Can dogs eat oatmeal?

Yes, dogs can eat oatmeal. Oats provide fiber, vitamins and minerals, and dogs digest them easily. Just prepare them in water without any additives and feed them in moderation.

What oatmeal does for dogs

Oats contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that supports digestion and has a regulating effect during diarrhea. They also supply B vitamins, iron and magnesium. Oats are low in gluten and wheat, which makes them a possible alternative for dogs with a wheat allergy (though oats do contain avenin, an oat-specific protein that can also trigger intolerances).

Oatmeal works well as a light side dish for a sensitive stomach or after a bout of diarrhea.

What to watch out for

Skip instant oats and porridge mixes that contain sugar, salt or flavorings, as these additives are not suitable for dogs. Use plain oats only and cook them in water. Let them cool completely before feeding.

In large amounts, oatmeal can cause gas or digestive problems.

How to feed oatmeal

Cook the oats in water, let them cool and stir them into your dog's food as a side. You can also sprinkle them raw over the food, in small amounts. Use oatmeal as a supplement, not as a main meal.

Nutritional values and amount

100 g of rolled oats contain roughly 372 kcal, 13.5 g protein, 10 g fiber (of which about 4.5 g is beta-glucan), 5.4 mg iron and 130 mg magnesium. Once cooked in water, the calorie content drops to about 70 kcal per 100 g because the oats soak up water.

Guidelines by body weight (cooked, per meal):

• Small dog (up to 10 kg): 1 tablespoon (about 15 g dry)
• Medium dog (10 to 25 kg): 2 tablespoons (about 30 g dry)
• Large dog (over 25 kg): 3 to 4 tablespoons (about 45 to 60 g dry)

Soaking the oats overnight in water is an alternative to cooking and protects heat-sensitive B vitamins. Store dry oats in a sealed container, where they keep for 6 to 12 months. Use up cooked leftovers from the fridge within 2 days.

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