How to Cook Oatmeal for Dogs: A Healthy Snack If You Do It Right

If you want to give your dog a healthy and easy-to-make meal, cooking oatmeal for dogs can be a good option, but it's important to know the right ways to do it and the potential benefits and risks. To cook oatmeal for dogs, cook rolled or steel-cut oats in water or low-sodium broth until they're soft. Don't add sugar, butter, or other fatty ingredients that can cause digestive upset. After the oatmeal is cooked and cooled, you can mix it in with your dog's regular food to give them a fiber boost.

Oats can provide important nutrients for dogs, but we'll take a look at the most up-to-date veterinary studies and expert advice on how oatmeal fits into a healthy dog diet. This will help you understand the right serving sizes, any potential pitfalls, and fun ways to give your dog oatmeal as an occasional treat. With the right information, this nutritious grain can be a delicious and even helpful addition to your dog's diet.

How Much Oatmeal Can Dogs Have?

As with most things, the key to feeding your dog oatmeal is moderation. According to Wild Earth, a good rule of thumb is to feed your dog one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of body weight. In terms of the type of oats, you should only feed your dog plain, whole grain oats, such as steel-cut or old-fashioned rolled oats, which are safe for dogs as long as they are cooked.

You should not feed your dog raw oats, which can be hard to digest and lead to digestive upset, according to Pure Pet Food. In addition, you should avoid instant oatmeal and flavored oatmeal, which can contain harmful additives and ingredients like sugar, salt, or xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

To ensure your dog can tolerate oatmeal, you should start by feeding them a small amount and then gradually increasing the portion, according to Dogs Naturally Magazine. This will allow you to make sure your dog doesn't have an adverse reaction or digestive upset before you increase the amount.

If you follow these guidelines about the amount of oatmeal to feed your dog and the type of oats to feed them, you can safely add this healthy grain to your dog's diet as an occasional treat or supplement. With the right precautions and portion control, oatmeal can be a healthy part of a balanced doggy diet.

How to Make Oatmeal for Dogs: Cooking and Safety Tips

Oatmeal must be cooked before being fed to dogs since raw oats are hard to digest, according to Pook's Pantry Recipe Blog. The blog recommends cooking the oats by simmering them in water or low-sodium broth until they are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid, says Pook's Pantry Recipe Blog.

The cooked oatmeal must be cooled completely before it is added to a dog's regular food. Pook's Pantry Recipe Blog also warns against using milk or dairy products when making oatmeal for dogs since they can lead to stomach upset.

Once cooked, oatmeal can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen in individual portions for later use, according to Pook's Pantry Recipe Blog, which means you can always have a healthy, homemade option on hand to mix in with your dog's regular meals. If you follow the right cooking and storage tips, oatmeal can be a safe and healthy way to supplement your dog's diet.

What Are the Benefits of Feeding Oatmeal to Dogs?

When fed in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet, oatmeal can be a nutritious and healthy addition to your dog's meals. According to Dog Child, oatmeal is a good source of fiber, which can help dogs maintain a healthy weight and digestive system. Oatmeal also contains nutrients like linoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids that can help keep your dog's skin and coat healthy.

The soluble fiber in oatmeal can also help stabilize blood sugar levels, which means it can be a good choice for dogs with diabetes, according to Healthline. Oatmeal is also a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies because it's hypoallergenic and easy to digest. Plus, the high protein content in oatmeal can be a great source of energy for active or senior dogs, says Volhard Dog Nutrition.

Although oatmeal has its benefits, it's always important to keep an eye on your dog and look out for any signs of allergies or sensitivities when you introduce a new food into their diet.

Watch Out for Allergies and Other Adverse Reactions

Although it is uncommon, some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to oatmeal, especially if they have other food allergies, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Signs of an oatmeal allergy in dogs can include skin problems, digestive issues, and respiratory symptoms, according to Dogs Naturally Magazine.

If a dog shows any signs of an allergic reaction after eating oatmeal, it is important to stop feeding it to them and contact a veterinarian right away. In addition, feeding a dog too much oatmeal or giving it to them too quickly can cause gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea and vomiting. Earthborn Holistic Pet Food suggests that pet owners start by feeding their dog small amounts of oatmeal and gradually increase the amount to see how well their dog tolerates it.

With careful observation and a slow introduction, dog owners can add this healthy grain to their dog's diet as an occasional treat or supplement. However, it is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction and contact a veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Other Ways to Use Oatmeal in Your Dog's Diet

In addition to serving it as a standalone meal, cooked oatmeal can be used in a variety of ways to supplement your dog's diet. According to Volhard Dog Nutrition, oatmeal is a good source of protein and can be a good alternative to soy protein, which some dogs are allergic to. You can mix cooled oatmeal with your dog's regular kibble or canned food to increase the fiber and nutrient content.

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, plain cooked oatmeal can be a good option as it's easy to digest, according to The Dog People by Rover.com. You can also use oatmeal as a base for homemade dog treats, combining it with other dog-safe ingredients like peanut butter or sweet potatoes.

Oatmeal can also be used in dog shampoos and skin treatments to help soothe skin irritation, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, says Volhard Dog Nutrition. You can also experiment with different types of oats, such as steel-cut and rolled oats, to give your dog a variety of textures and nutritional benefits.

Oatmeal can be a versatile and healthy addition to your dog's diet, whether you're feeding it as a meal, treat, or using it in a grooming product. Just make sure to watch for any adverse reactions and talk to your vet if you have any concerns.

Conclusion: Everything in Moderation and Precautions

Oatmeal can be a healthy and nutritious addition to a dog's diet when prepared and served properly. The American Kennel Club notes that oatmeal is high in fiber and includes a range of other beneficial nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. When fed in moderation, oatmeal can help dogs in a number of ways, including improving skin and coat health, regulating blood sugar, and aiding digestion.

However, when making oatmeal for dogs, it's important to use water instead of milk, which can be hard for dogs to digest. PetMD also recommends against feeding dogs raw or instant oatmeal, as the former can be hard to digest and the latter often includes unhealthy additives. The recommended serving size is usually one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of the dog's weight, as larger servings can cause digestive problems.

In addition to these concerns, while oatmeal can be a healthy treat for dogs, TrustedHousesitters.com warns against feeding dogs flavored or sweetened oatmeal, which can include ingredients like xylitol that are toxic to dogs. It's also important to introduce oatmeal to a dog's diet slowly and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction. While oatmeal offers potential benefits, it should be treated as an occasional treat or supplement, not a staple in a dog's diet.