is oatmeal healthy for dogs to eat

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

Start your day with healthy oatmeal

Oatmeal is a nutritious, inexpensive and versatile option to work in some whole grains and help you start your morning off right.

Oats made history when they became the first food with a Food and Drug Administration health claim label in 1997. The health claim was related to heart health and showed intake of whole oat products decreased blood cholesterol levels.

Oats contain a type of soluble fiber, called beta glucan, which lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels, thus reducing risk of heart disease and diabetes. Beta glucan also promotes healthy gut bacteria and intestinal health.

Eating oatmeal regularly can have weight management benefits as a half-cup of rolled oats cooked in a cup of water has 165 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. The fiber and protein content contribute to feeling full longer and a slower blood glucose release. Oats also are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, copper, thiamine and zinc.

You may see a few different kinds of oats in the grocery store, including steel-cut, rolled, quick or instant. Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge. Steel-cut oats can be made in a slow cooker, making the process less hands-on.

Rolled oats, or regular oats, are rolled flat to make them easier to cook. Most of the bran is removed, so they have slightly less fiber than steel-cut oats, but they take less time to cook.

Quick oats are rolled oats that have been rolled thinner and cut into small pieces, so they cook even faster.

Instant oats come in single-serve packets that are typically flavored, and can be added to hot water or cooked in the microwave in minutes. While instant oats cook the fastest, they usually have quite a bit of added sugar and less fiber than other types of oats.

Oats have a nice flavor on their own, but if you're tired of plain oatmeal here are a few ideas to try:

• Baked oatmeal results in an oat cakelike texture and is a great way to take care of a week's worth of breakfasts at once.
• Overnight oats usually mean mixing rolled or quick oats with some type of milk and yogurt, and leaving in the fridge overnight. This results in a creamy refreshing oatmeal mixture.
• Oats are also a good way to make your morning smoothie more filling. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup rolled oats to your blender first and grind until fine. Then add the rest of your smoothie ingredients as usual. It produces a thicker smoothie that has the staying power of oatmeal.

With these preparation methods, you have many options to play with the flavor. Fruit, raisins and nuts are popular.

Here are some other ideas to play with:

• For flavor and texture, try unsweetened coconut, chopped cashews or sliced almonds.
• For natural sweetness, add chopped dates, dried cranberries or applesauce.
• Increase the protein with pumpkin seeds, a swirl of nut butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Up the soluble fiber even more with chia seeds or ground flax.
• Instead of plain cinnamon, add a couple pinches of pumpkin pie spice.
• If you're feeling indulgent, add a couple drops of vanilla extract and peanut butter for a peanut butter cookie flavor, or vanilla extract, cocoa powder and a ripe banana for chocolate oatmeal.

Try these recipes to get you started:

Baked oatmeal

Servings: 8

Dietitian's tip: You can mix this in the evening and refrigerate it overnight. Just pop it in the oven first thing when you get up.

1 tablespoon canola oil cup unsweetened applesauce cup brown sugarEgg substitute equivalent to 2 eggs, or 4 egg whites3 cups uncooked rolled oats2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon cinnamon1 cup skim milk1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

In a good-sized bowl, stir together the oil, applesauce, sugar and eggs. Add the dry ingredients and milk. Mix well. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan generously with cooking spray. Spoon oatmeal mixture into pan. Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the oatmeal. Bake uncovered at 350 F for 30 minutes. Serve with toppings of your choice from the ideas above.

Nutritional information per -cup serving: 205 calories, 4 grams fat (0.5 grams saturated fat), 105 milligrams sodium, 36 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams protein(Adapted from mayoclinic.org)

Baklava oatmeal

Servings: 2

1 cup rolled oats 2 cups water1 teaspoon cinnamon1 tablespoon orange zest2 tablespoons honey2 tablespoons almonds, sliced or chopped

In a small pot, add all ingredients, except the almonds. Place the pot on medium-high heat, just until the water comes to a boil. Immediately turn the heat to low and place a lid on the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, until the oats are soft and tender, and most of the water has cooked off. Portion into two bowls and top with nuts.

Nutritional information per 1 cup serving: 255 calories, 6 grams fat (less than 1 gram saturated fat), 10 milligrams sodium, 47 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 6 grams protein

Carrot cake overnight oats

Servings: 1

Dietitian's tip: This oatmeal is loaded with calcium, protein, fiber and vitamin A. Chia seeds are high in heart-healthy soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Both oats and chia seeds provide soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol levels. The small amount of carrots in this recipe provides 100% of your vitamin A for the day, and is good for your eyes and immune system.

cup rolled oats cup skim milk cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt cup finely grated carrot1 teaspoons chia seeds2 teaspoons maple syrup teaspoon cinnamon teaspoon vanilla extract1 tablespoon pecans, chopped1 tablespoon shredded coconut, unsweetened

Mix all ingredients, except for the pecans and coconut, in a bowl or Mason jar. Top with pecans and coconuts, and cover with a lid. Refrigerate overnight and eat chilled.

