Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal? How to Prepare Oatmeal for Dogs

Oatmeal is generally safe for canine consumption, although you should check with your vet regarding any dietary restrictions unique to your pet. As a general rule, you can feed your dog one tablespoon of oatmeal for every twenty pounds of body weight. Additionally, opt for raw oatmeal over sugary or artificially sweetened alternatives to dodge any chance of stomach upset.

Dogs that eat this human food can benefit from the fiber, calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients in it. Oatmeal also serves as an optimal alternative to different types of grains if your dog has gluten or wheat allergies.

High levels of nutrients are a primary part of what can make oatmeal good for dogs. Here are five ingredients in oatmeal that can be beneficial to canines:

1. 1. Beta-glucan: Part of oatmeal’s nutritional value comes from beta-glucan, a specific type of fiber that can lower cholesterol levels and improve heart function on a variety of different metrics. The beta-glucan in oatmeal can also help regulate blood sugar and flow.
2. 2. Fiber: This ingredient does wonders for a dog’s gastrointestinal system in the same way it does for humans. Soluble fiber is a carbohydrate that will ease bowel movements, improve digestion, and regulate blood glucose levels for your dog.
3. 3. Linoleic acid: This type of omega-6 fatty acid is one of the main benefits of oatmeal for dogs. Linoleic acid improves brain function and helps keep your dog’s skin durable and strong.
4. 4. Magnesium: This nutrient works alongside fiber to ensure your dog’s digestive system functions optimally. As with any other vitamin, mineral, or nutrient, make sure to feed it (and the oatmeal containing it) to your pet in moderation.
5. 5. Vitamin B: The high levels of vitamin B in oatmeal are one of the reasons dog shampoo formulas often contain oats. This vitamin is necessary for healthy skin and energy levels.

Feeding oatmeal to your dog is fairly simple, but there are key tips you can keep in mind. Follow these steps and suggestions to ensure your dog benefits from this nutrient-rich snack:

1. 1. Check the ingredients. If you plan to use instant oatmeal instead of making your own from fresh raw oats, check the ingredients on the side of the package. Added sugar, salt, and artificial sweeteners and flavorings (especially xylitol) can upset your dog’s stomach. Similarly, some common additions to oatmeal (like raisins) can also cause issues. The more basic and rudimentary the ingredients, the better.
2. 2. Choose basic whole grain oats. Do your best to stick to basic steel-cut raw oats when serving your dog. Plain oatmeal should be free from any additional ingredients that might disagree with your pet’s stomach. In general, the simpler your dog’s food, the less of a chance it has to cause issues.
3. 3. Include other healthy whole grains. If you do plan to add additional ingredients to your dog’s oatmeal, select another cereal whole grain—for example, barley or millet. This will keep the mixture simple but provide your dog with even more vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients.
4. 4. Combine the oats with water. Adding water will help your dog digest oatmeal more easily. Just as humans have a hard time eating raw, uncooked raw oats, dogs struggle to do so, too. Use water instead of milk to avoid causing any lactose intolerance issues for your pet.
5. 5. Cook and then cool the oats. Cooked oatmeal will result in the easiest form for your dog to digest if you’re able to cook the oats in water. Just make sure to allow the food to return to room temperature so it’s not too hot for your pet to consume.
6. 6. Use small portions. Oatmeal is a very good source of fiber content, which is good in small portions but can cause gastrointestinal issues when dogs consume a lot of it. For instance, it can relieve constipation in moderate amounts but cause bloat, diarrhea, and vomiting if you overfeed it to your dog via any source. Avoid these unpleasant side effects by giving your dog one tablespoon of oatmeal for every twenty pounds of their body weight.
7. 7. Keep oatmeal an occasional treat. Treat oatmeal more like a dog treat than a consistent dog food. It should be part of a balanced diet for your dog rather than the only source of nutrition. Too much oatmeal can cause stomach issues, whereas just the right amount improves the digestive system.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.