Quick Answer
Yes, you can give your dog oatmeal for breakfast, as long as it is plain oatmeal and not instant flavored oatmeal. Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber, which can aid digestion and help your dog feel full. It also contains manganese, selenium, and various B vitamins. Just make sure to cook the oatmeal and don’t add anything to it. Give your dog about 1/4 cup of oatmeal for every 20 pounds of body weight. Introduce it slowly and monitor for any digestive issues.
Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?
Oatmeal is generally very good for dogs. Here are some of the benefits:
- High in soluble fiber – Soluble fiber can provide the following benefits:
- Improves digestion – Soluble fiber helps move food through the digestive tract and promotes regular bowel movements.
- Aids weight loss – Fiber makes dogs feel fuller for longer. This can help dogs eat less and lose weight if needed.
- Helps regulate blood sugar – Soluble fiber slows down the absorption of glucose and may help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Rich in manganese and selenium – Manganese supports bone health and metabolism. Selenium is an important antioxidant that plays a role in thyroid health.
- Contains B vitamins – Oatmeal provides B vitamins like thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid and folate. B vitamins help metabolize food into energy.
- Easily digestible – Oatmeal is made from oat groats that have been dehusked and lightly steamed. This makes it easy for most dogs to digest.
- Bland flavor – The mild flavor of plain oatmeal is palatable for most dogs.
So in moderation, oatmeal can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. Make sure to stick to plain, cooked oatmeal though – not instant flavored oats, which contain lots of sugar and artificial flavors.
How Much Oatmeal Should I Feed My Dog?
When first introducing oatmeal, start slowly with small amounts to avoid digestive upset. Here are some general feeding guidelines:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 tablespoons
- Medium dogs (21-50 lbs): 3-5 tablespoons
- Large dogs (51-90 lbs): 1/4 – 1/2 cup
- Giant dogs (over 90 lbs): 1/2 – 1 cup
In general, feed about 1/4 cup oatmeal for every 20 pounds of your dog’s body weight. You can serve it 1-2 times per week as part of a balanced diet. Monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust amounts accordingly.
How to Cook Oatmeal for Your Dog
Always cook oatmeal before feeding it to your dog. Here’s a simple way to make it:
- Take 1/2 to 1 cup of rolled or old-fashioned oats and add 2 cups of water or low-sodium chicken/vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm.
- Serve plain or add a small amount of coconut oil, pumpkin puree, or low-fat yogurt for flavor (optional).
Do not use instant flavored oatmeal packets, which can contain sugar, artificial flavors, and other additives. Stick to plain oats with no added salt or sweeteners.
Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Every Day?
While oatmeal is very healthy for dogs, it shouldn’t make up a large part of their regular diet. Oatmeal every day can lead to nutritional imbalances over time.
Here are some downsides of feeding oatmeal daily:
- Calorie dense – Oatmeal is relatively high in calories, so overfeeding can lead to weight gain.
- Phytates – Oatmeal contains phytic acid, which may inhibit absorption of some minerals like iron, zinc and calcium if fed excessively.
- Oxalates – Oats have oxalates, compounds that can bind to calcium and cause kidney or bladder stones when dogs ingest too much.
To avoid these risks, limit oatmeal to no more than 1-2 times per week as an occasional treat. Make sure your dog’s primary diet consists of a high-quality commercial dog food or balanced homemade meals. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about feeding oatmeal.
What Types of Oatmeal Can Dogs Eat?
The healthiest oatmeal options for dogs include:
- Rolled oats – Also called old-fashioned oats, these are whole oat groats that have been steamed and rolled into flakes.
- Steel-cut oats – These consist of whole oat groats cut into smaller pieces rather than rolled.
- Quick oats – These are cut oats that have been partly cooked and dried for faster preparation.
Avoid instant flavored oatmeal packets or pre-made oatmeal with added sugar, salt and flavors. Also do not feed oat bran which is very high in phytates.
When choosing oats, look for certified gluten-free oats if your dog has a gluten allergy or sensitivity. Be sure to read the ingredients label carefully and check for any added ingredients.
Can Puppies Eat Oatmeal?
Oatmeal can be fed to puppies in moderation, once they are weaned and eating solid food, typically around 3-4 weeks old. Start with very small amounts, such as 1-2 teaspoons per day, and gradually increase to a few tablespoons daily as your puppy grows.
