is cooked oatmeal good for dogs

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.

We suggest dividing the daily amount into two servings, one in the morning and one in the evening. Every dogs nutritional requirements are a little bit different due to age & amount of exercise. If your dog is losing weight, increase food by 1/4 cup a day, if they are gaining weight reduce accordingly.

Weight of Dog

5 lbs. to maintain weight 3/4 cup per day

10 lbs. to maintain weight 1 1/3 cups per day

15 lbs. to maintain weight 1 3/4 cups per day

20 lbs. to maintain weight 2 cups per day

30 lbs. to maintain weight 3 cups per day

40 lbs. to maintain weight 3 1/2 cups per day

50 lbs. to maintain weight 4 1/3 cups per day

60 lbs. to maintain weight 5 cups per day

70 lbs. to maintain weight 6 cups per day

80 lbs. to maintain weight 6 1/4 cups per day

90 lbs. to maintain weight 6 1/2 cups per day

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

When its cooked and fed in moderation, oatmeal can be a great snack to share with your dog. Just make sure its prepared safelysteer clear of any dangerous ingredients that can make your dog sick and follow portion guidelines so she doesnt have too much.

But can dogs have raw oats? And what about oatmeal cookies? Heres what to know about preparing oatmeal so its safe for dogs to eat.

Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?

Plain, cooked oatmeal can be a great addition to your dog's diet. This heart-healthy breakfast is rich in soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins that help support your dogs coat and skin.

The high fiber content helps promote digestion and weight management. So incorporating cooked, plain oatmeal into your dogs food bowl may help regulate her digestive system and keep her feeling full longer, which is helpful for dogs who may need to shed a few pounds.

But when sharing your oatmeal, always steer clear from any extra ingredients that may make your dog sick, such as raisins or too much sugar.

Can Dogs Eat Uncooked Oatmeal?

Sprinkling raw oatmeal into your dogs food bowl might seem like an easy way to add fiber to her diet, but the uncooked grains are difficult to digest and can give her an upset stomach. Instead, prepare plain oatmeal with water and let it cool before sharing with your pooch.

How to Safely Prep Oatmeal for Dogs

Cooked, plain oatmeal can be a good addition to your dogs diet and contains many nutrients. But always avoid feeding your dog oatmeal that contains harmful toxic ingredients. Check the package for any of the following:

When cooking oatmeal, use water instead of milk because its better for your dogs digestive system. Cook the oatmeal as normal, without adding any sugar or salt. Let the oatmeal cool to room temperature before sharing with your dog, and start with small amounts as a complement to their usual food.

Always check with your vet before making any major changes to your dog's diet, especially if your pup has any health conditions or sensitivities.

How Much Oatmeal Can Dogs Eat Safely?

As with any new food, start slow. Just because oatmeal is OK to share with dogs does not mean she should have more than a few spoonfuls at a time! Youll want to avoid giving your dog too much oatmeal at once because the high fiber content can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Note that these are just general guidelines. Its always best to check with your vet before making major changes to your furry friends food bowl.

• Extra-small dog (220 pounds) = 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, up to twice per week

• Small dog (2130 pounds) = 12 tablespoons, up to twice per week

• Medium dog (3150 pounds) = 1/4 cup (or less), up to twice per week

• Large dog (5190 pounds) = 1/2 cup (or less), up to twice times per week

• Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = 2/3 cup (or less), up to twice per week

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies?

Not all oatmeal is created equally, and therefore not all oatmeal snacks are safe for dogs. Oatmeal cookies that contain ingredients such as raisins, chocolate, nutmeg, or xylitol are harmful and should be avoided.

But even if your oatmeal cookie doesnt contain raisins, chocolate, or nutmeg, the high levels of sugar, butter, and oil found in baked goods can make your pet sick. Stick with plain, cooked oatmeal and avoid the cookies altogetherunless you can find a pet-safe option that satisfies your dogs sweet tooth, like:

There are plenty of naturally sweet human foods that dogs can also safely snack on. Just keep in mind that any treats should only make up 10% of your dogs overall diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food.

Featured Image: Adobe/evgeniarusinova

WRITTEN BY

April Saylor

Freelance Writer

How to make oatmeal for dogs

Oats can be a great source of nutrition for dogs with gastrointestinal issues, especially senior dogs. Cooking oatmeal for dogs with sensitive bellies can help, especially if they are on a hypoallergenic diet.

Ill give you variations and substitutions where I can, plus helpful tips and tricks for success. Read on for this info as well as the recipe. If youd like to skip straight to the recipe, use the jump to recipe button at the top of the post.

You may also be interested in mypost can dogs eat oatmeal?and myhomemade meatballs for dogsrecipe. For ease of browsing, you can find all of my dog food recipes in one place

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Why you should make this recipe

• Hypoallergenic diet If your pup is on a special diet, or has belly issues, a spoonful of oatmeal can be a good option.
• Quick and easy Oats only take a few minutes to cook.
• Make ahead This recipe should make enough to feed more than one dog for the week.

