is oatmeal safe to feed 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 (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.

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? Is Oatmeal Safe For Dogs?

Were all familiar with oatmeal, and whether you love it or hate it, theres no denying its filling and healthy. If you like eating oatmeal for breakfast, you might be wondering if your dog can join in, too.

Oatmeal is the name given to prepared oats, which have been hulled then rolled, ground or milled. In the USA, oatmeal may also refer to the cooked porridge made with oats. Its a healthy grain, known for leaving people feeling fuller for longer and reducing cholesterol.

Oatmeal is generally safe for dogs to eat. In fact, it is a very commonly fed additive, and is included in lots of dog foods and cat foods. Most dogs can eat oatmeal without having any adverse effects, assuming its in the correct quantities. It is a good source of fiber, making it good for the gut, and its also present in many foods designed for sensitive tummies due to its gentle nature.

Can Oatmeal Make Dogs Sick?

Of course, even vegetables like ginger can cause problems for a few dogs, and oatmeal is no exception. Dogs that are allergic to oats will struggle to digest oatmeal, resulting in bad stomachs or skin problems.

In addition, feeding too much oatmeal can cause problems for your dog- it can throw their diet off balance, and too much fiber going through the body can cause tummy upsets. Most dogs will be fine eating a small amount of oatmeal every now and again.

Is Oatmeal Good For Dogs?

Oatmeal has many nutritional benefits. It is a good source of fiber and can be used as an energy source due to its carbohydrate levels. It is also high in protein, especially in comparison to other grains.

The USDA report that oats contain (per 100g raw oats):

• Calories:389
• Water:8%
• Protein:16.9 grams
• Carbs:66.3 grams
• Sugar:0 grams
• Fiber:10.6 grams
• Fat:6.9 grams

Calories in oatmeal

The calories in oatmeal come from a combination of starch and fiber, with much of the starch being slow to break down. This means it helps to feed the good bacteria in your dogs gut.

Protein in oatmeal

At nearly 17g per 100g, oats are higher in protein than most grains. This makes them particularly well suited for dogs, who need higher amounts of protein in their diets than humans do. Protein is important for muscular growth, energy and many bodily functions.

Sugar in oatmeal

Oatmeal is very low in sugar, providing energy in the form of digestible starch. This is slower to break down, causing fewer sugar spikes and sugar lows, and requiring less need for insulin. This slow release energy is much better for both humans and dogs. Sweet potatoes are an example of another good slow-release energy carbohydrate that your dog can consume.

Fat in oatmeal

Oatmeal contains a surprisingly large amount of fat, but its not too much; dogs need a lot more fat in their diets than humans do. Fat is essential to many body functions- it feeds the heart and the brain far better than starch does.

Vitamins and minerals in oatmeal

Oatmeal also contains a variety of minerals, including manganese (which is important for development and growth), copper (which is important for heart heath) and selenium, which is important for brain function. It also contains vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, which is an important ingredient needed for proper function of a dogs digestive system.

Is Oatmeal Used In Dog Food?

Absolutely! A quick search on Chewy.com shows that oatmeal is a common ingredient in dog food, appearing in over 250 products, with 229 products being dry diets and 30 products being wet diets. Its actually named as a major ingredient in several diets, most commonly paired with lamb or chicken. Wellness is a well-known brand that uses oatmeal in several recipes. Other brands that use oatmeal in their food formulas includeNutro or Chewys brand American Journey. Most less expensive formulas rely on other forms of grain as their carbohydrate source.

Many of these are marketed for sensitive skin or stomach, as dogs are less likely to have problems with oats than wheat. Foods that are designed for dogs on a diet also frequently contain oatmeal; its high fiber content means it is filling. In fact, in a study on humans ranking the fullness after eating certain foods, oatmeal came in third overall, making it an excellent addition to a weight-loss diet.

Best Types Of Oatmeal For Dogs

If youve decided that you want to give your dog a little bit of oatmeal every now and again, then its worth considering the type of oatmeal you have available. Its not recommended that you give your dog flavored or pre-mixed oatmeal, as the flavorings or extra ingredients may not be safe for your pup.

They may also contain high levels of sugar, counteracting the health benefits of the oatmeal. Plain, unflavored oatmeal is best. Oatmeal also comes in the quick cook or the larger grains. Both are fine for dogs. The more whole the ingredients, the more likely that the beneficial ingredients havent been lost during processing.

Oatmeal For Dogs With Medical Problems

Some people recommend giving dogs oatmeal to cure diarrhea, but this may not be the best approach. Fiber can help to firm feces. But if your dog has runny poop they probably need something a little blander. It might help, however, for dogs who have consistently slightly soft (but still formed) stool- a little extra fiber can help, here. This is the case for dogs on a special diet with anal gland issues, too.

