This breakfast food is easy to prepare and is good for humans and dogs.
Oatmeal is packed with protein, dietary fiber, vitamin A, iron, calcium, vitamin B-6, and magnesium.
Laura Mueller, in “Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?” (The Spruce Pets) , said
“All of the things that make oatmeal good for humans also makes it good for dogs—with a few caveats.”
“A reason why oatmeal is a healthy option for dogs is that it’s relatively bland on its own. Oats cooked just with water—and with no added milk, sugar, or other rich oatmeal toppings—offer your pup a wholesome snack or meal topper that provides all of the vitamins and nutrients mentioned above without any additives that you have to worry about,” Mueller added.
(Credit to the owner /creator of the poster that was shared in Facebook)
It is also god for the dog if you put extra warm (not hot) water to the oatmeal after it has cooked.
Warning
Because of oatmeal’s high fiber content, it is good for dogs who have gastrointestinal or bowel issues. But if the dog has a sensitive stomach, please ask your vet before adding any human food in the dog’s diet.
Choosing the right oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy snack for your dog if you choose the right variety and you cook it correctly.
Here are guidelines you must follow to avoid any issues:
• Cook the oatmeal before giving it to your dog. Never feed the dog raw oats.
• Give only whole grains to dogs or oatmeal made from whole grain oats. Processed grains have less health benefits, and can upset your dog’s stomach.
• Stick to the basics. Check the list of ingredients first if you have chosen pre-packaged oatmeal. Some varieties contain added sugar or other flavorings. These are not good for dogs.
• Give only a small amount as plain, cooked oatmeal contains about 150 calories per cup. Dogs do not need a lot of calories. A 25-pound dog, for example, should eat only about 550 calories a day to maintain their weight. A spoonful (or two) of oatmeal is more than enough.
• Oatmeal is not a meal replacement. Oatmeal does not contain many of the nutrients necessary for a well-rounded canine diet. Use it only as a snack or a meal topper so that your dog will still get what he or she needs.
Safe food to add to oatmeal
Never put brown sugar and maple syrup.
But here are some extras you can add to your dog’s oatmeal:
1. Peanut Butter: Please make sure you give only a teaspoon of an all-natural, no-sugar-added variety.
2. Fruit: Look for a dog-friendly fruit and cut into bite-sized pieces and stir it in. Some of the good fruits for dogs are bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and apples with no skin, seeds and core. Never give avocado and grapes.
3. Pureed Pumpkin: Pumpkin is also rich in fiber. It should be pure pumpkin, or boiled pumpkin, and not pumpkin pie filling.
4. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and brings added flavor to the food without adding calories. Dogs love cinnamon, Mueller said.
5. Plain Yogurt: Plain Greek or standard yogurt will make the oatmeal more delicious. It will bring in a further boost of calcium and vitamins. Please avoid flavored yogurts as they often have a very high sugar content.
6. Sunflower Seeds: Unsalted sunflower seeds are a powerful antioxidant. They are great for dogs. REMOVE THE SHELL, then sprinkle a few kernels on top of your dog’s oatmeal.