is oatmeal good for dogs with allergies

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.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal? How Much Oatmeal Should You Feed Your Dog?

Nothing feels better like waking up in the morning and digging into a bowl of freshly cooked oatmeal, topped with a concoction of fresh fruits, peanut butter, and other nutritious add-ons.

As a pet parent, you should know that its not unusual for your pup to share the same interest in what you are eating. But, can dogs eat oatmeal? It is nice to add to our dog's diet? Or are they better off munching on their favorite commercial dog food?

CanIs Oatmeal Good for Dogs?

Oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious breakfast staple that has been in American households for hundreds of years. It was introduced in America by the Scottish settlers in 1602.

And while some of us simply love to dig in a food bowl filled with oats, most are hooked to this healthy snack for its nutritional benefits.

Fortunately, the reasons that make hulled oat grains good for humans are also the same for dogs. When served in moderation, plain oats can benefit your furry buddy in several ways. Plain oatmeal is packed with proteins, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.

Oats also have a hearty dose of important vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, such as vitamin B, linoleic acid, calcium, phosphorus, and a lot more.

It is also a great alternative carbohydrate for canines with gluten allergies that makes them sensitive to grains or wheat.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal? Is it safe to give?

Oatmeal is safe for dogs as long as it is served plain and cooked. Or if you do add some toppings or mix other ingredients with it, make sure to stay away from chocolates, almonds, raisins, grapes, salt, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol since all of these are harmful to your pup.

When preparing oatmeal for your dog, mix it with warm water instead of milk because canines can be ultra-sensitive to dairy, and their bodies cant break down lactose properly the way we, humans do.

Most dogs would experience stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea when they consume even a small amount of milk.

Again, remember to cook oatmeal first before serving it to your dog because raw oats can be harder for him to digest which can only upset your dogs stomach. Uncooked oats can also be more difficult for your pup to chew and swallow, which can put him at risk of choking.

Additionally, never give your dog flavored oatmeal (e.g. blueberry, cinnamon, etc.), as it often contains more added sugar and it may even have xylitol or birch sugar, which is toxic to dogs. And while instant oatmeal can be easier and faster to prepare, its definitely not a healthy choice for your dog.

Before you purchase any oat, you should also read the label. Make sure that you are buying 100% whole grain oats as opposed to processed grains.

Apparently, whole grain oatmeal is more nutritious. The latter lacks the benefits that your dog can get from whole grains oats, and they can also be harder for your pup to digest.

Finally, avoid giving your dog too much oatmeal at once because it is high in calories, rich in fiber, and contains a lot of carbohydrates.

These can be a triple threat to your dogs health causing unhealthy weight gain, stomach upset, and other health issues.

Health Benefits of Oatmeal for Dogs

As mentioned earlier, adding oatmeal to your dogs diet can result in several health benefits when served properly and in moderation.

And this should not come as a surprise since too much of any human food can cause digestive issues to dogs. Just because you are devouring a bowl full of oats every morning, doesnt mean that your canine companion should, too.

Then again, when done right, feeding oatmeal to your dog can give him the following benefits:

Promote Healthy Coat and Skin Health

Some of the key nutrients present in oats are the B vitamins and linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid.

B vitamins play an important role in keeping your dogs skin and coat healthy. In addition, linoleic acid is another potent fatty acid that supports skin health, and it can also help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote the healing of wounds.

Support Digestion and Regulate Blood Glucose Levels

Oatmeal is a rich source of soluble fiber, which can help dogs (especially older dogs) with irregular bowel movements, and it can also regulate blood glucose levels. As a result, a normal blood glucose level can lower a dogs risk for diabetes, heart problems, and other ailments.

May Lower Cholesterol Levels

Oatmeal can be beneficial for dogs with abnormally high levels of cholesterol, such as those with genetic or metabolic health conditions.

And this can be attributed to the presence of beta-glucan in oats, which is a type of fiber that has been associated with an improved heart condition.

However, more studies are needed to confirm the effects of beta-glucan in reducing cholesterol levels in dogs.

May Avoid Overeating

Its not advisable to give your dog oatmeal in large quantities at once as this can just upset his stomach and increase his chances of being overweight.

However, if your dog is already overweight, he can benefit from eating a moderate amount of plain oatmeal a few times a week.

As we know, oats are rich in fiber, which can make your dog feel full longer. As a result, he wont have the urge to dig on his bowl now and then, or to follow you around and beg for more food.

How Much Oatmeal Should You Feed Your Dog?

Your dog should be eating a balanced diet to ensure optimum health and safety. As a rule of thumb, you can add one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of your dogs body weight.

How to Serve Oatmeal to Your Dog Correctly?

As discussed earlier, you should always cook the oatmeal first before serving it to your pup whether you give it alone, or sprinkle it on top of your dogs food. And of course, let it cool down for a while before giving it to your dog.