Can dogs eat oatmeal?

Oats can be a great option for dogs with tummy issues. Sugar has always had a sensitive stomach, so when she was diagnosed with a few gastrointestinal issues, we spoke to her vet about what this meant for her diet.

Oatmeal should be part of their diet, not the only thing you feed them. Also, not too much, especially if you have a senior dog who isnt very active.

It is high in carbohydrates and they will gain weight if you feed them too much of anything, but specifically high carb food (just like people!).

You should not feed your dog raw oatmeal, always make sure the oats are cooked. Raw oats are hard for pups to digest and if your pet already has belly issues, this will not help them.

Ingredients

• Oats I use old-fashioned rolled oats. I dont use quick-cooking oats, but you can use them if thats what you have. Your cooking time will be slightly less than the recipe.
• Water Plain tap water is fine.

When cooking oats for dogs, you do not need to add salt, sugar, or any flavoring. Remember, this is not for your taste buds, its for your pup.

How to cook oatmeal for dogs

Cooking porridge, or oats, for your pup is one of the easiest things youll ever make.

1. Simmer water in a medium pot.
2. Add oats, while stirring, to the simmering water.
3. Bring to a boil, then turn down and let it bubble away for a bit until it is thickened. Set it aside and let it cool before feeding to your pet.

Oatmeal for dogs FAQs

Can dogs have porridge?

Yes! Making porridge (oats) for dogs isnt much different than making it for yourself. Its made with water, not milk, and cooked on the stove until the oats have absorbed the liquid.

Can dogs have raw oatmeal?

No. Do not feed your dog raw oats, it is quite difficult for them to digest.

How do I store leftover oatmeal?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

How long will oatmeal last?

Cooked oats will last about 5 days.

Can I freeze cooked oats for dogs?

Yes! I like to freeze it in mini muffin pans. Then pop them out and store in a zip-top freezer bag. You can take out a little at a time without having to thaw an entire container.

To incorporate cooked oats into your dogs food, you can simply add a bit to their normal food. If you are going with a fully homemade diet, a website that our vet recommended to me is balanceit.com.

If your dog has developed a sensitivity to a certain food, often its protein specific and its usually chicken, you can try other proteins in its place. It can be a bit of a process trying to eliminate foods or figure out which ones are the culprits.

For us, we have the added issue of having to feed her a low fat diet. That means lean proteins in addition to the oatmeal and other vegetables. Lean ground pork works for Sugar, as does lamb and salmon, even though they arent necessarily low fat.

Dog treats using oats

Many of my dogs treats are made with oats. They are easy on the belly and also less expensive than store bought.

Check out this list for dog treat tools and equipment a few basics to get you started.

Youll need a medium sized sauce pan to cook the oats. I prefer using a sturdy rubber spatula to stir instead of a spoon, because I can scrape along the sides and bottom to make sure the oats dont stick.

Lastly, youll need a set of dry measuring cups and a liquid measuring cup.

Ive compiled a list of all things dog that we have actually used for Sugar. If you are like me, and you take your pup with you on adventures, the backpack and the booster seat for the car are the best things ever.

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Oatmeal for Dogs

Cheryl Bennett

Cooking oatmeal for dogs is quick and easy with this 2 ingredient recipe.

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dog Food Recipes

Cuisine Dog

Servings 4 cups

Calories 14 kcal

• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• In a medium (nonstick) sauce pan, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a simmer.

• Add 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal to this simmering water, stirring as you add the oats. Continue stirring until fully combined.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring frequently. (If you do not stir the oats, they will stick, and could potentially burn)

• Cook for 7 8 minutes, until oatmeal is thickened and oats have absorbed the water.

• If you want to make a looser oatmeal, reduce oats to 1 cup.
• If using quick-cooking oats, you'll need to adjust the time, as they cook faster.
• Do not add sugar or salt to oatmeal that's not good for your dog.
• Store oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• I prefer using a nonstick pot, as oatmeal can stick.
• Remember that oatmeal will thicken as it stands, so let it sit on the stove for a few minutes if it isn't as thick as you'd like it.
• When re-heating oatmeal: It will become a solid mass in the fridge. You may need to add a teaspoon of water and stir it up before adding to your pup's food.
• NEVER feed your dog hot off the stove food. It will burn their mouths.
• Never feed your dog raw oatmeal.
• Sugar weighed 12 lbs., her portion size was about 2 tbsps. Speak to your vet about portions for your specific pet. Also, please consult your vet about dietary changes for your pet, as every dog is unique and what works for mine may not work for yours.
• Start slowly when adding oatmeal to your dog's diet. Any new changes could cause gastrointestinal issues.

Serving: 2tbsps.Calories: 14kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gSodium: 1mg

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Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, or a nutritionist, but with the guidance of my dogs vet, this is what I do for her.

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