Oatmeal is a staple breakfast for some of us. It’s cheap, easy to make and can be modified to your taste. But can your furry friends eat oatmeal?
The answer is yes, your dog can eat them. But there are a few considerations you should make before giving your dog this food. Because like everything else, too much can ruin your pup’s diet.
For dogs who could be sensitive to wheat or other grains, oatmeal is an excellent substitute for other carbohydrates. Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that contributes to the strength and health of the skin, is abundant in oats. Additionally, they are a good source of soluble fiber, which can assist in controlling blood sugar levels.
Oatmeal is marketed by several pet food manufacturers as a prominent component in their products. This healthy alternative has few calories and fats, and it has fiber, which may benefit dogs with digestive issues.
Read the label on your oats container before you checkout.
As opposed to processed grains, make sure the variety you buy contains only whole grains. Processed grains don’t have as many of the health advantages that whole grains do. Stick to organic oatmeal kinds if at all possible. These will have a higher nutritional content than other commercially produced oats and be free of pesticides and other contaminants.
Oatmeal that is safe for pets can be made by simply cooking the oats in water. Never give your dog raw oats. They may seem like a wonderful, crunchy treat, but your dog may find them to be very difficult to consume. They are difficult to chew and swallow, creating a choking hazard, and they are also exceedingly difficult to digest.
No milk or sugar should be added to the mixture, and no nuts or brown sugar should be sprinkled on top of the oats. Because their bodies can’t break down lactose as efficiently as humans can, dogs are particularly sensitive to dairy, so we advise sticking with water. You can include some fruit, such as blueberries or bananas, but only in small quantities.
But remember that oatmeal should not be made as a total meal replacement. If you are having issues, check with your veterinarian before feeding oatmeal to your dog.
