is plain oatmeal good for dogs with diarrhea

How to Prepare Oatmeal for Diarrhea in Dogs

Oatmeal can be a very effective remedy for diarrhea in dogs as it is bland and acts as a binding agent. You can give it with other bland foods or a small amount alone.

Oatmeal also contains vitamins like vitamin B and omega-6 fatty acids which are great for skin and coat.

How to prepare oatmeal for your dog with diarrhea

Do not add sugar or salt

Feeding your dog oatmeal with sugar and salt added will negate all of the possible positive side effects of feeding them a bland diet. It is important that you do not add anything to the meal as sugar or salt can possibly worsen the situation and cause more gastrointestinal upset.

If your dog refuses to eat plain oatmeal, you can always cook it in organic no-salt chicken or vegetable broth.

Avoid pre-packaged oatmeals

Oatmeals that come prepackaged oftentimes have added flavorings or sweeteners and in some cases, these can be life-threatening sweeteners like xylitol.

Instead, opt for organic whole rolled plain oats.

Use the appropriate amounts

In general, for every cup of dry oatmeal, you should add two cups of water. Bring this to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in the oatmeal and cook for at least 10 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally.

If your packaging has directions on the packaging, as most do, follow those instead of the ones above.

Let it cool

Always allow the oatmeal to cool completely for at least 10 minutes. As tempting as it may be to feed your pup their oatmeal right away if the food is too hot it can not only cause burns in the mouth but it can further irritate their system.

Store properly

If your pup doesnt eat all of their oatmeal you can place the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Try not to let it sit in their dish for more than 30 minutes left uneaten.

Slowly mix in their regular diet

Once your pup starts to show signs of improvement, this should be no more than 2-3 days, and slowly begin to mix in their regular dog food over a period of two weeks.

If they do not show any improvement or the symptoms worsen you should contact your vet immediately for more advice and direction.

FAQs

Can I add yogurt to my dogs oatmeal?

Yes, adding plain yogurt to cooked plain oatmeal is fine to do and may help increase the good gut bacteria needed in your dogs stomach. You can even purchase yogurt just for dogs. Make sure to choose plain yogurt without any sweeteners.

What if my dog wont eat plain oatmeal

If your dog refuses to eat the oatmeal plain, you can stir in a small amount of warm no salt, organic chicken, or vegetable broth to entice them to eat.

References

https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/70/4/1169/4631981

My Dog Has Diarrhea, Will Oatmeal Help?

One of the healthiest human breakfasts is oatmeal. Its filling enough to keep your appetite at bay all morning, its low in fat and cholesterol, and its full of fiber that keeps your stomach full as it aids the good bacteria in the digestive tract.

Because of these digestive benefits, oatmeal also has a reputation as being a good food to eat when youre suffering with an upset stomach. So, if youve wondered whether oatmeal is also good for dogs with diarrhea, we dont blame you.

Seeing our furry friends in need can be almost as distressing for us as it is for them. And its natural to consider whether some of the remedies that we know work for us, will also work for them. In this article, well look at whether dogs can eat oatmeal, whether oatmeal helps dogs with diarrhea, and other ways to help dogs with upset stomachs.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

Oats are a common ingredient in dog foods so the answer to can dogs eat oatmeal is, essentially yes. However, many of the ingredients that humans prepare their oatmeal with are hard for dogs to digest, and could even be toxic.

Oats are a good option for dogs that are intolerant of wheat and grains, as they are easy to digest, and are bland enough to prevent any further stomach issues from arising. Theyre also rich in fatty acids and vitamins that help promote healthy skin and coat.

So if youre preparing oatmeal for dogs as a snack or as an aid to their upset stomach make sure its served at room temperature and has been cooked in water rather than milk, and has no sugar, flavorings, or dried fruits like raisins added to the mix. These will only make their diarrhea worse and in some cases might even end in a trip to the vets.

This might sound like a bland way for us to eat oats, but dont forget, your dog doesnt have anywhere near the tastebuds you do. They wont care that its cooked in water and they certainly wont miss the sugar.

Does Oatmeal Help Dogs With Diarrhea?

