Without a turnover of skin cells, wounds and rashes are far more likely.
Benefit #2: Lower cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a vital part of your dog's body, helping produce horomones, vitamin D and substances involved in food digestion.But when it's consumed into too high amounts, itcan clog arteries which in turn reduces blood flow to the heart. That means less oxygen, less energy andpoor cardiac performance.
When looking at cholesterol,keep in mind it's a complex topic andnot always caused bya dogs diet. Metabolic and genetic health conditions can all contribute to high cholesterol levels.No matter what the cause, though, includingoatsin a dog's diet may bea viable solution to reducing cholesterol.
Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a fiber associated with improvedheart health. Not just that, beta-glucans are anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, immune system promoting and completely safe to eat[*].
They seem to be a superfood all around, but its their effect on cholesterol thatscatching theattention of scientists.
Oats have previously been shown to reduce cholesterol levels inhumans [*]. Now, another study in dogs observed similar findings. After eating oats for four weeks, dogs saw their cholesterol drop by 5% and LDL-cholesterol by 10% compared to a rice-based diet [*].
Its a remarkable result! And just one more reason oatshave been proven to be good for dogs.
Benefit #3: Aids digestions
One of the most common reasons we eat oats is a single ingredient: fiber. Fiber isa part of foodthat cannot be digested.
Sounds pointless? After all, the point of food is nutrition.
Thats true. However, fiber helps aid and support the digestive system. It feeds the helpfulbacteria living in your dogs gut. In turn, they take the fiber and convert it into short chain fatty acidsassociated with an improved healthspan.
Fiber also adds bulk toyour dog'sstoolto provide further digestive support.
Oats are extremely high in fiber. Every cooked cup contains over 4 grams offiber [*]. Research into oats for dogs digestion is limited.However, a study published in the Journal of Animal Science examined the use offiber in dogs. Oats, in particular, maximize fermentationhelping the microorganismwithout sacrificing any nutrient digestibility [*].
That means calmer stomachs with less constipation.
Benefit #4: Boosts immune system
Beta-glucans arent just beneficial for cholesterol. They alsohave provenimmune-enhancing properties. An analysis of beta-glucans in four speciesdogs, mice, piglets, and chicksfound different types of beta-glucans displayed different properties associated with better health [*].
One property was to upregulate the immune response. Levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) were raised in response to beta-glucans. IL-2 promotes the growth, proliferation and differentiation of white blood cells. It forms the backbone of white blood cell production and is therefore critical to a healthy functioning immune system.
Taken together, oats can boost your immune system and help your heart with every spoonful.
Benefit #5: Phenomenal nutrient profile
Oats are rightfully considered a key staple food. While we have already talked about linoleic acid, fiberand beta-glucans, thats just the tip of the iceberg. Oats have an incredibly high nutritional value.
Inside youll find protein (up to 15%), complex carbs, fats and dietaryfiber (up to 8.5%). Alongside these macronutrients, there is a complex mix of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds [*].
These vitamins and minerals include calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. All of these components are essential to canine healthand add to how oats are good for dogs.
How to prepare oats for dogs?
According to the American Kennel Club, you can feed dogs up to one tablespoon (15 grams) of cooked oats for every 20 pounds (9 kg) of body weight.
But if youre just starting: go slow. Sprinkle a little into their normal diet and see how they react. Excessive oat intake can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and/or bloating. These issues arerare, though, and more likelyyour dog wont be able to get enough oats!
Keep in mind that oats ontheir ownare not nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs according to AAFCO standards.
They area high carb foodthat should be a relatively small part of your dog's diet. Yumwoof believes dogs should consume a low carb diet, keeping net carbs below 25% to avoid diabetes and other health issues.
Youshould not just feed a dog oats in any amountthey needs to be included in your dog'sfood at the right level to achieve an AAFCO complete and balanced diet.
The easiest way to feed your dog the right amount of oats is to find a dog food that already contains it as an ingredient. That way you don't have touse complicated software to balance your dog's diet.Here's a low carb dog food with cooked oatswe recommend.
Discuss on Twitter View Discussions Can dogs eat oats?
For any human craving a comforting, warming breakfast we probably reach for the porridge oats. But oats are a staple ingredient in plenty of other treats like flapjacks, cookies, or as a thickener and binder in everything from smoothies to burgers.
Were also keen to include these great grains in our meals because they have a host of healthy benefits. Yet for a very long time, oats were seen more as feed for livestock than for humans. Farm animals like horses and cows find them oat-so delicious, and some pet foods do contain oats.
But can dogs eat oats, and can our hounds benefit from the same health kick humans do after a bowl of porridge?
Can dogs eat oats?
Yes, dogs can eat oats in moderation. You probably shouldnt feed your dog a scoop of plain, raw oats, I imagine theyd stick in their throat and be a little irritating, to say the least. Although a small amount of uncooked overnight oats or a sprinkle of rolled oats should be perfectly safe.
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Meanwhile, most dogs seem to love porridge, and its a great treat to offer your pooch from time to time. If you do cook your oats before feeding them to your dog, just remember to let them cool down to room temperature before serving them to your friend.
Can dogs eat raw oats?
Your dog can eat a few uncooked rolled oats from time to time, or uncooked overnight oats if thats your preferred breakfast. If youre going to offer your dog raw oats you can only feed them a small amount as they arent as easy to digest as cooked. They are harder to pass through the intestines too so there is the potential they could cause slight stomach upset.
