If you’re a dog owner, you probably often wonder whether or not you can share some of your human food with your canine buddy. Maybe you’re looking for a tasty new treat to entice your dog to perform a new trick, or you need a way to encourage a picky eater to eat more.
There are many reasons to give your dog the occasional human snack. Sharing your food with your dog can be a fun way to bond. Before you do, however, you should be sure that the food is safe for dogs to eat.
Is Oatmeal Bad for Dogs?
Oatmeal is a well-balanced food with a good nutritional profile. It is low in calories, sugar, and cholesterol, and high in protein. It is packed with antioxidants and fiber that can help regulate heart health, support good gut bacteria, and aid with weight loss.
There’s no doubt that oatmeal is good for humans. Is it also good for dogs? The short answer to the question, “Can dogs eat oatmeal?” is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind when giving your dog oatmeal.
Oatmeal for Dogs With Wheat Allergies
Some dogs are sensitive to wheat and other grains. Unfortunately, you can find many of these grains in low-quality or cheap pet foods. Oatmeal is a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs who are sensitive or allergic to other grains.
If you think your dog may have a wheat allergy or a sensitivity to one of the other grains in their food, talk to your vet about putting your dog on a diet where oatmeal is the number one grain ingredient.
How Much Oatmeal Can I Give My Dog?
When giving any human food to your dog, the most important thing to remember is to feed it in moderation. The majority of your dog’s diet should consist of high-quality, veterinarian-approved dog food. Most vets recommend that only 10% of a dog’s daily calories should come from food other than dog food.
How Should I Prepare Oatmeal for My Dog?
Always give your dog fully-cooked oatmeal. Raw oatmeal is difficult to digest and can upset your dog’s stomach. Never mix the oatmeal you plan to give your dog with milk—use water only.
Stay away from “fun” toppings like raisins, cinnamon, chocolate, or nuts. While these additions are delicious for humans, they can be downright deadly for dogs! Serve your dog’s oatmeal plain, with nothing on it.
Make sure you don’t serve your dog too much oatmeal at once. It is high in carbohydrates and causes bloating, constipation, vomiting, or diarrhea. A good amount of oatmeal to feed your dog is ½ cup (depending on the size of the dog) no more than once or twice a week.
Final Thoughts
Oatmeal is fine to serve to your dog every once in a while as a treat, as part of a well-balanced diet that primarily consists of veterinary-grade dog food. Keep these guidelines in mind, and your dog should be absolutely fine enjoying the occasional cup of oatmeal with you.
Thinking about giving your dog some other foods? Check out these articles to learn whether common foods are safe (and not safe) for your dog to eat:
- Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
- Can Dogs Eat Tuna?
- Can Dogs Eat Peaches?
- Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
- Can Dogs Eat Pickles?
- Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers?
- Can Dogs Eat Pecans?
- Can Dogs Eat Zucchini?
- Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?
- Can Dogs Eat Honey?
- Can Dogs Eat Lettuce?
- Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?
- Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
- Can Dogs Eat Mangoes?
- Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
- Can Dogs Eat Celery?
- Can Dogs Eat Avocados?
- Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
- Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
- Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?
- Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower?
- Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
- Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?
- Can Dogs Eat Bread?
- Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
- Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
- Can Dogs Eat Green Beans?
- Can Dogs Eat Beans?
- Can Dogs Eat Olives?
- Can Dogs Eat Walnuts?
Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.
