Can dogs eat oatmeal? Yes, dogs can eat oatmeal. Oatmeal is a safe and nutritious food that can be shared with your dog now and then. Oatmeal is gluten-free and naturally high in soluble fiber, protein, antioxidants, as well as minerals, including thiamine, zinc, and selenium.
Oatmeal can be prepared in a variety of ways, but some of them are unsuitable for dogs. Find out how to serve oatmeal safely to your canine companion with the help of this article.
Is oatmeal good for dogs?
Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It contains vitamins A, B5, B9, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. Antioxidants, linoleic acid, and omega-6 fatty acids are found in oatmeal as well.
For dogs with wheat allergies, oatmeal is a better alternative and a great occasional dog treat.
Here are several benefits oatmeal has to offer for dogs:
- Enhances skin quality and keeps the dog’s coat healthy.
- Regulates bowel movements and promotes good digestion.
- Aids the body in processing fats.
- Promotes weight loss.
- Helps maintain balanced blood glucose levels.
- Reduces cholesterol levels.
- Promotes the production of healthy red blood cells.
- Prevents diabetes and heart problems.
On the other hand, not all dogs can eat oatmeal. Some dogs are allergic to certain types of grain, so dog owners feed them a grain-free diet.
Some dogs that have digestive issues and weight problems can also benefit from a grain-free diet. Grain-free dog food may contain legumes and potatoes in place of grain.
Can dogs have oatmeal?
Yes, dogs can have oatmeal, but it should only be given in small amounts. It is advised to feed your pooch one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of his weight.
Dog owners should also keep in mind that it does not serve as a meal replacement. So, make sure to share oatmeal with your dog sparingly.
Excessive consumption of oatmeal is unhealthy for dogs. It is high in calories and carbohydrates, which can lead to canine obesity. Another problem with overfeeding dogs with oatmeal is its high fiber content. This can easily cause digestive problems, including upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Always consult your vet before adding new food to your dog’s diet. When introducing oatmeal to him, do it gradually to avoid stomach problems.
Some dogs tend to be allergic to oats. So, keep an eye on your dog for any signs of an allergic reaction after eating oatmeal. These are the most common symptoms of allergies:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Itchiness
- Inflamed skin
- Excessive scratching
Bring your pooch to the vet immediately if he exhibits any of the above.
Can dogs eat oats?
Never feed raw oats to your dog. Even sprinkling it on his food should be avoided. Oats are difficult to digest and may cause gastrointestinal issues. Raw oats are also hard to chew and swallow, which can cause choking.
So, can dogs eat cooked oatmeal?
Dogs can eat cooked oatmeal as it is easily digestible. However, be careful as not all cooked oatmeal is nutritious for them. If possible, always choose 100% grain oatmeal as it has higher nutritional value. It does not undergo many processes that remove its nutritional content, like instant oatmeal.
Do not serve your dog flavored oatmeal. This contains additives and preservatives, which offer little to no health benefits. Some also use artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
When cooking oatmeal, do not add extra ingredients. Keep away from chocolate, raisins, sugar, and salt. These can cause a wide range of health problems, from poisoning to diabetes.
Can dogs eat oatmeal with milk?
Feeding your dog oatmeal with ordinary milk is highly discouraged. Most dogs are allergic to dairy and are lactose-intolerant. In addition, stomach problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, bloating, and loose stools may occur if he is fed cow’s milk.
Can dogs have oatmeal with brown sugar?
Oatmeal with brown sugar is not a good choice as a dog treat. Sugar, whether brown or white, greatly contributes to the development of diabetes and obesity. Dental problems such as tooth decay may also arise due to sugar consumption.
Can dogs eat oatmeal porridge?
The best and simplest way to give oatmeal to your pooch is to serve it as plain porridge. Use water instead of milk when cooking. As stated earlier, steer clear of unnecessary ingredients, including sugar, chocolate, salt, and raisins.
Can a dog eat oatmeal cookies?
Oatmeal cookies often have added sugar and other harmful ingredients like raisins and preservatives, which are best kept away from your furry friend. Some oatmeal cookies also contain wheat, which can trigger food allergies and sensitivities in some dogs.
How to prepare oatmeal for dogs
Preparing oatmeal for your dog: key points to remember
- Do not buy instant oats since they are low in nutritional value. Opt for 100% whole grain oats. If possible, choose organic oatmeal as it has less chemical exposure.
- Avoid flavored oatmeal. This is high in sugar and preservatives and contains harmful ingredients such as raisins and chocolate.
- Cook oatmeal with water, not milk, as it can upset your dog’s stomach. Do not add other ingredients and serve it plain.
- Remember to let the oatmeal porridge cool down before feeding it to your dog to avoid any accidents.
Home-made Oatmeal Dog Treats
Is plain cooked oatmeal boring your furry pal’s taste buds? Try creating this simple and easy-to-make oatmeal dog treat recipe at home!
Oatmeal Banana Cookie Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1 overripe banana
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons plain peanut butter
Procedures
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium-size bowl, mash all the ingredients until well combined.
- Use a rounded tablespoon to scoop and transfer small balls of the mixture onto the cookie sheet.
- Slightly flatten each ball with a fork.
- Bake for at least ten to twelve minutes.
- Let it cool and serve it to your dog.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and place it in the freezer.