Because oats are rich in protein and fiber, they can help dogs with diarrhea in a number of ways. Firstly, protein helps restore energy. Secondly, fiber absorbs liquid in the digestive tract to help keep stools firm and healthy.

When your dog is sick, it can be hard to feed them enough, and even harder for them to keep what they do eat down. Because plain oats are so easy to digest, theyre a good way to help your dog ingest some of the vitamins and minerals they need without making their condition worse.

How Much Oatmeal Can Dogs Eat?

Its recommended that you only serve human foods to your dog as a substitute to a rounded and healthy diet designed to give them all the protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need. So in general, a couple of tablespoons of plain, room-temperature oatmeal is enough to help them reap the benefits without any negative side effects.

However, if youre feeding your dog oatmeal as a plain, digestible option to help ease their diarrhea, a rule of thumb advised by vets is to opt for one tablespoon for every 20 lbs they weigh. This should be enough for them to digest easily without causing bloating or other issues.

If your dog has never eaten oats before, or if you know they are prone to food allergies especially grains then its advised that you do not feed your dog oatmeal for the first time as a remedy to illness. This is because an unexpected allergic reaction could make their condition much worse.

If youre not sure about feeding your dog oatmeal, ask your trusted vet for recommendations.

Are There Risks To Feeding My Sick Dog Oatmeal?

As with any home remedy, there are always potential side effects:

Food poisoning

If your oatmeal is made with sodium or salt, xylitol as a sweetener, grapes or raisins, blueberries, chocolate, or cinnamon, then these ingredients can worsen your dog's sickness and even lead to a new case of food poisoning.

Its important to only feed dogs 100% plain oats cooked in water, not milk, for easy digestion without the risk of food poisoning.

Allergies

Although oatmeal is a good alternative for dogs with sensitivities to wheat, grains, and other allergens, thats not to say that your dog cant be allergic to oats too. If youve fed your dog oatmeal before and noticed that they are gassier than usual, appear to be itchy or hyperactive, scratching more frequently and appear uncomfortable, or have any changes to their poops then they might be allergic.

Even if their allergic reaction is a mild one, it can exacerbate the symptoms of diarrhea rather than soothe them, so should not be fed to dogs as a remedy for an upset stomach.

Bloating

Feeding dogs fiber to cure their diarrhea is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it absorbs liquid in the gut to help create firmer stools and in turn ease their diarrhea. However, too much fiber can cause gas to build up in their stomach, leading to bloating.

Bloating due to gas is uncomfortable, as most humans know. But dogs can also develop a condition called bloat, whereby their stomach swells and moves within their bodies. Bloat can be deadly in dogs. Find out more about the illness and how to avoid it here./learn/dog-health/what-is-bloat-in-dogs

Lactose Intolerance

If you prepare your oatmeal with milk, and your dog is lactose intolerant, then their diarrhea is about to get much worse. In fact, because milk is hard for all dogs to digest, even those without a lactose intolerance probably wont have their upset stomach soothed by oatmeal made with dairy products.

For this reason, be sure to always prepare your dog their own portion of oatmeal made with water and nothing else and resist giving them a lick of your creamy breakfast off your spoon.

Constipation

Another possible side effect of the fiber in oatmeal is constipation. At first, this might seem like a win as it will stop the diarrhea, which was your first problem. But in reality, constipation isnt the solution to diarrhea it's a new problem in itself.

The main problem with constipation right after diarrhea is that it could mean there is unpassed stool from their sickness still stuck in your dogs gut. This can lead to bacterial infections and a condition called megacolon, which can be fatal.

If your dog develops constipation after diarrhea, the best course of action is to seek a vet. Avoid giving them any laxative foods or medications that might cause the diarrhea to return, unless your vet prescribes it.

What Other Foods Are Good For Dogs With Diarrhea

If youre concerned about the risks of feeding your dog oatmeal, or if you know they have an allergy, there are some other foods that can help soothe an upset stomach as long as they are served in a dog-friendly way with no additional seasonings or ingredients.

