(Image credit: Luana Berti / Getty Images)
Can dogs eat oatmeal? You may have had this thought when your dog begged for a taste while enjoying your daily bowl of oatmeal as part of your breakfast routine. If humans can eat oatmeal, can dogs eat them safely too?
The short answer is yesDogs can eat oatmeal. When you serve oatmeal to your dog, you will add a number of health benefits to their diet. However, you need to be careful about how you cook the oatmeal and how much you feed your pooch.
As always, You need to ask your regular veterinarian before sharing human food with your beloved dog, including oatmeal. Here’s what you need to know about oatmeal and dogs.
How is oatmeal good for dogs?
When you add oatmeal to your dog’s diet, they will benefit from a number of vitamins and minerals. Oatmeal is a great source of vitamin B, which can ensure your dog’s coat stays in top condition.
Oatmeal also contains good amounts of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that has been shown to be beneficial for dog skin health.
Other benefits include the fiber content that oatmeal contains, which can help with digestive problems, as well as the potential to lower cholesterol.
How can I safely give oatmeal to my dog?
(Image credit: Kesinee Khaikaew / Getty Images)
There are a number of considerations to consider when preparing oatmeal for your dog. Always boil oatmeal in water rather than milk to start with, as this can make a dog with milk problems worse.
Second, make sure you don’t add anything else to the oatmeal as it cooks. Avoid the temptation to add salty and sweet toppings that you may use on your own breakfast oatmeal.
Third, stick with plain oats cooking. Commercial brands of oatmeal, especially instant oatmeal packets, often contain added sweeteners and artificial flavors that can harm your dog.
If you’ve cooked oatmeal for your dog, let them cool completely to room temperature before serving. Also, remember that oatmeal should be a healthy supplement to your dog’s diet. Therefore, serve an appropriate sized portion.
The American Kennel Club recommends keeping a ratio of one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight.
Does your dog love oatmeal? How do you make sure you serve it to them safely? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