After serving your dog oatmeal, dont forget to observe his reactions, especially if its his first time. If you notice adverse reactions, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Best Dog Shampoo For Allergies: For Itchy Skin, Oatmeal, Medicated & More

Are skin allergies creating a problem for your pup, and youre not sure how to help? Finding the right shampoo could provide some much-needed relief for your dogs itchy skin and discomfort. We review several excellent choices, including shampoos formulated with specific soothing and healing ingredients to help your pup.

Skin allergies can be a chronic concern that can leave your pup with dry skin, feeling itchy and uncomfortable. Luckily, you can consider a shampoo for dogs with skin allergies to help ease the discomfort and irritation your dog may be experiencing. Weve got the information you need to help you decide which best shampoo for dogs with allergies is right for your pup. We recommend also speaking with your vet about possible medicated shampoo options.

Does My Dog Have A Skin Allergy?

Skin allergies in dogs can come from environmental factors, fleas, food, contact with an allergen, or bacteria. These allergies appear with a variety of symptoms, too. If you have concerns about your pup having skin irritation, read about dog skin allergies to learn more about the symptoms youre seeing and what may be causing them.

Dog Allergy Testing

If you want to get to the root cause of your dogs skin allergies, getting your pup tested for intolerances or allergies is your best bet. You have options that range from working with your vet to at-home allergy testing. Once you know the cause, it will help you and your vet come up with the best treatment plan to meet your pups needs.

Best Dog Shampoo For Allergies

Weve reviewed our top picks for the best dog shampoo for allergies in several categories based on ingredients, customer reviews, price, and more.

Best Overall Dog Shampoo For Allergies: Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo Review

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Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo is our top pick for the best overall dog shampoo for allergies. This soothing dog shampoo uses ophytrium, a purified natural ingredient, to help soothe irritated skin and support the skin as a natural barrier. A calming shampoo for dogs, this product is veterinarian-recommended and contains no soaps, sulfates, parabens, dyes, or nanoparticles. You can use this product in conjunction with the hydrating mousse, and this company also makes antiseptic pads that may be helpful.

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Best Dog Shampoo For Itchy Skin: Vets Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo Review

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Vets Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo is our pick for the best anti-itch dog shampoo. This itchy dog shampoo has a mild scent, uses a veterinarian-formulated blend of essential oils, and doesnt affect the use of flea or tick products. You can use this dog shampoo for dry, itchy skin to help give your pup relief from allergies that cause skin discomfort.

Even though this is our best dog shampoo for itching recommendation, it does contain tea tree oil, which can be dangerous in large doses, and some users report allergic reactions after use. As with any new product, its best to test it on a small area before using it on your dogs entire body. They also offer a flea specific shampoo.

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Best Oatmeal Dog Shampoo For Allergies: Burts Bees For Dogs Natural Oatmeal Shampoo Review

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So, is oatmeal shampoo good for dogs? Yes oatmeal can provide soothing relief for dogs with skin allergy symptoms. We like Burts Bees For Dogs Natural Oatmeal Shampoo as the best oatmeal shampoo for dogs. This oatmeal dog shampoo for itchy skin is made with natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, honey, and beeswax and is an excellent choice for puppy shampoo for itchy skin. Theres also a conditioner available that goes with this product.

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Best Medicated Dog Shampoo For Allergies: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo Review

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We chose Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo as the best-medicated dog shampoo for allergies. You can also use this shampoo for itchy skin, as a dermatitis shampoo for dogs, or a dog eczema shampoo. The active ingredients include coal tar, salicylic acid, and micronized sulfur, and there are no dyes, soap, or parabens.If you like a mild scent, this is not the shampoo for you and is not for use on puppies under 12 weeks old.

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What Are My Other Options For Dealing With Skin Allergies?

Looking for another option to help relieve the discomfort of skin allergies? You can try an allergy bath for dogs, like an oatmeal bath similar to the one you would use for a baby. You may also find a spray like Vets Best Itch Relief Spray helpful in reducing itching or a supplement like PetHonesty Allergy Support to help reduce overall symptoms. PetHonesty also carries an excellentAllergy Itch Relief Shampoo that contains chlorhexidine and ketoconazole to help treat skin issues and infections.

Homemade Dog Shampoo For Allergies (Video)

This two-minute video by YouTuber LAurenrdaniels shows you how to make a moisturizing homemade dog shampoo that is anti-itch, anti-flea, and can reduce dandruff.

Allergies Can Affect More Than Skin

Even if your dog doesnt have signs of skin allergies, it doesnt mean he doesnt have allergies at all. Allergies in dogs can occur in several different ways and produce various types of symptoms. Learning more about dog allergy symptoms can help you determine if your pup needs treatment.