Oatmeal is a popular and healthy breakfast for people, but can dogs eat it too?
The short answer is yes. Dogs can eat oatmeal, Dr. Joseph Wakshlag, a professor of clinical nutrition at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, told Newsweek.
But that doesn't mean you should fix a second bowl for your dog while making breakfast. Learn about the health benefits of oatmeal, ingredients to avoid and how to fit oatmeal into your dog's diet.
Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?
Oatmeal is a good source of carbohydrates for dogs and is occasionally an ingredient in dog food and treats. It also has specific health benefits:
Gut Health
Wakshlag told Newsweek that oatmeal has more fiber than some other carbohydrate sources in dog food, like rice and potatoes.
Fiber helps dogs develop healthy gut microbiomes, the beneficial bacteria that live in the digestive systems of dogs, humans and other animals.
Oatmeal is also an excellent choice for dogs allergic to other carbohydrates, like sweet potatoes or wheat. Switching to an oatmeal-based diet can help manage your dog's allergies without resorting to an antihistamine like Benadryl.
Lower Cholesterol
A study published in PLOS One followed 14 dogs, split between a control group and a group fed an oat beta-glucan supplement. The dogs eating the oat beta-glucan had lower total cholesterol at the end of the study.
However, more research is needed to determine if oatmeal alone—not just the beta-glucan supplement—has the same benefits.
Micronutrients
Oatmeal is high in micronutrients like Vitamin E, folic acid and iron, essential components in healthy canine diets.
Is Oatmeal Bad for Dogs?
"Oatmeal is not a complete diet," Wakshlag said, as it lacks critical macronutrients for dogs, like fat and protein. While oatmeal is safe for dogs, popular brands sometimes contain harmful additives. Check the ingredients on any oatmeal you purchase for your dog and avoid:
- Chocolate
- Raisins
- Xylitol
Wakshlag says popular flavors like apple cinnamon, maple, and brown sugar are usually okay for dogs. However, owners should avoid sugar-free oatmeal, which often contains dog-toxic xylitol as a sweetener. You can't go wrong with plain oatmeal.
Many people also mix milk into their oatmeal, but you shouldn't do that if you're feeding it to your dog. Most dogs are lactose intolerant, so add water to their oatmeal instead.
How Much Oatmeal Can You Feed Your Dog?
Oatmeal is just one part of a balanced canine diet. Like other foods high in fiber, feeding your dog too much can cause bloating and gas. Wakshlag recommends making oatmeal 10 percent or less of your pet's food intake.
| Total food per day | Recommended amount of oatmeal |
| 1 cup | 1 and ½ tbsp |
| 1 and ½ cups | 2 and ½ tbsp |
| 2 cups | 3 tbsp |
| 2 and ½ cups | 4 tbsp (quarter of a cup) |
| 3 cups | 5 tbsp |
| 3 and ½ cups | 5 and ½ tbsp |
| 4 cups | 6 and ½ tbsp |
| 4 and ½ cups | 7 tbsp |
| 5 cups | 8 tbsp (half a cup) |
These recommendations are estimates. Always listen to your vet first when making changes to your dog's diet.
If your dog hasn't eaten oatmeal before, work up to the recommended daily amount and watch for adverse reactions. Stop giving your dog oatmeal if they show signs like paw licking, vomiting or diarrhea, which could indicate food allergies.
Does Dog Food Contain Oatmeal?
Most dog food brands offer formulas with oatmeal as the primary carbohydrate source.
You can give your dog food with oatmeal if they have a sensitive stomach, are allergic to other carbohydrates, or just like the taste of oatmeal.
If you do switch to dog food with oatmeal in it, be sure to count that towards their daily intake. Be careful about giving more oatmeal as a treat.
Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies?
In principle, dogs can eat oatmeal cookies. However, you should only feed your dog oatmeal cookies you made at home, where you know exactly what ingredients are in them.
Even if you have cookies that don't contain additives harmful to dogs, like xylitol, there are healthier treats for your pup. Sugar, a major ingredient in any cookie, can lead to canine obesity and other health problems.
Oatmeal Recipe for Dogs
Try this if you want to start feeding your dog oatmeal:
- Buy plain oatmeal from the store and mix it with water according to the package instructions.
- Cook the oatmeal until it's soft and thick.
- Add dog-safe fruits and vegetables high in micronutrients, like bananas, carrots and peas. (Optional)
- Add cooked meat your dog prefers, like plain ground turkey or beef. (Optional)
- Wait for it to cool to a safe temperature and serve.
Your dog's diet is a huge part of their health. Read up on things to consider when buying dog food and ensure they're eating their best.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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