Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

June 16, 2020June 23, 2020 Shelly 206 Views

It is perfectly safe and healthy for dogs to eat oatmeal. Fiber-rich and full of nutrients, oatmeal is a regular on many breakfast tables. Finding human foods that we can share with our dogs is not always easy since they are not always safe or healthy for dogs. Fortunately, oatmeal is one of the human foods you can share with your dog without any worries.

How to Feed Oatmeal to Your Dog

Oatmeal is a great source of fiber for dogs and can make a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. However, before you fill up your dog’s feeding bowl, here are some things you should know about feeding oatmeal to your dog.

Do not feed your dog raw oatmeal. Raw oatmeal is hard for dogs to digest, so always ensure that oatmeal is well-cooked before giving it to your dog.
Always feed your dog oatmeal that is free of artificial flavors or added sugar. Added flavors may be harmful to your dog and cause digestive issues.
Highly processed oatmeal is not good for your dog, because it may be stripped of all its health properties by over-processing. Whole grain oats will make a better meal for your dog since they are low in preservatives and high in nutrients.
Do not add any sugar to your dog’s oatmeal.
Always wait for the oatmeal to cool down to room temperature before serving it to your dog. Hot food can burn the inside of your dog’s mouth and cause injury.
Oatmeal is rich in carbohydrates and high in calories, so always feed your dog small portions to avoid excessive calories that can lead to weight gain. The general guideline is approximately one tablespoon of oatmeal per 20 pounds of body weight.
Do not serve oatmeal as a meal on its own, as it does not contain all the nutrients your dog needs. You can add oatmeal to their regular meals or make it a healthy snack for your dog.
Whenever you are introducing new food to your dog’s diet, always start off with small portions and increase quantities gradually while monitoring for hypersensitivity or adverse reactions. Remember that dogs react to human foods differently and should be given ample time to adjust.

What Can You Add to Your Dog’s Oatmeal

While sugar is a no-no for your dog’s oatmeal, this does not necessarily mean oatmeal has to be bland. Here are some great, healthy additions you can use to make your dog’s oatmeal tastier and healthier.

Sunflower seeds
Plain yogurt
Pureed pumpkin
Cinnamon
Fruit such as bananas or apples or berries
Organic peanut butter

Health Benefits of Oatmeal for Dogs

We all know that oatmeal is healthy for humans, but do you know how feeding oatmeal to your dog can benefit them?

Oatmeal is rich in vitamins and minerals, meaning it does not just provide fiber for your dog but also helps meet their nutrient requirements.
Oatmeal is great for dogs with constipation as the added fiber helps to stimulate digestion and bowel movement
Oatmeal is moisture-rich and can help ensure your dog is well-hydrated.
Oatmeal will keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. It is rich in vitamin B and omega-6 fatty acids that help to keep your dog’s coat healthy.
If your dog is allergic to gluten, oatmeal makes a perfect substitute for wheat and is well-tolerated by most dogs.

Can You Feed Your Dog Oatmeal Every Day

Do not feed oatmeal to your dog daily. Aim for once or twice a week, as this is sufficient for your dog to benefit from the healthy properties of oatmeal.

Oatmeal should be fed to dogs in moderation to avoid possible side effects including

Diarrhea
Vomiting

Other Human Foods That are Good for Dogs

Here is a list of other healthy human foods that are safe for dogs if given in moderation.

1
Plain yogurt is high in protein and calcium. Always choose natural yogurt that is free from artificial flavors, added sugar or preservatives.
2
Chicken is a good source of protein for dogs. Always cook chicken before feeding it to your dog, as raw meat exposes your dog to infections.
3
Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and nutrients for dogs. Adding a few tablespoons of pureed pumpkin to your dog’s food promotes good digestion and adds nutrients to their diet.
4
Green beans are rich in iron and essential vitamins that are good for your dog’s health. Use green beans that have not been salted as excessive salt is not good for your dog.
5
Eggs are a good source of protein and can be added to your dog’s diet. However, do not feed your dog raw eggs, as they may cause bacterial infections.