Can I give my dog oatmeal?
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Owners should know about the health benefits of oatmeal since sometimes it can really help out. Serving this classic breakfast food may alleviate your dog’s upset stomach, uncomfortable gas, mild vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
So it is true that oatmeal can improve digestion. At the same time, your dog may benefit from the high levels of fiber, iron and vitamin B-6 in these healthy oats. This is one of the more appropriate human foods for a pet pooch.
But even though it is generally appropriate to serve on occasion, there are some important things to know regarding oatmeal and dogs. We’ll cover all the bases right here.
Can I Give My Dog Oatmeal? Answer: Yes
It can be given and is sometimes very useful for digestion.
Just be sure to prepare and serve your oatmeal properly. Obviously, it should be cooked when fed to your dog. Perhaps more importantly, use a plain variety with no artificial fruits or flavorings. It’s best to avoid any added sweetness. Feed your dog oatmeal, with no sugar at all, for maximum health benefits.
If you are looking for a consistent and convenient way to incorporate oatmeal into your dog’s diet then consider this highly regarded dry oatmeal recipe dog food. It’s 100% natural and contains probiotics and flaxseed.
When to Serve Oatmeal
Oatmeal, by itself, doesn’t contain a huge amount of protein. That’s okay because you aren’t going to serve it to your dog on a regular basis. Instead, use it when it’s appropriate because oatmeal cannot replace your dog’s regular diet.
The best use of this hearty and delicious grain meal is when your dog is having mild digestive issues. Irregular bowel movements are probably an ideal time to turn to good old oatmeal as a safe fix.
Older dogs can benefit the most from consuming prepared oats since they tend to be more likely to need digestive help.
Tips for Pet Preparation
Oatmeal should be prepared with no added sodium (salt) or sugar. For extra protein, you could add an egg. Cool the oatmeal to near room temperature so your dog’s mouth doesn’t get burned. The best type is the slow-cooked kind that takes ten minutes or so.
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Avoid serving instant brands since they usually add all kinds of artificial ingredients. Oatmeal should be made using water since milk may not agree with Fido’s stomach. Try mixing some in with regular dog food. Also, consider getting quality dog biscuits that incorporate oatmeal.
Oatmeals’s Health Benefits
Admittedly, some of oatmeal’s health benefits don’t exactly apply to dogs. For example, this food may help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Dogs have relatively short lives and don’t really suffer from the same heart issues.
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But if your best buddy has a weight problem, oatmeal may actually help out. It can also serve as a way to top up on some important nutrients, including iron, which are sometimes lacking in mediocre dog foods.
Foods for Fido’s Fiber
The biggest oatmeal health benefit, as it applies to dogs, is what the fiber can do for the digestive system. Other ways to achieve a similar result is with brown rice, apples or unseasoned canned pumpkin.
Conclusion on Oatmeal
Yes, you can feed your dog oatmeal. Provide it when the time is right. Oatmeal can work wonders for improving canine digestion. If your dog has problems with bowel movements, then serving some may help them improve. Be sure to cook it, but let it cool down before they chow down. Plain oatmeal is best but you can add certain foods to make it more tasty.