Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal - Is it Safe For Them?

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Oatmeal is one of the most popular breakfast choices for American families. It is a great fiber source, and it offers excellent nutritional value, but can dogs eat oatmeal? Many dog owners were wondering the same thing, and luckily, the answer is - YES. Dogs can have oatmeal, but there are a few things dog owners should be aware of before they give oatmeal to their dogs.

Is oatmeal good for dogs?

Many human foods dogs can eat safely, and all of them have one thing in common - moderation. Oatmeal is safe for dogs; in fact, it offers some health benefits. However, you should never overfeed your dog on a single food. The critical thing to remember would be to serve in moderation.

Oatmeal is packed with healthy nutrients. It is a great breakfast choice for humans, and dogs can benefit from it as well. However, dogs cannot process dairy, and their stomachs are a lot more sensitive to it than ours is. Make sure you prepare oatmeal for your dog with water instead of milk. Some of the healthiest nutrients in oatmeal are;

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is one of the body’s essential vitamins. It promotes cell health and has a direct impact on brain functions. This vitamin plays a vital role in maintaining good health, energy levels, and cell metabolism.

Antioxidants

Oatmeal is packed with antioxidants. They prevent free radicals from affecting cells, and there is evidence antioxidants have anti-cancerous effects.

Soluble fiber

Oatmeal offers the body plenty of soluble fiber. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system, and it is perfect for dogs that have diarrhea. One of the most popular supplements packed with fiber is pumpkin. Check out this article for more information - Pumpkin for dogs.

Linoleic acid

Linoleic acid is a type of omega-6 fatty acid. Most of us think of fish like salmon when we think about omega-6 fatty acids, but oatmeal contains some too. It promotes skin and coat health and is an excellent supplement for dogs that have joint issues.

Can oatmeal be bad for dogs?

While oatmeal is safe for dogs, they shouldn’t eat too much of it. Some kinds of oatmeals are not safe for dogs, like instant oatmeal. It is easier to prepare and faster to serve, but instant oatmeals are processed. They have lost most of their nutritional value, and dogs won’t get any benefits from it.

We love putting different things to our oatmeal breakfast. Oatmeal alone doesn’t have an exceptional taste. Still, if you add extra things like raisins, chocolate, milk, or grapes, it can become a delicious meal. While that is great for us, those kinds of combinations are toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains ingredients that are highly toxic to dogs, and raisins can lead to kidney failure. Make sure to keep your breakfast away from your dog’s breakfast.

Do you know what to do in case your dog eats chocolate? Check out this article for more information - What to do if your dog eats chocolate?

Another type of oatmeal we love is flavored oatmeal. There are many flavors to choose from, and sometimes, we cannot decide which ones to take. Some of us prefer blueberry, others strawberry, cinnamon, or peaches. No matter which one you prefer, you should never give it to your dog. Flavored oatmeals get their flavors from artificial flavorings and xylitol. These ingredients are toxic to your dog, and if your dog ingests too much of it, it can lead to severe health issues.

How to safely feed oatmeal to your dog?

There are safe ways your dog can have oatmeal. The first thing you need to know is - Dogs will have difficulties digesting uncooked oatmeal. It can be tempting to just sprinkle some over their food, but the truth is, that is not the best option. It will most likely lead to an upset stomach and a mess you will have to clean up. Dogs that eat too much raw oatmeal usually end up with diarrhea or vomit.

The most precise answer to the question, “Can dogs eat oatmeal?” would be - yes, but only cooked and without milk. Make sure you let the cooked oatmeal chill until it drops to room temperature. Serving your dog freshly-cooked flaming-hot oatmeal can burn inside their mouths.

Before you decide to implement anything new to your dog’s diet, it would be best to talk to your vet about it. The typical answer to “can dogs have oatmeal” is yes, but that doesn’t mean your individual dog will tolerate it. Some dogs even don’t like the taste. If your dog has a generally sensitive stomach, the best thing you could do for them is to talk to your vet and adapt their diet.

Do you know which foods are safe for dogs? If you are not sure, check out this article - Human foods that can kill your dog.

World Dog Finder team