oatmeal good for dogs or not

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, 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.

summary

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.

summary

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

summary

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? Discover the Benefits and How to Serve it Safely!

If you're a dog owner and an oatmeal lover, you may have wondered if your furry friend can enjoy this delicious and nutritious breakfast staple with you. Well, the answer is yes! Dogs can eat oatmeal safely and even gain some important nutritional benefits from it. In fact, oatmeal is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making it a great addition to your dog's diet. But before you serve up a bowl of oats for your canine companion, there are a few guidelines you should follow.

The Benefits of Feeding Oatmeal To Dogs

Oats are not only good for humans but also for dogs. They contain soluble fiber, which helps maintain a healthy gut by nourishing the gut microflora and intestinal cells. Soluble fiber also keeps your dog's bowel movements formed and helps regulate blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiac disease. Additionally, oatmeal is rich in essential nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to your dog looking and feeling their best. Some of these include Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Phosphorus, Zinc, Iron, Calcium, Copper, and Magnesium. Moreover, oatmeal contains linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that promotes healthy skin in dogs.

How to Prepare Oatmeal for Your Dog

When it comes to preparing oatmeal for your dog, simplicity is key. Avoid flavored packets with additives or extra sugars as they are unnecessary and potentially harmful to your pet. Stick to plain oats instead and consider adding small amounts of your dog's favorite fruits and vegetables for flavor.

When choosing oats, opt for 100% whole grains over processed grains to ensure maximum health benefits. Organic oatmeal varieties are also preferable as they are free from pesticides and other chemicals. To cook pet-friendly oatmeal, simply cook the oats with water. Avoid adding milk or sugar, as dogs are sensitive to dairy and it can be difficult for them to digest. You can add a small amount of fruit, such as blueberries or bananas, but moderation is key.

It's important to serve oatmeal at room temperature to prevent burning your dog's sensitive tongue and gums. Remember that oatmeal should not replace a complete meal for your dog as it lacks some essential vitamins and minerals they need for healthy growth and development. Additional foods should only make up 10% of a dog's daily calorie intake.

Knowing the Right Portion of Oatmeal for Dogs

While oatmeal can be beneficial to your dog, it's crucial to serve it in moderation. One cup of plain, cooked oatmeal contains around 150 calories, which could exceed your dog's recommended daily amount if given in excess. As a general rule, serve one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of your dog's body weight.

How to Serve Oatmeal to Your Dog

Before introducing oatmeal into your dog's diet, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide specific guidance based on your dog's unique needs and health conditions. If your vet gives the green light, start by feeding a small amount to see how your dog responds to it. Keep in mind that too much fiber from oatmeal can cause gastrointestinal issues, especially if your dog is not accustomed to high-fiber foods. However, if your dog is experiencing GI or bowel issues, a moderate amount of oatmeal can help ease discomfort and promote regular bowel movements. Additionally, oatmeal can be a great snack for overweight dogs as it helps them feel fuller longer and avoid overeating.

Our Oat-Based Products to Try

At HowPetCare, we offer a range of dog food and treats that incorporate wholesome oats for your furry friend. Our Complete Protein Dog Food and Superfood Dog Treats are made with hearty oats, along with other nutritious ingredients like dried yeast, pumpkin, flax, spinach, chickpeas, and cranberries. These products provide balanced nutrition and complete protein without the need for meat. Not only are they healthy for your dog, but they also contribute to the well-being of the environment and farmed animals.

Keys to take away:

• Dogs can safely eat oatmeal and enjoy its nutritional benefits.
• Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Serve plain oats cooked with water and avoid adding milk, sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
• Stick to 100% whole grain organic oatmeal for maximum health benefits.
• Moderation is key; serve oatmeal in small portions as a treat or meal topper.
• Consult with your veterinarian before introducing oatmeal into your dog's diet.
• Oatmeal can help regulate bowel movements and provide extra fiber for dogs with GI issues.
• HowPetCare offers oat-based dog food and treats that are nutritious and environmentally friendly.

To learn more about pet care tips and products, visit HowPetCare.