Oatmeal is the perfect breakfast to warm up the winter. It’s also delicious, highly customizable and healthy. For us humans, oatmeal is a good source of protein, fiber, folate, copper, zinc, B vitamins and beta-glucan.
But can dogs get in on the fun? Treat your dog to frequent snacks. It may not even be your choice – rambunctious people can jump on the table or on the table to grab a bite.
Here’s what an expert has to say about oatmeal and your furry friend’s health.
Can dogs eat oatmeal?
Oatmeal and oats aren’t toxic to dogs, so there’s no need to panic if a pup sneaks into your breakfast.
But just because you can eat something doesn’t mean you should, he says Veterinarian Diana Watkins, With 143 veterinary services in Massachusetts. The oats themselves are not dangerous, but a bowl of oatmeal can contain foods that are harmful to dogs, such as raisins, chocolate or sugar substitutes. For example, Xylitol is toxic to dogs and has Fatal consequences.
Is oatmeal good for dogs?
Although not harmful, there is no real benefit to feeding your dog oatmeal. Overfilling can lead to an unbalanced diet, especially for small dogs with low calorie needs. Formulated dog food provides everything dogs need for a balanced diet. Overfilling your dog’s diet with human food It can cause food shortage.
If you think oatmeal is a more digestible option for a dog with an upset stomach, go for white or brown rice instead.
“Those are very tried-and-true and safe,” says Watkins.
However, oatmeal makes a healthy addition to your dog’s shampoo, says Watkins. Because it is gentle and nourishing, veterinarians often use colloidal oatmeal shampoo on sensitive skin.
What human foods can dogs eat?
Owners should generally be careful when giving human food to dogs.
While some are pet-approved treats — Watkins likes to feed her dog bits of carrots, cheese, low-sodium unflavored rice cakes, turkey and cottage cheese — others, like wine and chocolate, are bad for dogs. Some foods, such as bananas and broccoli, are not toxic, but your dog will not benefit from eating them.
See here for a list of safe and non-toxic foods for dogs.
Make sure the food you are giving your dog is not flavored with onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs, especially in powdered form.
“I’m a big fan … of offering even high-quality kibble as a treat because it’s balanced,” Watkins says. “That way, you’re not inadvertently creating any imbalances.
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