Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

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Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal? Oatmeal can be a great snack to share with your dog as long as it is cooked and served in small amounts. Just be sure it is cooked properly—do not add any toxic ingredients that will get your dog sick and stick to the portions so she is not overdoing it.

But can raw oats be fed to dogs? And what if your dog has consumed oatmeal cookies? Here is how to make oatmeal in a way that’s safe to share with your dogs.

Is Oatmeal Healthy for Dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal? Plain, cooked oatmeal makes an excellent addition to your dog’s mealtime. This heart-healthy breakfast cereal is loaded with soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins that benefit your dog’s coat and skin.

The additional fiber helps in maintaining digestion and weight management. Thus, incorporating cooked plain oatmeal into your dog’s diet might help stabilize her digestive system and keep her fuller for longer, which is a good idea for dogs that may need to shed a little weight.

However, while sharing your oatmeal with your dog, never skip any additional items that can make your dog sick, such as raisins or excess sugar.

How Much Oatmeal Does a Dog Consume?

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal? Something you should remember is that too much of any human food is going to upset a dog’s stomach. Just because you eat oatmeal for breakfast every day doesn’t mean your dog should eat it, too. A rule of thumb is to feed your dog one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of body weight.

Don’t give your dog too much oatmeal all at once because it is rich in carbohydrates and very calorie-rich. Too much may also lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or bloat, which could be lethal. One-half cup of cooked oatmeal (max), one or two times per week is sufficient for large breeds. “Your dog should be fed a balanced commercial food,” Dr. Fox recommends. Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

When introducing human food to your dog’s diet, do so gradually and see how well they can take it. If they react negatively, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Benefits

Oatmeal is very nutritious and has been associated with many potential benefits to one’s health.

Promotes skin health

Oats are rich in B vitamins and linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid (1Trusted Source).

B vitamins are crucial to skin health and may contribute to the creation of healthy skin cells (2Trusted Source).

Concurrently, linoleic acid is required for skin health and can maintain the health of the skin barrier, enhance wound healing, and decrease inflammation (3Trusted Source). Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

Although these benefits have not been directly studied in dogs, canine skin is similar to human skin.

Can Dogs Eat Uncooked Oatmeal?

Sprinkling raw oatmeal over your dog’s food is a simple method of adding fiber to her diet, but the undigested grain is difficult to digest and will irritate her stomach. Cook plain oatmeal with water and allow it to cool down beforehand before giving it to your pooch. Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

How to Safely Prep Oatmeal for Dogs

Plain cooked oatmeal can be a useful addition to your dog’s diet and is rich in nutrients. But never give your dog oatmeal that contains toxic ingredients. Check the package for any of the following:

Chocolate
Raisins
Xylitol (possibly found in sugar-free instant oats or flavor oats)

When making oatmeal, use water instead of milk since it’s better for your dog’s digestive system. Make the oatmeal regular, never putting sugar or salt into it. Let oatmeal cool down to room temperature before feeding it to your dog, and start by feeding small portions as a supplement to his/her normal diet. Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

Always consult your vet first before making any significant adjustments to your dog’s diet, particularly if your pup has any health issues or is sensitive.

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! You’ll want to avoid giving your dog too much oatmeal at once because the high fiber content can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset. Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

Remember, though, that these are just guidelines. Always check with your vet before making any drastic changes to your dog’s food bowl.

Does Oatmeal Benefit Dogs?

Feeding your dog cooked oatmeal is a great way to help ensure their good health!

Oats contain a lot of health-boosting antioxidants and several vitamins and minerals, and these nutrients can encourage overall health and well-being in dogs, Dr. Savageau says. Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

Nutrient-rich vitamins and minerals found in oats include:

Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects the cells in the body from damage.
Iron, needed for growth and development.
B vitamins, needed for energy and red blood cells.
Zinc, which supports metabolism and immune function.
Protein, which is needed to form muscles and fix them.
Manganese, which supports the brain, nerves, tissues, and metabolism.

Oats can also promote:

Energy: Carbohydrates make up about two-thirds of oats’ composition. Hence, oatmeal is a great source of energy to supplement the daily regimen and workout of a dog, says Dr. Savageau.
Heart health: “Oats contain beta-glucans, a soluble fiber that may help maintain heart health as well as lower cholesterol in dogs,” says Dr. Savageau.
Weight control: Not only beneficial for heart health, the fiber in oats. Fiber, according to Dr. Savageau, fills the dog up longer and this can curb overeating.
Digestive health: The oat also contains a great deal of dietary fiber that aids digestion and makes for regular bowel movement. “This can be particularly beneficial in dogs with gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or constipation,” says Dr. Savageau.