Can Dogs Have Oatmeal Cookies? What a Vet Says

Can your dog eat oatmeal cookies, or should you avoid giving your furry friend this popular human snack? Oatmeal cookies that don’t contain raisins, chocolate chips, or too much sugar can be a good occasional treat for dogs, but they should only be given in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

To help you better understand whether or not oatmeal cookies can be a good choice for your dog, we’ve turned to scientific studies and advice from veterinary nutritionists and other pet health experts. This article will go over the potential positives and negatives of the ingredients in oatmeal cookies that are often listed on the labels of these products, as well as how much you can give your dog and how to make sure you’re using them in a way that’s healthy for your pet.

Nutritional Benefits of Oatmeal for Dogs

Oatmeal is full of nutrients that can be very beneficial for dogs when eaten in moderation. According to Wild Earth, oats are a source of soluble fiber, which is important for gut health because it feeds the cells of the intestines and the good bacteria in the gut. This type of fiber also helps control blood sugar levels, which can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease in dogs.

In addition to fiber, oatmeal is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are good for dogs. It contains vitamin A, B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, iron, calcium, copper, and magnesium, all of which are listed by PetMD as important for skin and coat health in dogs.

For dogs that are overweight or have diabetes, the fiber in oatmeal can be especially helpful. According to the American Kennel Club, the fiber helps with digestion and can make dogs feel fuller, which can help them lose weight. The soluble fiber also helps control blood sugar.

That said, it's important to introduce oatmeal into a dog's diet slowly and to make sure to feed them the right amount. Too much fiber from oatmeal can cause digestive issues, diarrhea, and bloating, according to Dr. Carly Fox of the Animal Medical Center, as quoted by the AKC. This means that it's important to feed dogs oatmeal in moderation so that they can get the most nutritional benefit from this nutrient-rich grain.

Oatmeal Serving Sizes and How to Make It for Dogs

The Rover.com blog notes that veterinarians suggest feeding dogs no more than 1 tablespoon of cooked oatmeal per 20 pounds of body weight and no more than 1/2 cup 1-2 times a week. The American Kennel Club also warns that feeding dogs too much oatmeal in one sitting can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and bloat.

To make oatmeal that is safe for dogs to eat, it should be cooked with water instead of milk since dogs are lactose intolerant according to The Farmer's Dog. In addition, the oatmeal should be cooked and cooled completely before it is served to ensure that it is easy for dogs to digest.

In terms of the type of oats you use, the Rover.com blog suggests using steel-cut or old-fashioned rolled oats since they are less processed and, therefore, more nutritious than instant or flavored oats, which often contain added sugars and preservatives.

Potential Dangers and Harmful Ingredients in Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal is safe for dogs to eat, but many of the other ingredients in oatmeal cookies can be dangerous or even toxic. The Dog People by Rover.com explains that cookies that contain chocolate, raisins, or grapes are toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs can't metabolize, and grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs.

Meanwhile, the high sugar content, artificial flavors, and preservatives in store-bought cookies can be dangerous for dogs, as noted by The Dog Bakery. In fact, according to the blog at CanvasPersonalized.com, eating too many oatmeal cookies can lead to dogs gaining weight and becoming obese, which can cause other health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

As a result, pet parents may want to consider treating their dogs to homemade oatmeal cookies that are made with dog-friendly ingredients.

Homemade Oatmeal Cookie Recipes for Dogs

If you still want to give your dog oatmeal cookies, homemade recipes made with ingredients that are safe for dogs are the way to go. Many dog-friendly oatmeal cookie recipes call for plain oatmeal and other ingredients that are safe for dogs, such as peanut butter, bananas, applesauce, and pumpkin puree, as shown in recipes from Peel with Zeal, A Mind "Full" Mom, and It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken.

These recipes often eliminate or reduce the amount of sugar, dairy, and other ingredients that are safe for humans but not for dogs. Making your own treats also makes it easier to control portion sizes and make sure that the treats are free from any ingredients that your dog may be allergic to. While oatmeal is safe for dogs to eat, it’s important to watch your dog closely after you give them any new treats and get them to a vet right away if they show any worrisome symptoms.

Symptoms of Oatmeal Toxicity and Overconsumption in Dogs

Although oatmeal is safe for dogs to eat, overconsumption or the inclusion of harmful ingredients can cause a variety of symptoms and health problems. According to Healthline, symptoms of oatmeal toxicity or overconsumption can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and increased urination.

If a dog eats oatmeal cookies that contain toxic ingredients such as raisins or chocolate, more serious symptoms like restlessness, an increased heart rate, and tremors can occur. As noted in a JustAnswer response, the toxic dose of raisins in dogs can be as low as 0.1 ounce per kilogram of body weight, which means even small amounts of raisins can be dangerous.

It's important to watch a dog closely after they eat oatmeal or oatmeal-based products and get them to the vet right away if they show any concerning symptoms. According to WagWalking, food allergies in dogs can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and once a dog has one allergy, they are more likely to develop other food allergies.

Conclusion: Moderation and Responsible Treat-Giving

Oatmeal cookies can be a nice treat for dogs, but it's important to give them in moderation and as part of a healthy diet. It's also important to avoid cookies that contain toxic ingredients like chocolate, raisins, and too much sugar, all of which can be harmful to dogs. For this reason, pet owners who want to give their dogs oatmeal cookies should stick to recipes that use ingredients that are safe for dogs.

As always, responsible pet owners should watch their dogs for any signs of distress after giving them a new food and consult a vet if they have any concerns.