Here are some tips for feeding oatmeal to puppies:
- Use cooked rolled or steel-cut oats – Avoid instant oatmeal
- Mash or blend well to prevent choking
- Mix with warm water or puppy formula to soften
- Don’t exceed 1-4 tablespoons for small breed puppies
- Start slowly and monitor stool for diarrhea
- Don’t replace balanced puppy food – Oatmeal should be <10% of diet
Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about incorporating oatmeal into your puppy’s diet. Only introduce new foods once your puppy is fully weaned.
Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal With Fruits or Veggies?
Plain oatmeal is perfectly fine for dogs. You can add a small amount of fruits or veggies to provide some extra flavor and nutrients. Some healthy mix-ins for dogs include:
- Sliced banana (remove peel)
- Blueberries or raspberries
- Sliced apple or pear
- Pumpkin puree
- Carrots, peas, sweet potato
- Low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese
When adding mix-ins, keep it to 1 tablespoon or less per 1/2 cup oatmeal. Introduce new ingredients slowly. Also be cautious of choking hazards from fruits/veggies for small dogs.
Avoid adding butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, milk, or other sweeteners and flavorings meant for human consumption. Keep oatmeal healthy and simple for dogs.
What Should I Avoid Putting in My Dog’s Oatmeal?
Certain ingredients should be avoided when making oatmeal for your dog:
- Salt
- Sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol
- Butter, oils, or other fats
- Milk – Can cause digestive upset
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla
- Nuts, coconut flakes, granola, dried fruit
- Chocolate, coffee, jelly, jam, syrup
- Onions, garlic, chives
These add-ins are unhealthy for dogs or even toxic in some cases. Keep the oatmeal plain and simple. If you want to mix in a healthy fruit or veggie, keep it to a small amount. Avoid flavored instant oatmeal packets and stick to plain cooked oats.
Are There Any Risks of Feeding My Dog Oatmeal?
When fed properly, oatmeal is safe for most dogs. However, there are some risks and precautions to be aware of:
- Choking hazard – Especially for small dogs. Serve thickened and mashed.
- Digestive upset – If introduced too quickly or fed in excess.
- Allergies – Dogs may be allergic to oats.
- Bloat – Canine bloat if dogs eat then exercise rigorously.
- Weight gain – If fed too frequently or in too large amounts.
- Nutritional deficits – If oatmeal makes up a significant portion of diet.
Start slowly with small amounts of oatmeal. Discontinue feeding if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, itching, or other signs of food intolerance. Seek veterinary advice if in doubt.
What Dog Breeds Should Not Eat Oatmeal?
Most dogs can safely eat moderate amounts of oatmeal. However, it’s best to avoid feeding oatmeal to:
- Puppies under 12 weeks old – Stick to puppy formula and food at this age.
- Small toy breeds – Choking risk from oats.
- Dogs with grain allergies – Oats are a grain.
- Obese and overweight dogs – Extra calories from oatmeal can exacerbate obesity issues.
- Old dogs with dental issues – Difficulty chewing oats.
- Dogs with kidney disease or bladder stones – Excess oxalates may be problematic.
- Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease or gluten sensitivity.
Of course, every dog is unique. Monitor your dog closely when first giving oatmeal and stop if you see any signs of intolerance. Consult your vet if you are concerned about feeding oatmeal to your dog.
Oatmeal Recipe Ideas for Dogs
Once your dog tolerates plain oatmeal well, you can get creative with healthy mix-ins. Here are some dog-friendly oatmeal recipes to try:
Pumpkin Oat Delight
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 cup water or low-sodium broth
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
Cook oatmeal in broth, then stir in pumpkin puree and coconut oil.
Apple and Yogurt Oatmeal
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
- 1 slice apple, chopped
Prepare oatmeal with water, allow to cool, then mix in Greek yogurt and apples.
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 slice banana, mashed
Cook oatmeal in water, then swirl in peanut butter and banana.
Conclusion
Oatmeal can be a healthy treat for dogs if fed properly. Plain cooked oats provide fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Limit to 1-2 times per week and avoid instant flavored oatmeal. Introduce slowly, especially for puppies, and monitor your dog’s stool and weight. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about incorporating oatmeal into your dog’s diet. With some basic precautions, oatmeal can be a beneficial addition for most dogs.