• Roasted or boiled turkey with the bones thoroughly removed
• Roasted or boiled chicken with the bones thoroughly removed
• Ground beef
• Banana
• Watermelon
• Steamed or boiled pumpkin
• Plain rice and pasta
• Probiotics

(1) Is Oatmeal Good For Dogs With Diarrhea? 5 Risks [2023]

Oat is a common ingredient in many brands of dog food.

But other than providing nutrients

It can help when Fido has diarrhea

But wait

Some types of oatmeal could worsen Fidos runs.

And thats why Im here to guide you and your pooch.

Continue reading to learn:

• 5 risks of feeding oatmeal to dogs with diarrhea.
• How much oatmeal to feed canines with the runs.
• 3 effective ways oatmeal can help Fidos diarrhea.
• And many, many more

Is oatmeal good for dogs with diarrhea?

Oatmeal is good for dogs with diarrhea, but it should be plain and cooked. Any added ingredients can be toxic for your dog or make diarrhea worse. Moreover, plain oatmeal is rich in fiber that can help firm up stools. Plus, its protein contents can give your dog energy.

Why is oatmeal good for dogs with diarrhea?

Oatmeal is good for dogs with diarrhea due to its fiber and protein content. Moreover, it also has a glycemic index level of 55. This means that oatmeal is easy to digest. Thats what dogs with diarrhea need the most.

How can fiber and protein help my poochs runs?

Heres an explanation from Harvard:

First, fibers a carbohydrate from oatmeal. And it cant be broken down by your dogs gut.

So when Fido eats oatmeal

Its fiber absorbs water inside your poochs belly. And that helps add weight to your dogs poop.

Finally, this would get rid of loose and watery stools from Fido.

Next, theres protein. And its a nutrient that can give your dog some energy.

When combined with fiber

It keeps your pooch feeling full. This helps Fido fight off their diarrhea.

However

As I mentioned in the intro, only plain and cooked oatmeal would work for dogs.

Why so?

Thats because flavored oats could be risky for your pooch.

And youre about to find out the reasons.

Risks when feeding oatmeal to a dog with diarrhea

#1: Causes food poisoning

Plain oatmeals might sound boring to eat.

But its the safest choice for your furry friend.

And to explain why

Let me show you the harmful ingredients that some oatmeal can contain. And how they can affect your pooch.

Starting with.

Xylitol

Some brands of oatmeal use xylitol.

Its a chemical sugar that sweetens food.

However

This ingredients toxic for your pooch.

Why? Experts say that even a small amount of xylitol can cause:

Warning: If you notice any of these signs, get Fido checked by a vet ASAP.

High sodium

Instant oatmeal has high sodium or salt.

So if your furry pal eats that

Science says it can lead to salt poisoning. This is also known as hypernatremia.

And now, based on another study

If dogs eat too much salt, they might suffer from:

• Barfing.
• Fainting.
• Tremors.
• Confusion.
• Weakness.
• Dehydration.
• Spacing out.
• Trouble with moving.

Warning: Hypernatremia has a 20.6% fatality rate. So if Fido ate salty oatmeals, take them to a specialist for a check-up.

Raisins or grapes

Do you like adding fruits or berries to your oatmeal?

It might sound yummy or healthy for you

But VCA Hospital says:

Food such as grapes and raisins are toxic for Fidos. Even one bite can be fatal for these furry friends.

And this also applies to other additives, such as:

• Cinnamon.
• Chocolates.
• Blueberries.

Warning: These sweeteners could lead to death in dogs. If your pooch ate them, its best to take them to a clinic.

All in all

These ingredients show why your dog should only eat plain oatmeals.

Especially when Fido already has diarrhea.

#2: Some dogs are lactose intolerant

Other than grapes or berries

Do you also like adding milk to your oatmeal?

Well, you should avoid that for Fido.

Why?

AKC says most dogs are lactose intolerant.

And this means they cant eat dairy products.

What happens if my pooch drinks milk?

The common result is diarrhea.

But since your dog already has this trouble

In that case, milk from oatmeal might turn things severe.

You mean Fidos runs can get worse?

Thats right.

And youll know this if your poochs showing signs of:

• Bloody feces.
• Persistent barfing.
• Red or orange poop.
• Stool with a strong foul odor.
• Increased frequency in pooping.

