is oatmeal and raisin cookies bad for dogs

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 19, 2024

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Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies? Vet-Approved Health Facts & FAQ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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When it comes to sharing human food with your pet, the biggest problem is that we dont eat things with only one ingredient. So, while one ingredient might be healthy and safe, it could be mixed with other ingredients that can cause stomach upset and even death in some cases. That is the problem with oatmeal cookies; although oatmeal is safe for dogs to consume, they should not eat oatmeal cookies.

The added sugar alone in oatmeal cookies makes it something your dog should avoid. However, if they contain chocolate and raisins, they are considered toxic since both ingredients are incredibly dangerous for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Plain Oatmeal Cookies?

There isnt anything toxic in plain oatmeal cookies, so if your dog snaps up a fallen cookie from the floor, they might get an upset stomach. Problems arise when your dog eats too many oatmeal cookies because theyre high in sugar and carbohydrates. Too much of both in your dogs diet can lead to your dog putting on weight and becoming obese. Obesity can shorten a dogs lifespan and puts them at increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes.

Also, be sure to check the packaging of your oatmeal cookies because brands might use the sugar substitute xylitol, which is poisonous to your dog. If xylitol is included, contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has ingested any.

Image Credit By: CC0 Public Domain, pxhere

Oatmeal Cookies With Raisins

Unfortunately, we dont know how many raisins a dog would need to eat to be considered a toxic dose but raisins can cause kidney failure. So, its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to this fruit. If you witness your dog eating them, we recommend contacting your veterinarian, an animal poisons control service, or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately. The faster you get your dog appropriate treatment the better.

Image Credit: vanillaechoes, Shutterstock

Oatmeal Cookies With Chocolate

Chocolate contains the chemical theobromine, which is also in coffee, and dogs are unable to metabolize it as humans can. While its rarely fatal, chocolate is toxic, and the amount your dog would need to eat to be considered toxic depends on the type of chocolate. The more bitter and darker the chocolate is, the more dangerous it is, and the less they would need to eat.

White chocolate is, therefore, rarely a threat because it contains so little theobromine. However, whatever the color of the chocolate, it can still cause your dog to become ill, thanks to the sugar and fat content. For many dogs, ingesting a small amount of chocolate will not cause them any harm. However, signs to be mindful of are:

Diarrhea
Excessive urination
Increased thirst
Racing heart
Restlessness
Panting
Vomiting

In severe cases of chocolate poisoning, dogs can suffer from muscle tremors and seizures. Contact your vet or Pet Poison Helpline if you believe your dog has ingested chocolate, whether or not you believe it was a toxic or poisonous amount, because its always better to let a professional examine your pet.

Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?

Oatmeal can be healthy for your dog because its high in fiber and contains some beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its also a great alternative if your dog is sensitive to other carbohydrates like grains or wheat. You must factor in the extra fiber in your dogs diet, as too much can cause GI upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, we suggest feeding your dog oatmeal in moderation.

Make sure its cooked since raw oatmeal is difficult for your dog to digest. Also, keep the oatmeal plain, as added butter and salt are harmful. It would be best if you avoided instant oatmeal. While it saves time preparing it, its also processed, and you will lose many of the health benefits oats can offer. Before adding anything to your dogs diet, we suggest running it past your vet first. They can advise if its a good idea for your dog and how much would be best to give them if it is.

Final Thoughts

You should avoid sharing oatmeal cookies with your dog. Even without raisins and chocolate, they arent the healthiest snacks because of the fat and sugar that can cause an upset stomach. Long-term, your dog can put on weight, leading to other potential health issues that affect their quality of life and life expectancy. Plain, cooked oatmeal can be healthy for your dog, but you must factor in the extra fiber added to their diet.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies? What You Need To Know

If you want to share cookies with your dog, read this guide can dogs eat oatmeal cookies. It will tell you what you need to know.

It might seem like a harmless treat, but there are a few things you should know before you let your dog eat oatmeal cookies especially oatmeal raisin cookies. Read this guide before you share human food like this with your pet, even a small amount.

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating oatmeal cookies.

FYI This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies

Yes, dogs can safely eat plain oatmeal cookies but there is a lot you need to know before you allow Fido to eat an entire bag of cookies.

There is nothing toxic to dogs in plain oatmeal cookies. You still need to be very cautious with how much oatmeal and brown sugar you allow your pet to eat.

You see, oatmeal cookies are still very high in both sugar and carbs especially the packaged cookies that are made for humans. When dogs eat too much sugar, it could cause weight gain or even obesity. There arent any health benefits of oatmeal cookies for dogs.

