Oats are a classic staple for humans, wholesome and nutritious, and of course, tasty! Maybe you enjoy sharing breakfast time with your furry friend, or you are looking for a healthy option to top off their meal. You are probably wondering if oats are good for your dog and the good news is yes! If served in moderation, dogs can benefit from oats too.
Why Are Oats Good for Dogs To Consume?
Proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals make up a balanced diet that is essential for your dog, and a large portion of energy comes from protein and carbohydrates.
Oats are a good source of protein and soluble fiber, and they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are low in gluten, making this grain beneficial for dogs with digestive issues.
Gut health is an essential element of a dog’s healthy immune system, and the fiber in oats helps support the gut microflora. If your dog suffers from wheat allergies, then oats are a great carbohydrate alternative.
They are packed with omega-6 fatty acids that maintain strong, healthy skin and shiny coats. Oats are low in calories and are used as part of a weight-loss formula in dog foods. They’re usually recommended for overweight dogs that need to drop some pounds.
What Types of Oats Are Safe for Dogs?
If you are going to feed your canine oats, they need to be of the best nutritional value and minimally processed.
Raw oats are challenging for your dog to digest, never mind that they will most likely get stuck in their throat. So, cooked oats are a better option, but they should never be flavored or include additives, especially xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. Instant oatmeal is highly processed, and it should be avoided altogether.
Oats should be served in moderation. You can add a small scoop on occasion to your dog’s breakfast to enhance their meal or as a snack, but it is important to be mindful of the portions as oats can pack on extra pounds.
Water is also essential to a balanced diet to keep your dog hydrated, and adding warm water to the oats before serving can help up your dog’s water intake.
Some other healthy additions you can add in moderation to oats for your dogs are cinnamon, peanut butter, pumpkin, fruit, and sunflower seeds.
Are Dogs Allergic to Oats?
Some dogs can have an allergy to oats. In some cases, topical exposure to oats can affect the skin, causing your pet to break out in a rash or cause the skin to itch and become inflamed. A dietary allergy can present the same symptoms along with some gastrointestinal discomforts, such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Oatmeal allergies are not common in dogs, and oatmeal can be used to help relieve symptoms of an allergic reaction as the nutrients found in oatmeal can help soothe the skin from itching. Oats are usually used in dog food to replace wheat or other grains that dogs may be allergic to, as they are high in protein and fat, have a good balance of amino acids, and contain a lot of fiber.
Final Thoughts
Although oats can provide many nutritional benefits, oatmeal should never replace a dog’s meal or become a staple in their diet. It is best to serve oats as a snack or meal topper in small portions, and they should be introduced gradually to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
It’s safe to say that your hearty bowl of oats can be shared with your pooch at breakfast time, as long as they are not full of sugar, artificial flavors, and additives. It is always recommended to consult with your vet as they know best!
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