Can Dogs Eat Oats?

When it comes to giving our dogs the best possible nutrition, it’s common to wonder what people’s food they can also enjoy. Some foods like oats and oatmeal can have benefits for our pups too. Learn more about incorporating oats into your pup’s diet. 

Are oats good for dogs?

Yes, oats can provide many nutritional benefits for our pups. 

Dr. Carly Fox of New York City’s Animal Medical Center writes for the American Kennel Club, “(Oats are a) great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat or grains.” She further explains that oatmeal contains vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to maintain the strength of dogs’ skin.

Additionally, oats are a good source of soluble fiber, which can help keep blood glucose levels balanced AND keep bowel movements regular. But remember that too much fiber can lead to stomach upset and cause vomiting and diarrhea, so it’s important to keep your god’s fiber intake at an optimal level for their needs. If you’re unsure how much to give daily, consult your vet. 

Can dogs eat oats raw?

You should avoid giving your dog raw oats as they are harder to digest. Cooked forms of oats, like oatmeal or oats baked into tasty treats, are the best way to share oats with your pet. 

Can dogs eat oatmeal?

Yes, but you’ll have to make a few culinary tweaks to keep it pet safe. Make your dog’s oatmeal with water instead of milk or a non-dairy milk substitute. You’ll also need to avoid adding any butter or sugar to the mix. While these things can make oatmeal more palatable for humans, dogs don’t digest dairy well and don’t need added sugar or fat. 

If you do want to give your dog a flavor boost (and you’re not offering oatmeal due to an upset stomach), you can add some fresh fruit like chopped berries, apples, and bananas or even mix in some pumpkin puree. If you do add pumpkin, make sure you’re using puree and not pie filling. Pie filling has added sugar and spices that you should avoid sharing with your pup. 

While the former assumes you’re making your dog’s oatmeal at home, you can use instant oats. But you’re giving your dog instant oatmeal from a pouch or cup, make sure it’s the plain variety and doesn’t contain any artificial flavorings or sweeteners like Xylitol or Birch Sugar (another name for Xylitol) which is toxic to dogs. Another reason to avoid using instant oats is that they are much more highly processed and have less nutritional value for your dog. 

Can I give my dog oatmeal for diarrhea?

Chat with your vet before introducing a new food. Especially if your dog has diarrhea. But yes, in general, plain oatmeal can be included in a bland diet. Other options might include rice or plain pasta. What works best may vary from situation to situation, so it’s always good to discuss your dog’s situation with your vet. 

How can I feed my dog oats?

If your dog is healthy, there are a number of ways you can easily add oats to their diet. 

As a topping for their food

For some extra energy and fiber, add a small portion of freshly cooked oatmeal on top of your pup’s meal. This works whether you feed fresh food or dry kibble. 

In a treat 

At Amelie’s Bark Shop in Philadelphia, Oats (Along with peanut butter, honey, and coconut) are rolled lovingly into delicious dog treats. Live too far to pick up a batch for your pup? You can use this recipe to make your own. 

As an ingredient in their food 

At Ollie, we strive to use only the very best ingredients in our delicious recipes. This is why we’ve included oats in our fresh Turkey Dish with Blueberries. In addition to Turkey and turkey liver, kale, pumpkin, and blueberries, delicious oats add fiber and carbohydrates for good energy. And we do all the work, so you don’t have to cook (or clean up) any extra dishes. 

Whether you enjoy cooking for your pup or just want to make sure you’re offering food and treats with great ingredients, add oats to the list. You can easily prepare a tasty and nutritious dish for your pup or offer a treat that stars this fiber and energy-rich food. Has your dog tried oatmeal? Let us know if they give it paws up or paws down!