Raw and unprocessed oats also contain phytic acid which can bind with certain minerals and make them harder to absorb into the body. If your pooch has an iron or zinc deficiency, its probably best not to offer them uncooked oats as the phytic acid can limit the amount of zinc and iron that they can absorb from their food.
Can dogs eat porridge oats?
Yes, dogs can eat porridge oats as long as theyre plain. Dont give your pup any of those instant or flavoured porridges because they simply arent as healthy for your hound. These flavoured oats can contain sugar and salt which your dog doesnt need to be included in their diet, and there may even be more toxic ingredients like raisins orxylitol.
Humans are typically advised that the less processed, plain oats are more beneficial for them and healthier, and the same logic is true for your pooch.
Can dogs have oats with honey?
Since both oats andhoneyare safe for dogs to eat, yes, dogs can eat oats with honey. It is quite calorific though given the carbs in the oats and the sugary honey, so you do need to exercise moderation and maybe save it as a special treat.
What kind of oats are safe for dogs?
Most kinds of oats are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, such as milled, rolled, and steel-cut oats. However, you wont want to feed your dog instant oats.
Instant oats are more heavily processed but they are also often sweetened and flavoured. These additional ingredients can potentially make your dog ill and generally arent healthy for them.
Some recipes might also contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as raisins, sultanas, and the sweetener xylitol. (Or another ingredient that itself contains xylitol, such as some brands of maple syrup.)
Are oats good for dogs?
Oats are rich in soluble fibre which is brilliant at keeping your dogs digestive system healthy. It helps to keep things moving and feeds the good bacteria in their gut. Soluble fibre also helps to slow digestion and the absorption of sugar into the body, which helps to regulate their energy and blood sugar levels so they stay stable.
One of the soluble fibres in oats, beta-glucan, has been linked to healthy hearts and lower cholesterolin humans, and is believed to aid weight loss, and its possible that your pooch could benefit from all this too.
These splendid grains are also super at keeping their fur shiny and healthy because they contain B vitamins, omega 6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid. This combination of vitamins and acids also promote the growth of healthy skin cells and strengthens their skins barrier, which helps to prevent future skin problems.
Linoleic acid also has a role in wound healing and fighting inflammation, so it can help your pooch to heal if theyre in a scrape or feeling a little sensitive.
As well as positive benefits for your pups skin and gut, oats are a fantastic source of plant-based protein. Dogs need lots of protein to stay healthy, as the amino acids they provide are the building blocks of every new protein your dogs body creates whether its to grow new skin cells, hair, ligaments, nails, or to grow and repair their muscles. Protein is also im-paw-tent for hormone production.
Can dogs eat oats for breakfast?
They can, but they probably shouldnt. Your dog should be eatinga complete, balanced dietas their main meals every day, including breakfast. A spoonful of oats on their morning meal as a treat shouldnt do them any harm though, just dont do it every day. And if your pooch isoverweight, you should cut back on titbits like oats to try and help them to lose weight.
Are oats or rice better for dogs?
It depends on why youre asking. If youre wondering which are better in terms of nutritional content and health benefits, then oats are probably the better choice. However, if youre wondering if oats or rice are better for dogs, youre probably asking because your dog needs to eat a bland diet for a few days.
Vets sometimes advise dogs to eat bland diets if they have been sick or had surgery, to help them recover without putting excess strain on their digestive system. Bland meals arent very nutritious but theyre packed with carbohydrates and protein and are made fromhighly-digestibleingredients that are easy to break down, putting less strain on your pups gut, and are easier to absorb nutrients from.
Most vets advise dogs to eat boiled white rice and boiled chicken breast if they require a bland diet. In this scenario, rice is better than oats because it is easier to digest. However, you can discuss with your vet if oats are a suitable alternative for your dog.
Are dogs allergic to oats?
Yes, dogs can be allergic to oats, but it is uncommon. If your dog is allergic to oats, it could be either contactdermatitisor a dietary allergy. Contact dermatitis means that topical exposure to oats can cause symptoms like rashes, redness, anditching.
A dietary allergy can be trickier to spot because it can cause similar skin problems as well as gastrointestinal issues such as stomach cramps anddiarrhoea.
In fact, more often than not, oats are actually used to help relieve the symptoms of an allergy, because the nutrients help to soothe sensitive skin and relieve symptoms such as inflammation and itching. (Thats why you can find so many oatmeal shampoos.) Oats are also often used as a replacement for wheat or another grain that a dog is allergic to.
Recap: Can dogs eat oats?
Yes, your dog can safely eat oats, but you might want to consider making them into something more interesting like a dog-safe oat muffin or some dog-friendly porridge rather than just sprinkling raw oats onto their dinner. That being said, you can probably try adding a teaspoon of oats to their food from time to time.
Just remember to always feed your pooch oats in moderation. If theyve never eaten any before, keep the serving small and introduce it to their diet slowly whilst making sure they dont show any signs of sickness.
If your pup seems to like oats and they dont disagree with their belly, feel free to offer them some oaty treats from time to time.
Although oats are a great source of fibre, it's better to feed your dog a food where the fibre levels are already balanced.Pureis packed full of nutritious goodness, and the fibre levels are perfectly balanced to promote all-round good gut and digestive health. Pure food equals better bellies, better stools and happier, healthier dogs.