Nutritional information: 395 calories, 12 grams fat (3 grams saturated fat), 135 milligrams sodium, 55 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams fiber, 21 grams protein, 100% daily value vitamin A, 36% daily value calcium

Romi Londre is a dietitian in Nutrition in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

What Kind of Oatmeal Can Dogs Eat: A Guide to Safe and Healthy Options

Is Oatmeal Good For Dogs?

Oatmeal is a nutritious food that can be beneficial for dogs when served in moderation. It is a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs who may be sensitive to wheat or other grains. Oatmeal is a good source of fiber, which can help regulate a dogs digestive system and promote bowel regularity.

When serving oatmeal to dogs, it is important to avoid adding sugar or salt. Also, avoid using milk and instead use water to cook the oatmeal. This is because milk may not be easily digestible for dogs and can cause digestive issues.

It is recommended to feed dogs cooked oatmeal instead of raw oats. Cooked oatmeal is easier to digest and is less likely to cause upset stomachs. It is also important to serve oatmeal made from whole grain oats instead of processed grains. Whole grains offer more health benefits and are more nutritious.

When serving pre-packaged oatmeal, check the ingredient list first. Make sure that it does not contain any harmful ingredients such as raisins or xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs.

In general, dogs can eat oatmeal in moderation. The recommended serving size is one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of a dogs weight. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before adding any new foods to a dogs diet, especially if the dog has any health issues or dietary restrictions.

Overall, oatmeal can be a healthy addition to a dogs diet when served in moderation and prepared properly.

Benefits of Oatmeal for Dogs

Oatmeal is a nutritious food that can provide several benefits to dogs when given in moderation. Here are some of the benefits of oatmeal for dogs:

1. Good Source of Fiber

Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system in dogs. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and can prevent constipation and diarrhea. It can also help dogs feel full, which can be beneficial for weight management.

2. Provides Essential Nutrients

Oatmeal contains several essential nutrients that dogs need to stay healthy, such as vitamin B and linoleic acid. Vitamin B helps maintain a healthy coat, while linoleic acid is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps maintain the strength of dogs skin. Oatmeal is also a good source of iron, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells.

3. Can Help Lower Cholesterol

Studies have shown that oat beta glucan, a type of fiber found in oatmeal, can help lower cholesterol levels in dogs. This can be beneficial for dogs with high cholesterol or those at risk of developing heart disease.

4. Alternative Carbohydrate Source

Oatmeal is a great alternative carbohydrate source for dogs who may be sensitive to wheat or other grains. It is also a good option for dogs with food allergies or intolerances.

When feeding oatmeal to dogs, it is important to avoid adding sugar, salt, or any other additives that can be harmful to their health. Plain, cooked oatmeal is the best option for dogs. It is also important to feed oatmeal in moderation to avoid any digestive issues.

Types of Oatmeal Dogs Can Eat

When it comes to feeding your furry friend oatmeal, its important to choose the right type. Here are some types of oatmeal that are safe for dogs to eat:

Plain Oatmeal

Plain oatmeal is a safe and healthy option for dogs. Its important to avoid flavored oatmeal, as it may contain added sugars and other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. When preparing plain oatmeal for your dog, its best to cook it with water or low-sodium chicken broth and avoid adding any salt or other seasonings.

Steel Cut Oats

Steel cut oats are a type of oatmeal that is minimally processed and retains more of its natural nutrients than other forms of oatmeal. They are a good source of fiber and protein, making them a great choice for dogs. However, they take longer to cook than other forms of oatmeal, so its important to plan ahead when preparing them for your dog.

Rolled Oats

Rolled oats are a more processed form of oatmeal that are flattened with large rollers. They are a good source of fiber and protein, but may not be as nutrient-dense as steel cut oats. They are also easier to cook than steel cut oats, making them a convenient option for busy pet owners.

Instant Oats

Instant oats are the most processed form of oatmeal and may contain added sugars and other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Its best to avoid feeding instant oats to your dog and opt for plain or minimally processed forms of oatmeal instead.

In conclusion, plain oatmeal, steel cut oats, and rolled oats are safe and healthy options for dogs to eat. Its important to avoid flavored and instant oats, which may contain added sugars and other ingredients that can be harmful to your furry friend.

When preparing oatmeal for your dog, its best to cook it with water or low-sodium chicken broth and avoid adding any salt or other seasonings.

