are oats ok for dogs to eat

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

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Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal, and Should They?

Cooked oatmeal can be a healthy addition to your dogs diet. You should opt for plain varieties prepared with water instead of milk, and increase the amount slowly over time to assess your dogs tolerance.

Oatmeal is a common breakfast staple thats favored for both its versatility and potential health benefits.

It has also become an increasingly common ingredient in many types of commercial dog food.

While it seems clear that oatmeal is generally safe for your canine companion, you may wonder whether you should use caution with some preparation methods and if its truly healthy for them.

This article reviews whether dogs can and should eat oatmeal.

Oatmeal is highly nutritious and has been associated with several potential health benefits.

Promotes skin health

Oats are rich in B vitamins and linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid (1).

B vitamins play a key role in skin health and may be involved in the production of healthy skin cells (2).

Meanwhile, linoleic acid is also essential for skin health and can help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, promote wound healing, and alleviate inflammation (3).

Although these benefits have not been studied in dogs specifically, dog skin is similar to human skin.

Supports digestion

Oatmeal is high in fiber, with over 4 grams of fiber in each cooked cup (240 grams) (1).

Fiber has been linked to a number of potential health benefits, especially in terms of digestive health.

Fiber moves slowly through your body undigested, adding bulk to stool to support regularity (4).

Although studies in dogs specifically are limited, research suggests that increased fiber intake may be beneficial for treating constipation (5, 6).

May lower cholesterol levels

If your dog has high cholesterol levels due to metabolic or genetic health conditions, oatmeal may be beneficial.

This is because oats are a good source of beta glucan, a type of fiber that has been associated with improved heart health (7).

Humans studies have shown that oats could help reduce cholesterol levels, especially in people with high cholesterol (8, 9).

One study in 14 dogs observed similar findings, showing that supplementing with oat beta glucan for 71 days reduced levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol (10).

However, more large, high quality studies are needed to confirm whether oats may help lower cholesterol levels in dogs.

summary
Although more research is needed, oatmeal may help support skin health, promote regularity, and lower cholesterol levels. However, studies on these benefits in dogs specifically are limited.

Although oats are a great source of nutrients, keep in mind that not all types are suitable for your furry friend.

In particular, raw oats can be difficult for your dog to digest and may cause stomach upset.

You should also steer clear of flavored varieties, which are often high in sugar and may contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, raisins, or the sugar alcohol xylitol (11, 12).

Additionally, be sure to prepare oats with water instead of milk, as many dogs cannot digest lactose very well (13).

Finally, keep in mind that increasing their fiber intake too quickly can also cause unpleasant digestive side effects, including gas or bloating (14, 15).

To keep negative side effects at bay, its recommended for fiber intakes to increase slowly over time by 13 grams per day, as well as with plenty of water.

summary
While oatmeal can be nutritious, certain types may contain ingredients that are unsuitable for dogs and can cause adverse digestive side effects.

According to the American Kennel Club, you can typically feed dogs around one tablespoon (15 grams) of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds (9 kg) of body weight (16).

Given its rich content of soluble fiber, oatmeal has also become an increasingly common ingredient in many types of commercial dog food (17).

Its especially popular among pet owners with dogs who have difficulty tolerating other grains, such as wheat.

Some specific examples of dog food that contain oatmeal include:

Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oatmeal Formula
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish and Oatmeal Recipe
Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Venison Meal, Brown Rice & Oatmeal Recipe

summary
Several popular types of commercial dog food contain oatmeal.

When prepared properly, oatmeal can be a healthy addition to your dogs diet.

Be sure to only feed dogs cooked oatmeal and opt for plain varieties prepared with water instead of milk.

You should also increase their intake gradually to assess your dogs tolerance.

However, keep in mind that oatmeal should be included as part of a balanced diet and not be used to replace commercial dog food.

Additionally, its a good idea to consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dogs diet, especially if they have any underlying health conditions.

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.

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Maintenance Formula Dog Food

Written By: Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, cVMA | Professional Services Veterinarian, Wild Earth

Oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious pantry staple found in 75% of American households.

Packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and a hearty dose of dietary fiber, its a great go-to meal. Whether you prefer your oats rolled, milled, or steel-cut, the health benefits are undeniable.

Have you wondered whether your canine companion can join you for a bowl of oatmeal?

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

Yes, dogs can eat oatmeal safely and can actually gain some important nutritional benefits from oatmeal, but there are some guidelines you should follow.

Try Wild Earth Dog Food 30% Off Today!

The Benefits of Feeding Oatmeal To Dogs

First, lets answer this simple question: Is oatmeal good for dogs? The answer is, yes. In fact, the same things that make the hulled oat grains good for humans are also the reasons theyre great for your pooch.

