is lamb and oatmeal good for dogs

Healthy Foods Checklist: Lamb for Dogs

Dogs need protein to build, heal, and maintain body tissues and to protect and regulate body process. Lamb is a great protein option for canines and the ingredient is popping up in many pet-food options.

Lamb is packed with essential amino acids and is a good source of dietary fats, which help sustain energy. The red meat also offers up plenty of vitamins and minerals that support muscle development and encourage optimum skin and coat health in dogs.

Some pet food formulas will also use lamb meal, a rendered version of the meat that contains less water content. Lamb meal is often higher in protein than fresh lamb meat.

Lamb may be a better option for dogs who suffer from food sensitivities or food allergies caused by other protein sources such as beef or chicken. Check with your veterinarian to see if switching your dog to a lamb-based diet is the right choice.

Simply Nourish Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

All-Natural

20 Synthetics:

Potassium chloride, Minerals (zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Copper sulfate, Manganese sulfate, Calcium carbonate, Sodium selenite, Calcium iodate), Vitamins (vitamin e supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate [source of vitamin c], Niacin supplement, Vitamin a supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, Riboflavin supplement, Vitamin d3 supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Thiamine mononitrate, Folic acid, Vitamin b12 supplement), Choline chloride

Ingredients:

USDA Beef,Beef Liver,Beef Bone,Pumpkin,Millet,Wild Salmon Oil,Sunflower Oil,Kale,Flaxseed,Zucchini,Sea Salt,Parsely,Kelp,Chicory Root,Turmeric,Mixed Tocopherols,Ginger,Selenium Yeast,Blueberries,Carrots,Apples,Tomatoes,Shiitake Mushrooms,Broccoli,Oranges,Cranberries,Spinach,Beets,Tart Cherries,Strawberries

Ingredients:

Deboned Lamb,Oatmeal,Brown Rice,Turkey Meal,Brewers Rice,Lamb Meal,Tomato Pomace,Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols),Natural Flavor,Flaxseed,Dried Chicory Root,Dried Carrots,Dried Spinach,Dried Sweet Potatoes,Dried Pumpkin,Dried Blueberries,Potassium Chloride,Minerals (Zinc Sulfate,Ferrous Sulfate,Copper Sulfate,Manganese Sulfate,Calcium Carbonate,Sodium Selenite,Calcium Iodate),Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement,L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate [Source of Vitamin C],Niacin Supplement,Vitamin A Supplement,d-Calcium Pantothenate,Riboflavin Supplement,Vitamin D3 Supplement,Pyridoxine Hydrochloride,Thiamine Mononitrate,Folic Acid,Biotin,Vitamin B12 Supplement),Choline Chloride,Vegetable Oil,Rosemary Extract.

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.

The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Lamb: Good or Bad?

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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can safely enjoy eating lamb meat or lamb meat-based products. Lamb is high in protein and other essential nutrients that help keep your dogs coat healthy and promote strong muscles and bones. It is also leaner than other meats, making it a good choice for dogs trying to maintain a healthy weight. However, whether dogs can eat lamb involves more than acknowledging its nutritional benefits. Its crucial to consider how lamb fits into a balanced diet for a dog, considering any potential health concerns, preparation methods, and the dogs individual dietary needs.

Note: Its worth noting that sheep and lamb are the same animals. The difference is that lamb is the meat of a young domestic sheep, typically between 4 and 12 months old. Lamb meat is more tender. Meat from a sheep over 12 months old has more flavor and is called mutton.

Is Lamb Good For Dogs?

Lamb is a red meat and is perfectly safe for dogs to eat. Lamb is as beneficial as other meats, such as beef and chicken. In some areas, lamb is more nutritious than most traditional meats dogs eat. Lamb provides more energy, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and iron than beef. Lamb contains higher amounts of vitamin B12 and vitamin B-9 (folate) than chicken.^[1],[2]

Lamb meat is rich in essential amino acids and dietary fats that help sustain energy levels. Furthermore, red meat provides a lot of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the development of muscle in your dog, as well as for the health of its coat and skin.^[3] Additionally, a study showed that grain-lamb meat dog foods are more digestible than grain-chicken meat and grain-free dog foods. The results of digestibility trials indicated that the grain-lamb meat foods showed the highest digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude fiber, which is good for their gut health.^[4]

Lamb also has one of the highest digestibility scores among meats, with ascore of 71.5, beating meats like beef.^[5] Another study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal showed that dogs prefer lamb over chicken, liver and horsemeat.^[6]

Can Dogs Eat Lamb?