Ingredients With Oatmeal You Should Avoid

While oatmeal can be a healthy and nutritious addition to a dogs diet, its important to be careful about what ingredients are added to it. Here are some ingredients to avoid when feeding your dog oatmeal:

Sugar

Added sugar can be harmful to dogs and can lead to weight gain, dental problems, and other health issues. Its best to avoid adding any sugar to your dogs oatmeal.

Salt

While a small amount of salt is not harmful to dogs, too much can lead to dehydration and other health problems. Its best to avoid adding salt to your dogs oatmeal.

Raisins and Grapes

Raisins and grapes can be toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Its important to avoid adding any raisins or grapes to your dogs oatmeal.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other health problems. Its important to avoid adding any chocolate to your dogs oatmeal.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, can be toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. Its important to avoid adding any artificial sweeteners to your dogs oatmeal.

In summary, when feeding your dog oatmeal, its important to avoid adding any sugar, salt, raisins, grapes, chocolate, or artificial sweeteners. By being careful about what ingredients are added to the oatmeal, you can ensure that your dog is getting a healthy and nutritious treat.

How to Prepare Oatmeal for Dogs

Oatmeal is a nutritious and healthy food option for dogs when served in moderation. However, it is important to prepare it properly to ensure that it is safe for your furry friend to consume. Here are some tips on how to prepare oatmeal for dogs:

Use Plain Oatmeal

When preparing oatmeal for your dog, it is important to use plain oatmeal without any added flavors or sweeteners. Flavored oatmeal packets contain artificial sweeteners and other additives that can be harmful to dogs. Plain oatmeal is a healthy and safe option for dogs.

Cook the Oatmeal Thoroughly

Make sure to cook the oatmeal thoroughly before serving it to your dog. Undercooked oatmeal can cause digestive issues and may be difficult for your dog to digest. Cook the oatmeal until it is soft and fully cooked.

Avoid Adding Milk

While some dogs may be able to tolerate small amounts of milk, it is generally best to avoid adding milk to oatmeal. Many dogs are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive issues if they consume milk. Instead, consider adding water or low-sodium chicken broth to the oatmeal to make it more palatable for your dog.

Serve in Moderation

Oatmeal should be served to dogs in moderation. While it is a healthy and nutritious food option, too much oatmeal can cause digestive issues and may lead to weight gain. Consider serving oatmeal as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your dogs diet.

By following these tips, you can prepare oatmeal for your dog in a safe and healthy way. Remember to always monitor your dogs reaction to new foods and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dogs diet.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While oatmeal can be a healthy addition to a dogs diet, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of.

One of the main concerns with feeding oatmeal to dogs is the risk of digestive upset. This can include symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. To minimize the risk of these side effects, it is important to only feed dogs cooked oatmeal in moderation.

Another potential risk is the presence of harmful ingredients in some types of oatmeal. For example, flavored oatmeal packets may contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. Similarly, raisins are a common ingredient in some types of oatmeal, but they can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided.

It is also important to avoid feeding dogs instant oatmeal, as this type of oatmeal often contains added salt and other preservatives that can be harmful to dogs. Instead, opt for plain, unflavored oatmeal that is cooked with water rather than milk.

Overall, while oatmeal can be a healthy addition to a dogs diet, it is important to feed it in moderation and to avoid certain types of oatmeal that may contain harmful ingredients. If you have any concerns about feeding your dog oatmeal, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat oatmeal every day?

Yes, dogs can eat oatmeal every day as long as it is served in moderation and does not replace their regular meals. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, which can help regulate a dogs digestive system. However, too much oatmeal can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

What kind of oatmeal is safe for dogs?

Plain, unflavored oatmeal is safe for dogs to eat. Avoid oatmeal packets that contain added sugars, flavors, or preservatives, as these can be harmful to dogs. Additionally, it is important to choose steel-cut or rolled oats, as instant oatmeal can contain harmful additives like xylitol.

How should oatmeal be cooked for dogs?

Oatmeal should be cooked with water, not milk, as milk can upset a dogs stomach. It is also important to avoid adding sugar or salt to the oatmeal, as these can be harmful to dogs. Cook the oatmeal as you normally would, and let it cool before serving it to your dog.

What are the benefits of feeding oatmeal to dogs?

Oatmeal is a great source of fiber and can help regulate a dogs digestive system. It also contains vitamin B, which can help maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which can help maintain the strength of a dogs skin. Additionally, oatmeal is a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs who may be sensitive to wheat or other grains.

Are there any risks associated with feeding oatmeal to dogs?

While oatmeal is generally safe for dogs to eat, it is important to serve it in moderation. Too much oatmeal can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Additionally, dogs with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, may need to avoid oatmeal altogether.

Can oatmeal help with dog diarrhea?

Oatmeal can help regulate a dogs digestive system and may be beneficial for dogs with mild cases of diarrhea. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before feeding oatmeal to a dog with diarrhea, as there may be underlying health issues that need to be addressed.