Oats contain soluble fiber which helps to maintain a healthy gut, nourishing both the gut microflora and the intestinal cells. Soluble fiber also helps keep your dogs bowel movements formed, and helps regulate blood glucose levels, which can help lower the risk of diabetes and cardiac disease. In addition to its high fiber content, oatmeal also boasts an array of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants that keep your dog looking and feeling their best, including:

Vitamin A
B Vitamins
Phosphorus
Zinc
Iron
Calcium
Copper
Magnesium

In addition, oatmeal contains linoleic acid. This is an omega-6 fatty acid that contributes to your dogs healthy skin! Learn about our Complete Protein Dog Food that features oats!

How to Prepare Oatmeal for Your Dog

Now that you know its safe to serve, how should you prepare oatmeal for your dog? Lets take a look at a few guidelines to follow.

Keep It Simple

The best way to introduce oatmeal into your dogs diet is to keep it as simple and bland as possible.

While we might have gotten used to the fancy flavored packets available at the grocery store, our pets dont need any of those additives or extra sugars. Some brands of instant oatmeal can even contain artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, that are known to be toxic to dogs.

That being said, stay away from those boxed flavored varieties, and stick to plain oats instead. You can include some of their favorite fruits and vegetables (in moderation) to help make it more flavorful and enticing.

Stick With Whole Grain Oatmeal

Before you check out, read the label on your container of oats.

Make sure the variety contains 100% whole grains, as opposed to processed grains. These lack many of the health benefits that whole grains offer. If possible, stick with organic oatmeal varieties, as well. These will be devoid of pesticides and other chemicals and will boast a higher nutritional count than other commercially prepared oatmeal.

Cook the Oats

To prepare pet-friendly oatmeal, simply cook the oats with just water. Never serve your dog raw oats as it might look like a tasty, crunchy snack, but uncooked oats can be incredibly difficult for your pup to handle. Not only are they a challenge to chew and swallow (leading to a choking hazard), but theyre also very hard to digest.

Dont add any milk or sugar to the mixture, and dont adorn the finished product with any special toppings such as nuts or brown sugar. Dogs are especially sensitive to dairy, as their bodies arent able to break down lactose as easily as ours can so that is why we recommend you stick with water. You can add some fruit, such as blueberries or bananas, but make sure only to add in small amounts.

Made this way, oatmeal is a great, wholesome snack for your dog, as well as a delicious meal topper. Its also a smart way to sneak in a few extra nutrients.

Improve Your Dog's Nutrition With Wild Earth!

Make sure the oatmeal has reached room temperature before you serve it. We might prefer ours hot, but you could burn your dogs sensitive tongue and gums if you serve it that way to him.

Dietary guidelines reveal that 3.5 ounces of raw oats contain 8% water. To increase the water content, even more, you can add a little warm water to the oatmeal after it has finished cooking.

Keep in mind that while its a yummy treat, oatmeal should never serve as a total meal replacement for your pup. It might be packed with certain nutrients, but its still lacking many of the vitamins and minerals dogs need for healthy growth and development. Remember that additional foods should only make up 10% of a dogs daily calorie intake.

Know the Right Portion of oatmeal for dogs

While plain oatmeal can be beneficial to your dog, its important to only serve it in moderation. One cup of plain, cooked oatmeal contains around 150 calories, which could easily push your pup beyond their recommended daily amount.

In terms of caloric needs, most active dogs only require around 25 to 30 daily calories per pound to maintain a healthy weight. That means if your dog weighs 30 pounds, they will need about 750 calories the entire day and this is only if they are active.

Knowing this, stick to just a spoonful or two when youre dishing it up. A good rule to follow is to serve one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of your dogs body weight.

How to Serve Oatmeal to Your Dog

As with all new foods, we always recommend you speak to your veterinarian before offering it. If they give the green light, start off by feeding a small amount to gauge how your dog responds to this new food.

Remember oatmeal is high in fiber, so feeding too much could cause some unwanted tummy troubles - especially if your pup isnt used to high fiber food. Feeding your dog foods that contain a high amount of fiber can upset their gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

On the other hand, if your pup is already experiencing GI or bowel issues, a moderate amount of oatmeal can provide an extra dose of fiber necessary to help ease his discomfort. Older dogs, in particular, tend to have a more difficult time keeping their bowels regular, and a spoonful of oatmeal can offer the gentle nudge they need.

Additionally, oatmeal can be a great snack for dogs who are overweight as it can help your pup stay fuller longer and avoid overeating.

Our Oat-Based Products to Try

At Wild Earth, were proud to carry dog food and dog treats that contain hearty, healthy oats. This includes our Complete Protein Dog Food, as well as our Superfood Dog Treats.

Mixed with other yummy, nutritious ingredients including dried yeast, pumpkin, flax, spinach, chickpeas, and cranberries, our dog food features 31% complete protein and balanced nutrition made with zero meat. That means it is not only healthy for your dog, but they are better for the environment and the welfare of farmed animals too! Our treats combine oats with pumpkin, flax, peanut butter, and tasty koji for a treat your dog will love any time of day!

Try Wild Earth Products Today!