Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

Do you like oatmeal for breakfast? Are you wondering, can dogs eat oatmeal too? Actually, oatmeal is quite healthy for dogs and puppies, as long as it is given to them in moderation. Oatmeal is not only good for dogs to eat, it is also used in a number of dog care products, including shampoos and skin care products, because of its soothing properties. Let’s take a look at some of the many health benefits of giving your dogs oatmeal.

Oatmeal For Your Dog’s Skin and Coat

There are so many dog care products for their skin and coat that are made with oatmeal, and for a very good reason — it is wonderful for the skin. In fact, you will find oatmeal in a number of skin care products for humans as well.

A dog’s skin will absorb oats when they are in products that are applied to the skin. The oats are absorbed right into the digestive system, so they get pretty much the same benefits as they would from eating oatmeal.

How To Prepare Oatmeal For Your Dog

While oatmeal is a perfectly healthy food for dogs to eat, you do need to make sure that it is completely cooked before giving it to your dog. If you give a dog raw oatmeal, it can cause a lot of health issues, as they are unable to chew and properly swallow it.

This means that they are also unable to digest it. After cooking the oatmeal, make sure that you let it cool before giving it to your dogs, so they don’t burn their tongues on it.

Can You Add Stuff To Your Dog’s Oatmeal?

The best way to give dogs oatmeal is to give it to them plain. Make sure that there is no sugar, salt, or any other additives. Since most dogs are lactose intolerant, it is not a good idea to put milk in it either.

If you do want to add milk, use a brand that has low lactose levels. All-natural, plain oatmeal is the best option, and simply cook it in water. There are some fruits that dogs can eat, so you might want to add a bit of fruit to give the oatmeal some texture.

What About Oatmeal Cookies?

It is not a good idea to give dogs sweets regularly, but there are some sweets that they can have once in a while as a treat. Oatmeal cookies are one of these sweet treats. But, there are restrictions. For instance, never give your dog an oatmeal cookie that has raisins in it, as they are extremely toxic to dogs.

Also, do not give your dog an oatmeal cookie if there is any chocolate in it, which is also toxic to dogs. If you want to give your dog a bite of an oatmeal cookie, one that is plain is the best option.

Yes, Dogs Can Eat Oatmeal in Moderation

If you are cooking up some plain oatmeal, it is not a problem to give a little bit to your dog. As with anything else, this is a treat that should be given in moderation, maybe a couple of times a week. Smaller dogs should have about a quarter cup, while larger dogs can have half a cup or more.