Some people report that constipated dogs improve on oatmeal. This might be true for dogs with mild constipation, but for those with severe constipation, oatmeal isnt going to be enough to get those bowels moving again. Typically this gets treated with a very bland diet which will include starchy carbohydrates and other proteins like cooked eggs.

Making Oatmeal For Dogs

When making oatmeal for dogs, you should avoid the premixed and pre-flavored oatmeal as these often contain added sugar and may even have dangerous ingredients such as nuts, raisins, or xylitol.

You can add your own flavorings if you like, but you should leave out any ingredients except those you know to be safe. You should also make the oatmeal with water rather than milk, which can cause problems; many dogs struggle to digest lactose and eating too much can cause vomiting, diarrhea and bad gas.

Put an ounce or two of dried oatmeal into a microwave bowl, and add three ounces of water. Cook in the microwave for around two minutes. Once its done, give it a good stir and let it cool completely before you give it to your dog. We recommend it as a dog food topper for the best experience for your pup.

How Much Can My Dog Eat?

Giving your dog too much oatmeal can cause problems for a number of reasons. Firstly, more fiber doesnt necessarily equal better- too much fiber can cause as many problems as too little. Secondly, your dog should already be on a perfectly balanced diet, and the addition of extra nutrients can unbalance this.

For instance, if fed in large enough amounts for long enough, the extra phosphorus in the oatmeal can cause an unbalance of the calcium in the body. This can lead to bone problems. Lastly, if youre giving the oatmeal to your dog in addition to their usual diet, they are likely to become overweight. This can cause further serious health concerns, and require you to put your dog on low-calorie dog food.

You should never give your dog more than a tenth of their daily calorie allowance in treats, to make sure that you dont unbalance their diet. For example, for a 40lb dog of ideal weight, a daily calorie intake of 860 calories is about right. They can have up to 86 of these calories as treats, chews, and other differences from their usual diet. If this is going to be in the form of oatmeal, they can have up to four ounces of cooked oatmeal each day.

Of course, four ounces might be too much fiber for your dog. For this reason, its best to start with a tablespoon of cooked oatmeal, and assess their response, before giving them any more.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Daily?

As long as youre not unbalancing your dogs diet, and arent overloading their caloric needs, you can feed your dog oatmeal daily. If youre feeding oatmeal due to a medical problem like anal gland compaction, you might need to give oatmeal daily for consistent results. More likely, though, youre giving it as a treat. In which case, instead of giving the same thing daily, its a better idea to mix it up a bit.

While its possible for your dog to have small bits of oatmeal worked into their diet on a daily basis, we recommend looking at other healthy snacks too. Avoid processed foods like Graham Crackers or table scraps from boxed dinners. Focus on high-quality fruits for sweet treats, like cubed pineapple treats, or sliced kiwi.

Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions here about what your dog can and cannot eat. Weve compiled some commonly asked questions about pups and oatmeal for you below.

Can dogs eat oatmeal cookies?

This depends on whats in the mix. Some dogs are gluten-sensitive. If you use wheat in your oatmeal cookies, you are better off not giving them to your dog if they are gluten intolerant.

Can dogs eat oatmeal raisin cookies?

Raisins are highly toxic to dogs. So no, they cant eat oatmeal raisin cookies. If they have already eaten one, we suggest you contact your vet immediately.

Can dogs eat oatmeal with brown sugar?

Brown sugar is not toxic to dogs. So, yes, you should be fine if your pup has consumed oatmeal with brown sugar. You dont want to consistently feed your dog sugar, though, as it can cause other health issues.

Can dogs eat oatmeal with milk?

Some dogs are lactose intolerant. We would advise against feeding your dog oatmeal with milk. They should be ok if they eat it on accident, but its possible they get gassy if they do.

Can they eat oatmeal with cinnamon?

Cinnamon is not known to be toxic to dogs. However, if your dog has an allergy to it, that could likely cause problems. We recommend you contact your vet immediately if your dog has an allergic reaction to cinnamon. Absent an allergy, your pup should be fine.

Final Thoughts

For the most part, oatmeal should be safe for your pup. We always recommend that you test in smaller quantities to make sure that your dog doesnt have any adverse reactions. While this is generally not an issue for most dogs, youll want to act quickly if it becomes a problem.

If you feel something isnt right, the first thing you should do is always contact your veterinarian right away. With all that being said, yes, your dog can eat oatmeal, and there are many benefits if they do.