This article reviews whether dogs can — and should — eat oatmeal . plowshare on PinterestKevin Gilgan/Stocksy United
Contents
Benefits
Oatmeal is highly alimentary and has been associated with several electric potential health benefits .
Promotes skin health
Oats are rich in B vitamins and linoleic acid, a character of omega-6 fatty acid fatty acerb ( 1 ). b vitamins play a key function in skin health and may be involved in the production of healthy hide cells ( 2 ). interim, linoleic acid is besides essential for clamber health and can help maintain the integrity of the hide barrier, promote wound mend, and facilitate inflammation ( 3 ). Although these benefits have not been studied in dogs specifically, frank skin is similar to human skin .
Supports digestion
Oatmeal is high in roughage, with over 4 grams of fiber in each cook cup ( 240 grams ) ( 1 ). Fiber has been linked to a number of likely health benefits, particularly in terms of digestive health. Fiber moves slowly through your body undigested, adding bulk to stool to support regularity ( 4 ). Although studies in dogs specifically are specify, research suggests that increased fiber intake may be beneficial for treating stultification ( 5, 6 ) .
May lower cholesterol levels
If your frump has high cholesterol levels ascribable to metabolic or genetic health conditions, oatmeal may be beneficial. This is because oats are a good source of beta glucan, a type of fiber that has been associated with improved heart health ( 7 ). Humans studies have shown that oats could help reduce cholesterol levels, particularly in people with eminent cholesterol ( 8, 9 ). One study in 14 dogs observed similar findings, showing that supplementing with oat beta glucan for 71 days reduced levels of sum and LDL ( bad ) cholesterol ( 10 ). however, more big, high timbre studies are needed to confirm whether oats may help lower cholesterol levels in dogs .
summary Although more research is needed, oatmeal may help support skin health, promote regularity, and lower cholesterol levels. however, studies on these benefits in dogs specifically are limited .
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Potential side effects
Although oats are a great reference of nutrients, keep in mind that not all types are suitable for your furred supporter. In particular, raw oats can be difficult for your dog to digest and may cause abdomen upset. You should besides steer clear of season varieties, which are often high in boodle and may contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, raisins, or the boodle alcohol xylitol ( 11, 12 ). additionally, be sure to prepare oats with water alternatively of milk, as many dogs can not digest lactose very well ( 13 ). last, keep in mind that increasing their character intake excessively cursorily can besides cause unpleasant digestive side effects, including flatulence or bloat ( 14, 15 ). To keep negative side effects at bay, it ’ sulfur recommended for roughage intakes to increase lento over time by 1–3 grams per day, vitamin a well as with enough of water .
summary While oatmeal can be alimentary, certain types may contain ingredients that are undesirable for dogs and can cause adverse digestive side effects .
Do any dog foods contain oatmeal?
According to the american Kennel Club, you can typically feed dogs around one tablespoon ( 15 grams ) of cook oatmeal for every 20 pounds ( 9 kilogram ) of consistency weight ( 16 ). Given its rich content of soluble roughage, oatmeal has besides become an increasingly coarse ingredient in many types of commercial frump food ( 17 ). It ’ second particularly popular among pet owners with dogs who have trouble tolerating early grains, such as wheat. Some specific examples of dog food that contain oatmeal include :
- Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oatmeal Formula
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish and Oatmeal Recipe
- Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Venison Meal, Brown Rice & Oatmeal Recipe
summary respective popular types of commercial cad food check oatmeal .
The bottom line
When fix by rights, oatmeal can be a healthy summation to your cad ’ randomness diet. Be sure to lone feed dogs cooked oatmeal and choose for plain varieties prepared with water system rather of milk.
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You should besides increase their inhalation gradually to assess your dog ’ mho tolerance. however, keep in mind that oatmeal should be included as separate of a balance diet and not be used to replace commercial dog food. additionally, it ’ s a beneficial idea to consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your cad ’ south diet, particularly if they have any underlie health conditions .