Yes, dogs can safely eat lamb. According to our ingredient analysis and dog lamb consumption studies, lamb meat is a well-rounded source of protein, amino acids, and other vital vitamins and minerals dogs need to thrive. Lamb is often considered a premium source of protein, and most dog food manufacturers sell lamb recipes and treats as novel protein for dogs due to its hypoallergenic nature.

When you cook lamb for your dog, do not add seasonings or spices, as those can create gut problems. If your dog is trying lamb meat for the first time, gradually introduce it to his diet over a few days and monitor his reaction. Its also advised to buy lamb meat from grass-fed or free-roaming livestock or use dog food formulas that use lamb meat of this quality.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Lamb Meat?

Dogs can eat raw lamb meat and enjoy the benefits of a BARF dog diet. As opposed to cooked lamb meat, the texture of raw lamb meat is denser, so you will want to cut it into little chunks so your dog can easily chew and digest it. You should also consider removing all the skin fat and fat content and only serve lean lamb meat, as lamb contains more saturated fat than other red meats. You need to understand other risks associated with feeding raw food to dogs before feeding raw lamb to your dog. Raw lamb may not be safe for all dogs. Raw meat is harder to digest than cooked meat and may not be good for dogs with digestive issues or sensitive stomachs.

Lamb Meat Benefits For Dogs

According to the USDA, 100 grams (or about 4 ounces) of lamb contains the following nutrients:

• Moisture: 72.9 g
• Protein: 21.9 g
• Fat: 4.7 g
• Energy: 546 kJ
• Phosphorus: 194 mg
• Calcium: 7.2 mg
• Zinc: 4.5 mg
• Iron: 2 mg
• Potassium: 344 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.10 mg
• Vitamin B12: 0.96 g

Here are a few more reasons why lamb is good for dogs:

How to Safely Feed Lamb to Dogs

When feeding lamb to your dog, its best to follow a few simple guidelines to help keep them safe:

• Start with small portions: As with any new food, its recommended to start slowly and feed gradually to give the digestive system time to adjust.
• Cook lamb thoroughly: Always serve lamb cooked, not raw, to avoid the risk of bacterial infections such as salmonella or E. coli. Ensure the meat is cooked without any harmful seasonings or spices.
• Avoid processed lamb: Steer clear of processed lamb products containing additives or seasonings harmful to dogs.
• Remove bones: Lamb bones, especially cooked ones, can splinter, pose a choking hazard, or cause internal injury.
• Avoid seasonings and sauces: Cook lamb plainly, without adding any seasonings, onions, garlic, or sauces that can be toxic to dogs.
• Moderate fat content: Trim excess fat from the lamb, as high fat intake can lead to pancreatitis and obesity in dogs.

Some of the ways you can safely feed lamb to your dog include:

• As an ingredient in canned or dry dog food
• Treats
• Homemade food
• Raw lamb meat

If you want to feed your dog lamb, we recommend feeding fresh lamb food made from human-grade ingredients. Ollie offers the best lamb dog food recipe. Ollies Lamb Beef recipe is personalized to your dogs dietary needs and goals and is made by registered veterinarians who follow the standards set by AFFCO.

Is Lamb Bad For Dogs?

Lamb is not inherently bad for dogs; when served properly, it can be a healthy part of their diet. As long as dogs eat lamb meat in moderation, they should be fine. However, there are some cases where lamb could be bad for dogs. For instance, some cuts of lamb contain fatty meat and can irritate your dogs stomach, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, and, in extreme cases, pancreatitis. For this reason, you should remember to drain as much fat as possible when cooking lamb at home.

Its also important to know that some dog food manufacturers will use lamb meal (meat and other animal by-products not used for human consumption). While there is nothing inherently wrong with rendered meat (meat meals) for dog food, feeding our dogs is not a preferred choice. If you want the best lamb for your dog, look for human-grade lamb recipes or cook it at home.