Warning: Severe diarrhea can be fatal for canines. So if you notice these symptoms, call an expert for help.

Read next: 9 Reasons Why Your Dog Has Diarrhea At Night + 5 Tips

#3: Oatmeal can cause bloating

Though plain oatmeal can help Fidos diarrhea

It could still cause bloating in some dogs.

And thats due to fiber from oatmeal. This type of carb also promotes gas inside your dogs gut.

But if Fido eats too many grains

The gas from fiber could get trapped inside their stomach.

As a result, your dogs tummy would look swollen.

And thats how you know when your furry friend is bloated.

But is this dangerous for my pooch?

Thats right. Bloating can be fatal to dogs.

To be clear, its also known as GDV.

Which stands for gastric dilatation and volvulus.

And according to AKC, the signs of GDV are:

Warning: Bloat can be deadly for some dogs. Especially if they have diarrhea. So for Fidos safety, visit a clinic if you notice the symptoms.

Now, if your pooch is farting a lot due to bloating

You can massage your dog to help them.

Learn how to do that from this useful video:

Check out also: 11 Reasons Why Your Dog Suddenly Has Bad Gas + 5 Tips

#4: Some Fidos are allergic to oats

Oatmeals are available in many brands.

But they all come from the same type of grains.

That said

Your pooch might be allergic to grains.

Fact: A study reveals that 7.6% of dogs could be sensitive to certain food.

And even though its a rare condition

Its still possible for any pooch.

So, how would you know if Fidos allergic to oatmeal?

As per vets, you should look for signs, such as:

Warning: If your dog starts swelling, seek an expert immediately. That could be a sign of a fatal reaction to allergies.

Find out more: 11 Reasons Your Dog Vomits In The Morning + 3 Vital Tips

#5: Too much oatmeal causes constipation

Now, lets say that oatmeal stopped your poochs diarrhea.

Sounds like great news, doesnt it?

But dont relax yet

Why not?

Well, fiber from oatmeal might give you and Fido a new concern.

Like what?

For example, too much fiber could lead to issues such as:

• Weight gain.
• Constipation.
• Hyperkalemia.
• High blood pressure.
• Abnormal metabolism.

But from this list

Constipations the most common problem.

And that means your pooch has trouble going potty.

Wait but how? This is ironic.

Thats true. But remember what I said in the beginning?

Fiber absorbs water inside your dogs belly.

So if your furry pal eats a lot of these carbs

Fidos stool might turn too solid.

And thatll make pooping a hard task for your pooch.

Then what should I do if my dogs constipated?

Typically, this problem goes away by itself.

You can even give your pooch a belly massage to help them out.

But since your dog just had diarrhea

Constipation could cause an infection for them.

How? Thats because there might be feces stuck inside Fidos gut.

With this, bacteria would build up within your poochs belly.

And that could turn fatal at any moment.

Moreover

Doctors say this issue can turn into megacolon.

And its a severe form of constipation.

How will I know if my dog has megacolon?

For that, watch out for symptoms like:

Warning: Megacolon can be deadly for dogs. Once you notice these signs, seek a specialist ASAP.

You might also be interested in: Help, My Dog Hasnt Pooped In 4 Days! 15 Reasons + 5 Tips

How much oatmeal can I feed my dog with diarrhea?

The amount of oatmeal you can feed your dog with diarrhea depends on their weight.

Not to mention

Vets say that giving new food to Fido could make their diarrhea worse.

So if your pooch has never had oatmeal

Doctors advise you to feed your dog small amounts of grains first.

To be specific, AKC states:

You can give Fido 1 tbsp (14.3 g) of oatmeal per 20 pounds (9 kg) of their weight.

Here, you can use the table below as a guide:

Note: Remember, too much is never healthy for anyone. So if you still have any concerns about your pooch, its best to consult a vet.

What is the best food to give a dog with diarrhea?

All in all, oatmeal works great for dogs with diarrhea.

But if youre worried about the risks

Specialists state you can try other food for Fidos diarrhea, such as:

Note: Ensure that these foods are cooked and plain. Dont use any seasonings or preservatives.

Still got any doubts?

Visit the clinic with your pooch.