is oats good for a dog
Are Oats Good for Dogs? Heres What the Science Says
Is there amore hearty way to start your morning than a bowl of oats? Rich, filling and packed with energytheyrea powerful fuel to get you through the rest of your day. But its not justour own breakfast bowl where youll find oats.
Increasingly youfind a healthy serving of oats in many commercial dog food recipes. On par with flaxseed for dogs, it's loved by pet parents as a complex grain that's gluten-free.
But are oats good for dogs?Is itsafe for your dog to eat them daily? And if so, are there any benefits of oats for dogs?
To find out, we searched through academic journals and researchstudies, examining the science behind oats for dogs. Well explore what benefits you can expect, and how you should prepare oats for dogs in the healthiest way possible.
Can dogs eat oats?
In short: Yes. Dogs can and likely should eat oats as part of their diet. Contrary to a popular view that dogs are strict carnivores,they are actually more omnivorous in their wild diet than many think.
Between their ancestral diet and their evolution alongside humansover the past 30,000 years,dogs caneat a wider range of foods than strict carnivores like cats.
But just because dogs can eat oats doesnt mean they necessarily should. To understand that, wedove into the research.
We found that oats are a phenomenal source of fiber, fatty acids, vitamins and overall nutrition.
So why are oats good for dogs? Here are5 key benefits:
Benefit #1: Better skin health
Weve all heard of omega-3s. Especially if you subscribe to Yumwoof's blog! Theyre the wonder ingredient found in oily fish. Its said they boost memory and general health in dogs and people.
What about omega-6s?
Linoleic acid is one type of omega-6 fatty acid in oats. Taken regularly, linoleic acid produces a luxurious, healthy coat and skin. Researchers supplemented a dogs diet with zinc and linoleic acid in one study. The results showed that dogs receiving linoleic acid saw significantly glossier coats. There was also less water loss through the skinimproving overall hydration [*].
When eaten in the right amounts daily, linoleic acid helps maintain the skin barrier, promotes wound healing and soothes inflammation [*].
Oats also contain B vitamins, which play a critical role in producing healthy skin cells [*]. Without a turnover of skin cells, wounds and rashes are far more likely.
Benefit #2: Lower cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a vital part of your dog's body, helping produce horomones, vitamin D and substances involved in food digestion.But when it's consumed into too high amounts, itcan clog arteries which in turn reduces blood flow to the heart. That means less oxygen, less energy andpoor cardiac performance.
When looking at cholesterol,keep in mind it's a complex topic andnot always caused bya dogs diet. Metabolic and genetic health conditions can all contribute to high cholesterol levels.No matter what the cause, though, includingoatsin a dog's diet may bea viable solution to reducing cholesterol.
Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a fiber associated with improvedheart health. Not just that, beta-glucans are anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, immune system promoting and completely safe to eat[*].
They seem to be a superfood all around, but its their effect on cholesterol thatscatching theattention of scientists.
Oats have previously been shown to reduce cholesterol levels inhumans [*]. Now, another study in dogs observed similar findings. After eating oats for four weeks, dogs saw their cholesterol drop by 5% and LDL-cholesterol by 10% compared to a rice-based diet [*].
Its a remarkable result! And just one more reason oatshave been proven to be good for dogs.
Benefit #3: Aids digestions
One of the most common reasons we eat oats is a single ingredient: fiber. Fiber isa part of foodthat cannot be digested.
Sounds pointless? After all, the point of food is nutrition.
Thats true. However, fiber helps aid and support the digestive system. It feeds the helpfulbacteria living in your dogs gut. In turn, they take the fiber and convert it into short chain fatty acidsassociated with an improved healthspan.
Fiber also adds bulk toyour dog'sstoolto provide further digestive support.
Oats are extremely high in fiber. Every cooked cup contains over 4 grams offiber [*]. Research into oats for dogs digestion is limited.However, a study published in the Journal of Animal Science examined the use offiber in dogs. Oats, in particular, maximize fermentationhelping the microorganismwithout sacrificing any nutrient digestibility [*].
That means calmer stomachs with less constipation.
Benefit #4: Boosts immune system
Beta-glucans arent just beneficial for cholesterol. They alsohave provenimmune-enhancing properties. An analysis of beta-glucans in four speciesdogs, mice, piglets, and chicksfound different types of beta-glucans displayed different properties associated with better health [*].
One property was to upregulate the immune response. Levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) were raised in response to beta-glucans. IL-2 promotes the growth, proliferation and differentiation of white blood cells. It forms the backbone of white blood cell production and is therefore critical to a healthy functioning immune system.
Taken together, oats can boost your immune system and help your heart with every spoonful.
Benefit #5: Phenomenal nutrient profile
Oats are rightfully considered a key staple food. While we have already talked about linoleic acid, fiberand beta-glucans, thats just the tip of the iceberg. Oats have an incredibly high nutritional value.
Inside youll find protein (up to 15%), complex carbs, fats and dietaryfiber (up to 8.5%). Alongside these macronutrients, there is a complex mix of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds [*].
These vitamins and minerals include calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. All of these components are essential to canine healthand add to how oats are good for dogs.
How to prepare oats for dogs?
According to the American Kennel Club, you can feed dogs up to one tablespoon (15 grams) of cooked oats for every 20 pounds (9 kg) of body weight.
But if youre just starting: go slow. Sprinkle a little into their normal diet and see how they react. Excessive oat intake can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and/or bloating. These issues arerare, though, and more likelyyour dog wont be able to get enough oats!
Keep in mind that oats ontheir ownare not nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs according to AAFCO standards.
They area high carb foodthat should be a relatively small part of your dog's diet. Yumwoof believes dogs should consume a low carb diet, keeping net carbs below 25% to avoid diabetes and other health issues.
Youshould not just feed a dog oats in any amountthey needs to be included in your dog'sfood at the right level to achieve an AAFCO complete and balanced diet.
The easiest way to feed your dog the right amount of oats is to find a dog food that already contains it as an ingredient. That way you don't have touse complicated software to balance your dog's diet.Here's a low carb dog food with cooked oatswe recommend.
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About rolled oats
Rolled oats are better known to most of us as porridge. The breakfast cereal of choice for countless millions of people across the world. A lightly processed, slow-release, wholegrain food which has sustained man and beast for thousands of years. Traditionally made from dehusked and steamed oat groats which are rolled into flakes before being lightly toasted. Yes, oats are great for people. But what about oats for dogs?
Nutrients in rolled oats
Rolled oats are a good source of vitamins E, K, B6 and B9 (also known as folate, naturally occurring folic acid). They are also a good source of soluble fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Benefits of rolled oats for dogs
Low in gluten, rolled oats make an excellent wheat substitute for dogs who suffer with allergies. They are also good for a dogs skin and coat. And, because of their richness in fibre, they naturally help to keep a dog regular.
Rolled oats can improve a dogs digestion and can lower any problematic cholesterol level. They can be used topically to heal sores and wounds and even used to make a healthy and natural shampoo. Theres a lot more to rolled oats than you might have thought. Thats why I consider them an absolute essential in any dogs homemade dog food pantry.
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
