is oatmeal cookies bad for dogs
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.
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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.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are some more articles about other types of human cookies and snacks and whether they are safe for your dog to eat.
Find lots of articles on what humanfood dogs can eatsafely here on Spoiled Hounds!
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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 Oatmeal?
A healthy breakfast choice that offers an abundance of nutritional value to humans, oatmeal is a staple found in many peoples homes. But, can dogs eat oatmeal? The answer is yes, but there are some things you should keep in mind before feeding your pup this snack.
Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?
Oatmeal is high in fiber and contains a plethora of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. Served in moderation, oatmeal can benefit a dog in a variety of ways, says Dr. Carly Fox of New York Citys Animal Medical Center. It is a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat or grains. Oatmeal contains vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to maintain the strength of dogs skin.
Its also a great source of soluble fiber, which can regulate blood glucose levels and help dogs that have irregular bowl movements. But Dr. Fox cautions that feeding your dog foods containing a lot of fiber can lead to GI upset, whose symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.
How to Serve Oatmeal Safely to Dogs
When preparing oatmeal for your canine companion, make it with water, as opposed to milk. Dogs are very sensitive to dairy, and their bodies dont break down lactose as easily as humans do, says Dr. Fox.
If you plan to share your oatmeal, make sure its cooked and not sprinkled raw over food; serving it raw will only make it harder for your pup to digest. It should also be plain; while humans might enjoy additives, such as salt, butter, chocolate, raisins, or grapes, these ingredients can be extremely harmful to a dogs health. Never feed your dog flavored oatmeal, as it often contains more sugar and may even have artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Once the oatmeal is cooked, serve it at room temperaturegiving your dog food thats too hot can cause burns inside their mouth.
Dr. Fox also advises owners to stay away from instant oatmeal. While its faster and easier to prepare, its highly processed, and the health benefits your dog gets from eating oats will decrease. It loses its nutritional value, explains Dr. Fox. The least processed version provides the most health benefits.
Dietary Advice
Whats important to remember is that too much of any human food can be upsetting to a dogs stomach. Just because youre eating oatmeal daily for breakfast doesnt mean your dog should, too. Generally, you can feed your dog one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of their weight.
Dont give your dog too much oatmeal at once because it contains a lot of carbohydrates and is relatively high in calories. Consuming a large amount can also lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and/or bloat, which can be life threatening. Half-a-cup of cooked oatmeal (at most), one to two times a week is more than enough for most large dogs. Your dog should be eating a well-balanced commercial diet, Dr. Fox says.
When introducing human food into your dogs diet, start off gradually and gauge how well he handles it. If he has any adverse reactions, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Here at the AKC, we field many queries from anxious dog owners about what is and isnt safe for their canine companions to eat. Questions range from the obvious (Can dogs eat steak bones?) to the trendy (Can dogs eat quinoa?) Check out more Can dogs eat articles on AKC.org to see what foods could be harmful to your dog, includingcherries,avocados, andonions.
