Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

A breakfast staple for people around the globe, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t at least tasted oatmeal. As with many human foods, pet owners worldwide are asking the same question: can dogs eat oatmeal? 

To give a short answer: yes! Your pup can eat oatmeal, and it’s a human-food favorite for countless dogs!

There’s absolutely no danger to your dog if they want to enjoy a bit of oatmeal, but as with everything else, moderation is key. Below, we’ll get into the specifics of how to best feed your dog oatmeal so that they can enjoy a snack without disrupting their diet!

Is Oatmeal Safe for Dogs?

Yes, it absolutely is, so if you’re enjoying an oatmeal breakfast, go ahead and share a bit with your dog! The one caveat to this is that every dog is different, so if you’re unsure how your dog will process a new food, it’s best to check with your vet first.

Some dogs’ stomachs are more delicate than others, so suddenly introducing a new food into their diet may cause some issues. For the same reason you can’t suddenly switch the type of dog food your pup is having, it’s best to err on the side of caution when letting them try new things. Your dog won’t be in any real danger, but an upset stomach is best to avoid entirely. 

Finally, be sure your dog isn’t allergic to oatmeal or any of the toppings you’ve used in it, and that you only include dog-safe additives.

Benefits of Oatmeal

Much like humans, dogs stand to receive a number of benefits from a nutritious oatmeal snack! First and foremost, oatmeal is chock-full of fiber, which will aid their digestion. In addition, oatmeal contains vital nutrients such as vitamins A and B, iron, and calcium, perfect for keeping your pup happy and healthy.

However, it’s important for your dog to be receiving the bulk of their nutrients from their regular food. As your dog shouldn’t be eating more than a small portion of oatmeal at once, they won’t be able to rely on it for all the nutrients they need to get through the day. Talk with your vet to ensure your dog’s everyday food is providing for all their nutritional needs.

How Much Oatmeal Can I Give My Dog?

Keep in mind that dogs require far fewer calories than humans to get by, so while a 200-calorie serving of oatmeal wouldn’t be much to you, it’s probably way too much for your furry friend. Not only could this lead to weight gain, but it could also cause an upset stomach for your dog from overeating.

You’ll need to keep servings small whenever you’re feeding your dog oatmeal. Just a tablespoon or two should be fine for most dogs, but as always, consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Should Oatmeal Be Cooked For Dogs?

Yes, you should cook oatmeal before giving it to your dog. While most dogs can digest cooked oatmeal without too much issue, uncooked oatmeal is much harder on their gut. Naturally, this means it’s much easier to upset your pup’s stomach by feeding them raw oats, so it’s best to avoid doing so.

FAQ

When introducing new foods to your pup’s diet, it’s good to be inquisitive, and fortunately, most pet owners are. There are a number of frequently asked questions regarding ways to feed your dog oatmeal, which we’ve listed below.

Is Oatmeal Or Rice Better For Dogs?

It depends on the dog. Both rice and oatmeal are completely safe for dogs to consume, but depending on your dog’s gut as an individual, one may be a better choice than the other. As always, talk to your vet to determine which human foods are best for your dog. However, as long as you clear it with your vet first, feel free to let your pup enjoy both rice and oatmeal!

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal With Milk?

No, and milk should be avoided altogether in your pup’s diet. Lactose intolerance and dairy allergies are extremely common in dogs, so giving your dog milk will naturally cause an upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. Though some dogs can safely consume small amounts of dairy, it’s best not to test the waters.

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Daily?

Probably not. As mentioned before, you shouldn’t replace your dog’s everyday food with oatmeal, as it doesn’t meet all their dietary needs. You’re best off giving your dog the same food as always, while oatmeal can be a special treat a few times weekly. Everything in moderation!

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies?

Yes, as long as you use dog-safe ingredients! This means you’ll have to substitute or omit some of your favorite oatmeal cookie add-ins, such as artificial flavors, dairy, and raisins. If you want to make your own, we’ve written a blog post all about oatmeal cookies for dogs! Of course, if you want to be completely sure your pup’s treat is safe, you can buy them directly from The Dog Bakery, too!

How To Cook Oatmeal For Dogs?

Keep it simple! Your favorite oatmeal toppings may not be safe to feed your dog, so you’ll want to use as few ingredients as possible. Just cook your pup’s oatmeal in water and serve! Without all those extra sugars, fats, and ingredients unsafe for dogs, your pup will be able to enjoy the benefits of their healthy oatmeal snack to the fullest!

Should You Make Oatmeal For Dogs With Diarrhea?

It’s best not to. Oatmeal’s high fiber content makes it excellent for aiding digestion. Of course, if your pup is currently suffering from diarrhea, feeding them high-fiber foods will only exacerbate their digestive issues. Wait until your dog is feeling better, then continue feeding them their regular oatmeal treats!

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal With Brown Sugar?

No, foods with added sugar are not good for your dog. Feeding your dog a high-sugar diet will cause poor dental health, weight gain, and sickness. While brown sugar is admittedly a delicious oatmeal topping for humans, you shouldn’t feed it to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Oats And Honey?

In moderation, yes! Honey is a natural sugar, and won’t have the same negative effects as your typical white sugar. However, it’s quite rich, so if you feed your pup honey, be sure to only use a small amount!

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal With Cinnamon?

Yes, but only in small amounts. Cinnamon isn’t toxic to dogs, but much like humans, they’ll feel some adverse effects from consuming too much. If you want to add cinnamon into your dog’s oatmeal, don’t use very much, and make sure your dog doesn’t react poorly.

For more delicious dog recipes and pre-made snacks, cakes, and more, come visit us at The Dog Bakery! We’re a company made by and for pet lovers, so we want to help dogs enjoy all their humans’ favorite treats safely!

Rocky Kanaka

Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He's also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can't get enough of the dog cakes and treats!

Lorna Ladd

Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.