Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Can dogs eat oats? Dogs can eat oats as long as it is done in moderation. Rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, this grain can make a positive difference in your canine friend’s health.
However, knowing the potential downsides of oats is also important to find out if it is an excellent addition to his diet.
3 Health Benefits of Oats for Dogs
Oats is one of the most well-known grains around the world. Often affordable and versatile to use, this human food can be easily incorporated into your dog’s meals. Feeding it to him offers the following health perks:
Aids in Weight Management
Oats are a great source of soluble fiber, especially beta-glucans. According to a study, this type of fiber can help obese dogs lose weight as it can reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c).
Both types of cholesterol are tied to unhealthy weight gain. Moreover, they cause cardiovascular health issues like atherosclerosis and stroke.
A review also detailed that eating oats boosted the composition of beneficial gut microbes in animals.
It reduced fat buildup as well as blood glucose and cholesterol levels. All of these factors contributed to weight loss, leading to a lower risk of metabolic-related disorders.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Is your dog sick due to a skin issue? Oats can be used topically to address certain dermatological problems in dogs.
Several human studies have noted that colloidal oatmeal possesses antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which combat itchiness, dryness, and scaling.
Colloidal oatmeal is created by blitzing raw oats in a blender or food processor until fine. Then combine it with water to form a topical paste.
One research article mentioned that using veterinary oatmeal-based products on mildly pruritic dogs relatively improves their condition.
Experts observed that colloidal oatmeal is capable of offering short-term relief, typically ranging between 24 and 48 hours.
Eases the Passing of Poop
Can dogs eat oats if they suffer from constipation? Yes, they can! According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, ½ cup of oat bran provides nearly 3 grams of fiber.
Constipated pooches may benefit from eating this human food as its fiber content helps them form softer stools.
It does so by increasing water absorption and adding bulk to the feces. As a result, dogs can easily eliminate without uncomfortable and sometimes painful straining.
Read: Can Dogs Eat Lentils: 5 Health Benefits and 4 Risks
3 Risks of Feeding Oats to Dogs
Are oats safe for dogs to eat? Oats are a nutritious option for your canine companion, but do not be too hasty in adding them to his diet. You need to know beforehand the potential downsides to incorporating oats into his meals.
1. Induce Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms
Can dogs eat oats if they have gluten problems? Oats are naturally gluten-free. However, a study revealed that a high percentage of oat-based gluten-free products on the market have shown gluten cross-contamination.
This issue is usually caused when tools used for transporting, milling, and processing oats are also used for gluten-containing grains without proper sanitation.
Unlike humans, canines do not suffer from celiac disease, but some breeds are prone to ailments like gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE) and paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia (PGSD).
Consuming cross-contaminated oats can induce diarrhea and weight loss in pets with GSE.
On the other hand, dogs born with PGSD are in danger of exhibiting involuntary movements on their limbs, which are sometimes accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting.
If your furry pal is predisposed to either of these health issues, be careful in choosing oat-based products.
Go for the ones that bear third-party certifications, like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) logo. Look for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration “gluten-free” label as well.
2. Digestive Problems
Feeding your dog oats promotes good gut health as this human food is high in fiber. However, if consumed in large amounts, it can have the opposite effect.
Excessive fiber in the digestive tract can ferment if not fully digested. This process produces gas, which can lead to stomach upset and other GI issues like diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and stomach cramps.
Thus, we recommend offering it to your furry pal in moderation. Ideally, use 1 tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of body weight.
When introducing oats to your dog’s diet, give it to him in small amounts first as it helps their stomach adjust to the new food.
3. Poor Mineral Absorption
Phytic acid is an antioxidant naturally occurring in many grains, including oats. Unfortunately, it exhibits antinutrient properties that impede absorption of certain minerals like iron and zinc. Eating too much of this grain may lead to nutritional deficiencies.
This is another good reason why eating oats should be done within limits. If your furry pal is yet to reach adulthood, consult with a trusted veterinarian or a certified vet nutritionist if adding oats to his diet is a sound decision.
Puppies need to acquire sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals from their meals for their bodies to develop properly. Feeding them oats might keep them from achieving optimal nutrition.
FAQs About Oats for Dogs
1. Can I Put Oatmeal on My Dog?
You can put colloidal oatmeal on your dog to provide him with temporary relief if he has itchy skin. It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in mitigating pruritus.
However, keep in mind that colloidal oatmeal only has short-term efficacy, lasting around 1 to 2 days. Thus, it should be used as a supplementary treatment.
2. Will Oatmeal Help a Dog’s Upset Stomach?
Yes, oatmeal can help settle down a dog’s upset stomach due to its digestibility. Feeding it to them lessens the workload of their digestive system.
When preparing oatmeal for your canine friend, choose a product that has no added sugar. Xylitol is one of the artificial sweeteners you should watch out for since it is toxic to dogs.
Steer clear of any oatmeal varieties containing chocolate or raisins too. Both of these ingredients are highly toxic to your dog’s diet.
Conclusion
Oats are a good addition to your dog’s diet because they contain plenty of fiber, which promotes weight loss and combats constipation. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties it has are also found to reduce itchy skin.
Have you decided to give your pooch cooked oats? Remember to abide by the ideal feeding amount to avoid the risk of digestive issues and deficiencies.
If your dog has gluten sensitivity, be extra vigilant in selecting oat-based products since they are prone to cross-contamination.