Can Dogs Eat Lamb Bones?

Probably not. While there are some instances where you could feed lamb bones to your dog, bones often pose more risks than benefits for your pup, so we always advise against giving your dog bones. If your dog chews lamb bones, pieces can be broken off, which can easily cause obstruction and damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

While a dogs stomach can typically break down bones, and you technically give bones to your dog, it can still irritate its digestive tract. If you choose to feed lamb bones to dogs, make sure you follow these general guidelines for feeding them safely:

• Only offer raw meaty bones (such as raw chicken wings or lamb flaps)
• Always feed raw bones
• Do it under close supervision
• Clean up the area where they ate to eliminate any bacteria or germs

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Lamb Bones?

No. You should not feed cooked lamb bones to your dog. Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal damage to your dog.

Possible Side Effects & Risks of Feeding Lamb to Dogs

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to lamb.

• Discomfort and bloating
• Gas
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

What Should I Do If My Dog Reacted Badly to Lamb?

If your dog reacts badly to a food thats generally considered safe, like a lamb, you should stop feeding it and remove any access to it. Ensure they have access to fresh water to maintain hydration. Its important to call your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or if youre concerned about its condition.

Cant reach your vet? Contact thePet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661or chat live with a veterinary professional viaour online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

Are Dogs Allergic To Lamb?

While not common, some dogs may have an allergic reaction to lamb. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, hives, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis, a medical emergency. If you suspect your dog is allergic to any food, including lamb, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian. Your vet can provide appropriate advice and help you formulate a safe diet plan for your dog. We also recommend conducting anat-home dog allergy test to determine if your dog is sensitive or intolerant to certain foods.

Can Puppies Eat Lamb?

Puppies generally have more sensitive digestive systems than adult dogs and may be more prone to an upset stomach after eating rich or high-fat foods. Some puppies may tolerate small pieces of lamb, especially when used as high-reward training treats. Its worth remembering that puppies need fewer calories than larger dogs and higher protein content to aid growth and development. They must have a well-balanced diet, so treats like hot dogs should only be fed in small quantities. If your dog is a puppy or has a compromised immune system, you should refrain from feeding them raw lamb, as it may upset their stomach or cause food poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

While dogs can enjoy lamb meat or lamb-meat-based products safely, as with all foods,you should ask your veterinarianbefore feeding your dog lamb. Lamb is used in many dog foods and treats, and some consider it a novel protein, meaning it is relatively new for dogs, and they are least likely to develop an allergy to lamb meat. Most dogs can eat lamb as part of a balanced diet without concerns. Dogs love all meats, whether chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. If your dog doesnt have meat allergies or sensitivities, adding or rotating different meats into your dogs diet is considered good practice to keep your dog from developing allergies to a single meat ingredient.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processand product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Semantics Scholars
2. Soupersage
3. PetMD
4. Research Gate
5. Lamb Digestability
6. NCBI: Taste Preferences
7. Research Gate
8. PubMed: CLA
9. Journal of Nutrition: Observations of Vitamin B₆

Dr. Aukse is our in-house Lead Senior Veterinarian. Dr. Aukse is a dedicated and skilled DVM Surgeon renowned for her expertise in small/companion animal surgery and medicine. With a robust academic background and extensive hands-on experience, she ensures her patients receive the highest standard of care. Dr. Aukse is happy to share her knowledge and expertise with our readers.

Dr. Caraite's career experience as a DVM Veterinary Surgeon spans over seven years, marked by comprehensive learning from esteemed institutions and substantial experience in veterinary clinics. She is currently employed at a family-run, day-opening clinic in central Gothenburg, Sweden, where she performs surgery daily and manages a large patient base for both surgical and outpatient care. Her externship at North Carolina State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, with a focus on soft tissue and oncology service, has further honed her skills, equipping her with the essential knowledge and proficiency to excel in her field.

Dr. Aukse holds a Masters in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (2017) and has completed an externship in Soft Tissue and Oncology Service at NC State (2018-2023). She is also has a Masters in Small Animal Surgery with a specialization in Dog and Cat Surgery from the University of Copenhagen.