is oatmeal and milk 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 (
B vitamins play a key role in skin health and may be involved in the production of healthy skin cells (
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 (
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) (
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 (
Although studies in dogs specifically are limited, research suggests that increased fiber intake may be beneficial for treating constipation (
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 (
Humans studies have shown that oats could help reduce cholesterol levels, especially in people with high cholesterol (
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 (
However, more large, high quality studies are needed to confirm whether oats may help lower cholesterol levels in dogs.
summaryAlthough 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 (
Additionally, be sure to prepare oats with water instead of milk, as many dogs cannot digest lactose very well (
Finally, keep in mind that increasing their fiber intake too quickly can also cause unpleasant digestive side effects, including gas or bloating (
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.
summaryWhile 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 (
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
summarySeveral 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.
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
Can Dogs Eat Porridge?
I know it is tough to resist those puppy dog eyes, staring into your soul while youre munching on your breakfast pondering can dogs eat porridge? Alas, you have to stay strong and do whats best for your companion. Be aware of what your dog can and cant eat.
There are so many foods out there that are actually dangerous for your pup. Chocolate is well known to be extremely toxic to canines, but potato chips and garlic can be too!
So, what about oatmeal porridge? Should you be feeding it to your dog? Can you share your breakfast? Read on and lets find out!
Is Porridge a Good Food for Dogs?
For us humans, a hearty bowl of oatmeal porridge (sugar-free!) is a great way to start the morning. Fortunately, porridge is safe to feed your dog too!
Porridge is full of healthy carbohydrates (and low in bad ones!) as well as abundant dietary fiber, excellent for helping your dogs bowels work smoothly.
It is also a great substitute grain if your dog happens to be allergic to wheat.
What Nutritional Value is There in Porridge for Dogs?
Oats, the main ingredient of porridge, are a great source of fibers as well as various vitamins and minerals. On top of that, oats are an excellent source of antioxidants!
Lets quickly break down some of the goodness of oats (per 100g):
- Carbohydrates: 389 kcal
- Protein: 16.9g
- Fibre: 10.6g
- Vitamins like E, K, B1, and Folate
- Minerals such as Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and Magnesium
Make sure you buy pure oats to add to your doggies porridge, free from added sugars, fruits, nuts. The purer the oats, the better for your pup (and you!).
How Should I Serve Porridge to My Dog?
Dogs cant chew, swallow or digest raw oatmeal very well. The best way to serve it is cooked in porridge form. Porridge is perfect for your dog if you serve it the right way!
Did you know that a lot of dogs are lactose intolerant? This means that their stomachs cant process the lactase typically found in milk. With that in mind, you should avoid cooking your dogs porridge with milk use plain water instead!
You might think that you could substitute cows milk for coconut milk when cooking porridge for your pooch, but you really shouldnt. While coconut isnt toxic to dogs, it contains certain chemicals that could cause digestive problems in your pup.
You should also avoid adding sugar or salt to your dogs porridge serve it PLAIN. Firstly, they really dont need flavour enhancements like we do. Secondly, excess sugar and salt are really bad for your dog. And finally: sugar substitutes like xylitol is toxic to dogs.
But you shouldnt add porridge as a staple food to your dog. Remember, dogs are mainly carnivorous in nature, and they thrive when fed a protein-rich diet. Grains, like oats, should consist of only 10% of a doggie diet and no more. So, only serve porridge occasionally!
So, Can Dogs Eat Porridge?
Short answer: yes, you can! When served in moderation, it holds a variety of health benefits for your pooch, and porridge is really good for their tummies.
Just remember to prepare and serve it correctly for your canine buddy, so you dont have to have anymessy situations afterwards.
Oat Filled Alternatives to Porridge
If youd like your dog to get all the goodness from oats but want something a little less labor-intensive than making porridge, there are some alternatives
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