Obese dogs are at a higher risk of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Even though a small bit of a plain oatmeal cookie might not hurt your dog, its best only to feed them treats that are made specifically for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Absolutely not! Dogs should never eat any oatmeal cookies that have raisins in them. Raisins are toxic to dogs. There is a type of fungus that grows on raisins that could damage your dogs kidneys.

The good news is that according to the Delmar Animal Hospital, one cookie with raisins in it probably wont harm your dog. If after eating something with raisins, your dog stops eating, starts vomiting, or drinks excessively, call your veterinarian.

My Dog Ate Oatmeal Raisin Cookies What Do I Do?

The first thing you should do is note how many cookies your dog ate. The veterinarian will need to know this.

Then, just keep an eye on your pup. If they act lethargic, vomit uncontrollably, or drink lots of water, then call your dogs vet.

Even though raisins are toxic to dogs, it will take a lot of raisins to make your dog sick.

Can Dogs Eat Oat Biscuits

Yes, dogs can safely eat oat biscuits. You should still limit how many biscuits they eat. Any treats beyond their regular food should be limited in order to prevent unhealthy weight gain.

You should also pay close attention to the ingredients in the oat biscuits. Keep your pet away from anything containing raisins or chocolate.

Raw oats are good for a healthy coat because they have vitamin B. Even though oats have nutritional value, the best way to give them to your dog is to make a healthy snack for dogs that are made without added sugar.

Are Oatmeal Cookies Bad For Dogs

No, oatmeal cookies are not bad for dogs as long as they are plain. The dangerous part of these cookies is the raisins, chocolate, or sugar content.

It is always best to only let your dog eat treats made specifically for dogs.

Make sure you do not give your pet any sugar cookies that are made with artificial sweeteners. Dogs that consume xylitol are at risk for kidney failure.

Do not give your dog oatmeal cookies if they have harmful ingredients like chocolate chips in them.

Are Oatmeal Cookies Safe For Dogs

Yes, oatmeal cookies in very small amounts are safe for dogs. It is still best to only give your dog the occasional treat that is made for them. Human treats, like cookies, have too much sugar in them for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Iced Oatmeal Cookies

The dangerous thing about iced oatmeal cookies is how much sugar they have. The icing adds even more calories and sugar to the cookie.

Even though your dog might not get sick right away from iced oatmeal cookies, its best not to share this treat with your pup. The high sugar content in this type of cookies does not make it a good choice for your canine companion.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies With Cinnamon

As a spice, cinnamon is safe for dogs to eat. According to the AKC, cinnamon is not toxic to dogs. Your dog will not suffer fatal toxic effects from consuming too much cinnamon.

Cinnamon in large quantities could cause skin and digestive irritation. So you should only worry if your pet tries to eat a bunch of cinnamon sticks. It is safe to give your dog cookies that are spiced with cinnamon.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Yes, dogs can safely eat oatmeal cranberry cookies. Its still not a good idea to give them cookies made for humans. Not only are plain oatmeal cookies high in sugar, but add some dried cranberries and they are even worse. In fact, dried fruit is one of the worst foods you can give your dog because they are so high in sugar and small pieces could get stuck in their teeth, causing cavities.

A few bites wont hurt them but dont give them too much.

A word of caution make sure the oatmeal cranberry cookies (or any oatmeal cookies) do not have macadamia nuts in them. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

As long as your pup isnt allergic to peanuts, peanut butter oatmeal cookies are safe for dogs to eat. Peanut butter is a common ingredient in lots of dog treats because it cuts down on how much sugar it has (and gives it a little bit of protein).

Just make sure the cookies are not made with peanut butter sweetened with xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.

Oatmeal Cookies For Dogs

The best idea is only to give your dog oatmeal treats that are made for dogs. Look for oatmeal dog treats. Your pet will love them!

My favorite ones are Hills Oatmeal Cranberry Dog Treats and Three Dog BakeryOats and Apple Dog Treats. They are good for your dog, and dogs love them.

Homemade Oatmeal Dog Treats

I prefer to make treats for my dogs at home. This way, I can control how much of each ingredient I use.

These banana dog treats have oatmeal and are a chewy delight for dogs.

These homemade dog treats with rolled oats are so easy to make. They are my go-to when I want to make my dogs some treats.

If your dog has a sweet tooth, make them some blueberry dog treats. Blueberries are good for your dogs immune system and overall health.

Final Thoughts

Oatmeal cookies that are made for humans are not the best choice to give dogs. Even though they arent toxic, they are still way too high in sugar to be a good treat idea.

Instead, buy treats made for dogs or make your own at home. Oatmeal is a safe ingredient for dogs to eat its the sugar and calories in the cookies that could cause the problems later on.