Nothing feels better like waking up in the morning and digging into a bowl of freshly cooked oatmeal, topped with a concoction of fresh fruits, peanut butter, and other nutritious add-ons.
As a pet parent, you should know that it's not unusual for your pup to share the same interest in what you are eating. But, can dogs eat oatmeal? Is it nice to add to our dog's diet? Or are they better off munching on their favorite commercial dog food?
Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?
Oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious breakfast staple that has been in American households for hundreds of years. Oats are believed to have been introduced to America by Scottish settlers in the early 1600s, and they've been a household staple ever since.
And while some of us simply love to dig in a food bowl filled with oats, most are hooked to this healthy snack for its nutritional benefits.
Fortunately, the reasons that make hulled oat grains good for humans are also the same for dogs. When served in moderation, plain oats can benefit your furry buddy in several ways. Plain oatmeal is packed with protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
Oats also have a hearty dose of important vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, such as vitamin B, linoleic acid, calcium, phosphorus, and a lot more.
It's also a naturally gluten-free grain, making it a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that are sensitive to wheat or other grains.
Oatmeal is safe for dogs as long as it is served plain and cooked. Or if you do add some toppings or mix other ingredients with it, make sure to stay away from chocolates, almonds, raisins, grapes, salt, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol since all of these are harmful to your pup.
When preparing oatmeal for your dog, mix it with warm water instead of milk because canines can be ultra-sensitive to dairy, and their bodies can't break down lactose properly the way we, humans do. Most dogs would experience stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea when they consume even a small amount of milk.
Again, remember to cook oatmeal first before serving it to your dog because raw oats can be harder for him to digest, which can only upset your dog's stomach. Uncooked oats can also be more difficult for your pup to chew and swallow, which can put him at risk of choking.
Additionally, never give your dog flavored oatmeal (e.g. blueberry, cinnamon, etc.), as it often contains more added sugar and it may even have xylitol or birch sugar, which is toxic to dogs. And while instant oatmeal can be easier and faster to prepare, it's definitely not a healthy choice for your dog.
Before you purchase any oats, you should also read the label. Make sure that you are buying 100% whole grain, rolled, or old-fashioned oats as opposed to instant or flavored varieties.
Whole grain oatmeal is more nutritious, retains more fiber, and is generally easier for your dog to digest than heavily processed instant oats.
Finally, avoid giving your dog too much oatmeal at once because it is high in calories, rich in fiber, and contains a lot of carbohydrates. These can be a triple threat to your dog's health, causing unhealthy weight gain, stomach upset, and other health issues.
Health Benefits of Oatmeal for Dogs
As mentioned earlier, adding oatmeal to your dog's diet can result in several health benefits when served properly and in moderation.
And this should not come as a surprise since too much of any human food can cause digestive issues in dogs. Just because you are devouring a bowl full of oats every morning, doesn't mean that your canine companion should, too.
Then again, when done right, feeding oatmeal to your dog can give him the following benefits:
Promote Healthy Coat and Skin Health
Some of the key nutrients present in oats are the B vitamins and linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid.
B vitamins play an important role in keeping your dog's skin and coat healthy. In addition, linoleic acid is another potent fatty acid that supports skin health, and it can also help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote the healing of wounds.
Support Digestion and Regulate Blood Glucose Levels
Oatmeal is a rich source of soluble fiber, which can help dogs (especially older dogs) with irregular bowel movements, and it can also support healthier blood glucose regulation. Stable blood glucose levels can, in turn, lower a dog's risk for diabetes-related complications and other health issues.
May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
Oatmeal can be beneficial for dogs with abnormally high cholesterol levels, such as those with genetic or metabolic health conditions.
This is often attributed to the presence of beta-glucan in oats, a type of fiber associated with improved heart health in humans. However, more canine-specific studies are needed to confirm the effects of beta-glucan on cholesterol levels in dogs.
May Help Avoid Overeating
It's not advisable to give your dog oatmeal in large quantities at once, as this can upset his stomach and increase his chances of becoming overweight.
However, if your dog is already overweight, he can benefit from eating a moderate amount of plain oatmeal a few times a week. Since oats are rich in fiber, they can help your dog feel full longer, reducing the urge to beg for more food between meals.
How Much Oatmeal Should You Feed Your Dog?
Your dog should be eating a balanced diet to ensure optimum health and safety. As a general guideline, you can offer about one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of your dog's body weight.
How to Serve Oatmeal to Your Dog Correctly
As discussed earlier, you should always cook the oatmeal first before serving it to your pup, whether you give it alone or sprinkle it on top of your dog's food. And of course, let it cool down for a while before giving it to your dog.
After serving your dog oatmeal, don't forget to observe his reactions, especially if it's his first time. If you notice adverse reactions, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Takeaway
Yes, dogs can eat oatmeal when it is prepared plainly and served in moderation. Oatmeal is not toxic to dogs and can provide beneficial nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion and overall health. It is often considered a suitable alternative carbohydrate for dogs that are sensitive to wheat or other common grains.
However, oatmeal should only be offered as an occasional addition to a balanced diet rather than a primary food source. Excessive amounts may lead to digestive upset due to its high fiber content, and flavored or instant oatmeal products containing sugar, salt, artificial sweeteners, or additives can be harmful. Some dogs may also experience stomach sensitivity when it's introduced too quickly.
All in all, plain cooked oatmeal can be a safe and nutritious treat for many dogs when served correctly, but portion control and simple preparation are essential to avoid potential downsides.
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He is a seasoned writer who has more than 10 years of experience in creating engaging and optimized content for various platforms and audiences. He has worked on diverse projects ranging from articles, social media posts, newsletters and ebooks, covering different topics and niches.
