Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Why oatmeal is good for dogs in moderation

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

If you’ve been wondering, “Is oatmeal healthy for dogs?” we’ve got great news. Oats are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates for people, so it only makes sense that they’re a healthy food for dogs, too. Still, it’s not as simple as it seems. Although oatmeal is safe for canine snacking, there are a few things you need to remember when serving it to your fur baby. A healthy pup is a happy pup, after all!

A bowl of oatmeal and blueberries sits on a breakfast table
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Is oatmeal good for dogs?

Although moderation is key, even for a good thing, oatmeal can be a healthy piece of your dog’s diet. Oats contain beneficial nutrients such as fiber, vitamin B, and omega-6 fatty acids. Fiber can help regulate blood sugar and bowel movements, while vitamin B and omega-6s contribute to a healthy, shiny coat.

Recommended Videos

Do be careful: Fiber can be quite healthful, but it can also cause intestinal upset in some dogs. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your pup for a while after trying new foods. There are certainly ways to prepare this breakfast staple that will help your dog digest it more easily, including serving her only cooked oatmeal. Raw oats might be great for people, but the same can’t be said for pups.

How much oatmeal is healthy for dogs?

Generally, you should be feeding your dog no more than one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal per 20 pounds of body weight. So, for example, a 60-pound husky could eat up to three tablespoons in one sitting.

Portion control is important for a variety of reasons. Not only does it make sure that your pup isn’t consuming too many carbs, but it also reduces her risk for a life-threatening condition called bloat. Diarrhea, vomiting, and other stomach upset can also be a consequence of too much human food — even oatmeal.

When in doubt, you can always ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on portion control or the best snacks and treats for your dog.

A golden retriever licks his nose and lies in front of a food bowl
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to prepare oatmeal for dogs

As much as you may want to share a bite of your breakfast, you should consider a few things first. Here’s what you need to know:

Don’t feed your dog instant oatmeal

Instant oatmeal can be delicious, but it can also contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Sugars themselves won’t be an issue in small quantities, but if your instant oatmeal contains xylitol — an artificial sweetener — you may be in trouble. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, and it can hide in unexpected places.

Do use water instead of milk

If you use milk to make your oatmeal in the morning, this may not be the best to give to your pet. Many dogs, like people, are sensitive or intolerant to dairy products — and you may not find out until it’s too late. Symptoms like diarrhea, loose stools, and vomiting can happen rather quickly.

Milk is also much higher in fat, which can lead to conditions such as obesity, heart disease, or pancreatitis over time. This is just another reason why moderation is key to a healthy dog, no matter what you’re feeding them.

Do feed plain oatmeal to your dog

It’s a smart idea to scoop out a portion of plain oatmeal for your dog before you add any toppings like fruit, butter, or brown sugar. Many of these toppings on their own aren’t harmful to dogs, but human food is still more likely to upset her stomach if fed too often. A small bite of an apple or a few blueberries can be a great treat, though sugars and other toppings need to be avoided.

Use your best judgment and don’t be afraid to do your research before feeding your dog anything new. Popular oatmeal complements like grapes, raisins, and chocolate all contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, so be extra careful when preparing breakfast for yourself with these items around.

Don’t worry, though: Once you’ve taken a few extra steps to ensure your dog’s safety, oatmeal can make a delicious and healthy occasional snack for your pup. She might really appreciate the new taste and texture, too! So all that’s left now is to give it a try. What are you waiting for?

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Why is my dog drooling? Here’s when to be concerned about sudden or excessive dog salivation
This is why your dog slobbers all over you and themselves
A drooling Irish Setter looks to the side

Although St. Bernards, Mastiffs, and several other large breeds are known for their tendency to drool, it may be quite a shock if your usually drool-free pup suddenly starts to salivate. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place if you find yourself asking, "Why is my dog drooling?"
We’ve looked into many causes of excessive and sudden salivation, from the easy fixes to the more concerning problems. Most likely, drooling is nothing to worry about, but it never hurts to take a more careful look — especially if your pup is behaving oddly. Here’s everything you’ll want to know about canine salivation.

Why is my dog drooling and is sudden or excessive drooling a cause for concern?
Though drooling has many harmless causes, which we'll cover later in this article, you may want to keep a closer eye on your pet if you notice sudden salivation — especially if it’s a large amount.
Nausea and stomachaches are common causes of sudden drooling for dogs, although they will be temporary. If you think about it, many humans experience the very same thing! You may also notice vomiting or lethargy if your pet has ingested something they’re not supposed to, so don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your best buddy’s wellbeing.
On a more urgent note, dogs may also salivate if a foreign object becomes lodged anywhere in the mouth or throat. This can become a dangerous situation if the object blocks their airways, so you should waste no time in getting your fur baby to your closest veterinarian’s office if this could be the case.
Excessive, sudden drooling can also occur when a dog is overheated. Ashely Gallagher, DVM, explains that although salivation can act as a way of cooling off, just like panting, dogs don’t usually resort to this technique unless they are having trouble regulating their temperature through panting alone.
One last cause of sudden drooling is an upper respiratory infection. An illness of the nose, throat, or sinuses is more likely for pups who have been in group settings, such as shelters or kennels, but any dog can catch one, according to Amy Flowers, DVM. Luckily, your veterinarian will be able to guide you toward the best treatment for your furry friend. In most cases, it's a quick fix!

Read more
Gentle giants: 6 big dog breeds that make great family pets
Family dogs: Large dog breeds perfect for families with children
A Bernese mountain dog stands in the middle of a wooded trail

Large dogs can be intimidating to some, but the truth is that many of them are as sweet as can be -- especially with children! Although it may sound surprising, we've all heard the term "gentle giant" used to describe large dog breeds like Great Danes and Saint Bernards. It should come as no surprise that they can be great with kids with a reputation like that, but they're not the only family dogs out there!

These five big dog breeds make wonderful pets for anyone with kids. They have a history of being patient and gentle with children, and they all respond well to positive reinforcement training. With the right amount of attention and love, any of these dogs can be your child's best friend.

Read more
5 surefire ways to keep your dog off your bed and get a good night’s sleep
Dog sleeping in the bed? Here are some ways to avoid that behavior
Big dog lying on bed

One of the most lovable things about dogs is their attachment to you, their pet parent. They want to be wherever you are — no ifs, ands, or buts. Although you, of course, adore spending time with your four-legged friend, there are times when you might want your space — for instance, when it's time to go to sleep.

Dogs don't always understand these boundaries at first, but it is possible to train them to sleep in their crate, a dog bed, or anywhere else you prefer that's not your sleeping spot. With these five tips and tricks, you can learn how to keep your dog off your bed and in their own in no time.

Read more