Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal

Let’s know about Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal. There’s a lot to love about oatmeal. The popular breakfast food is made with light oat cereal, and can be found in several varieties, including milled, rolled, and steel-cut. Health-wise, it provides a nutritious boost to any diet thanks to high protein content and a hefty dose of dietary fiber. Oatmeal also contains lots of vitamin A, as well as iron, calcium, vitamin B-6, and magnesium. That it’s also delicious is just an added benefit Of course, you may already know that oatmeal is a great choice as part of a well-balanced diet. But is oatmeal even good for dogs? let’s explore.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal
Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal

benefits of oatmeal for dogs

Let’s know about the benefits of eat Can Dogs Oatmeal. All the things that make oatmeal good for humans are also good for dogs—with a few caveats. One reason why oatmeal is a healthy choice for dogs is that it is relatively bland. Oats cooked with simply water—and with no added milk, sugar, or other enriched oatmeal toppings—offer your pup a healthy snack or meal topper that provides all the vitamins and nutrients mentioned above without any additives does what you have to worry about. It can also be a good way to sneak more water into your dog’s diet, especially if you add extra warm (not hot) water to the oatmeal after it’s cooked.

Warning

Because of oatmeal’s high fiber content, it is often recommended as a way to sneak excess fiber into the diets of dogs suffering from gastrointestinal or bowel issues. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it is best to check with your vet before adding any “human” foods to his bowl.

how to feed your dog oatmeal

The key to making sure oatmeal is a healthy snack for your dog is to make sure you choose the right variety and that you cook it correctly. Follow these guidelines to avoid any issues:

  • Cook it. Cook oatmeal before giving it to your dog instead of feeding it raw oats.
  • Whole grains are better. Serve your dog oatmeal made from only whole grain oats. Processed grains provide fewer health benefits, and may upset your dog’s stomach.
  • the basics. If serving pre-packaged oatmeal, check the ingredient list first. Some pre-packaged oatmeal varieties contain added sugar or other flavorings.
  • Keep portions small. Plain, cooked oatmeal contains about 150 calories per cup. While that may not sound like a lot, keep in mind that dogs need a minimum number of calories (a 25-pound dog, for example, must eat only 550 calories just to maintain weight). So when it comes to feeding your dog oatmeal, a tablespoon or two is usually more than enough.
  • Do not use it as a replacement for food. Although oatmeal has great benefits for dogs, it is still missing essential nutrients for a well-rounded dog diet. Use it as a snack or meal topper—as a meal on its own—to ensure your pup still gets what he or she needs.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog

What Can You Add to Your Dog’s Oatmeal

While there are things like brown sugar and maple syrup, there are still plenty of additions you can add to your dog’s oatmeal to make it more exciting.

  • Peanut Butter: Most dogs already love peanut butter, and a tablespoon or so of the natural, no sugar added variety makes a great addition to your dog’s oatmeal.
  • Fruit: Cut some dog-friendly fruit into bite-sized pieces and stir it in. Some good choices include bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or apples.
  • Pureed Pumpkin: Make oatmeal even more fiber-full by stirring in some pureed pumpkin. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, and not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory and a great way to add more flavor without adding calories (plus dogs love it!).
  • Plain Yogurt: Plain Greek or standard yogurt is a delicious addition to oatmeal and will bring another boost of calcium and vitamins. Avoid flavored formulations, however, which often have very high sugar content.
  • Mustard Seeds: Unsalted sunflower seeds are a powerful antioxidant and great for dogs. Sprinkle some kernels on top of your dog’s oatmeal, but don’t let them get any of the black shell.