Adding oats to your dog’s diet is not only healthy, but it can also be a great way to help boost their overall health.
Oats contain a variety of important nutrients, including fiber, protein and carbohydrates. They’re also a good source of heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
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Boosts Digestion
Oats are a great source of fiber, which helps improve digestion and normalize blood sugar levels in dogs. They’re also high in linoleic acid, which promotes healthy skin and coat.
A high-fiber diet can also be helpful for dogs with GI problems, including diarrhea and constipation. Adding oatmeal to their diet can help them maintain regular bowel movements, and may be especially helpful for older pets who are more likely to experience these issues.
Unlike humans, dogs don’t digest fiber the same way we do, so feeding them too much of it can upset their gastrointestinal tract and lead to unwanted symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting.
If you do decide to give your dog oats, make sure they’re cooked and plain without any added sugar or milk. Using too much sugar can cause them to gain weight, and feeding them too many calories can lead to bloat.
Lowers Cholesterol
Oats for dogs lower cholesterol because they are high in linoleic acid, which is the fatty acid that helps dissolve fat. They also contain antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative damage, as well as fiber to prevent constipation.
In some pets, a deficiency of the fat-digesting enzyme lipase can cause a condition called hyperlipidemia. Miniature schnauzers seem to be particularly susceptible, but other breeds like Briards, Rottweilers and Shetland sheepdogs have also been found to be at risk.
A number of medical conditions can lead to high blood fats, including diseases of the liver and kidneys (nephrotic syndrome), diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease and pancreatitis. Once these illnesses are treated, the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol return to normal.
However, if you notice that your dog’s cholesterol or triglycerides are unusually high, you should discuss it with your veterinarian. They may be able to rule out other possible causes and suggest a change in your dog’s diet.
Helps With Weight Loss
Oatmeal helps with weight loss in dogs by causing them to feel full and suppressing their appetite. This is especially useful when you’re reducing their feeding amount and calories.
It also has a high-fiber content, which can help regulate their bowel movements and prevent constipation. This is important for older dogs, who are often more prone to gastrointestinal issues.
The fiber in oats works to feed the friendly bacteria in your dog’s gut and aid digestion, so they can break down food more easily. This can make oats the perfect addition to your pet’s diet if they have digestive problems, or if you’re looking to add an extra element of fiber to their meals.
However, oats are also rich in carbohydrates and calories, which means they can be unhealthy when eaten in large amounts. This can cause canine obesity, which can lead to a variety of other health concerns. In order to avoid this, only give your dog a small amount of oatmeal as a treat once in a while.
Helps With Skin & Coat
If you have a dog that has dry, itchy skin, oats for dogs can help relieve their irritation. They are rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E that promote healthy skin and coats for dogs.
The oats in an oatmeal bath also help the skin to form a barrier that locks moisture into the fur and prevents it from escaping. It’s a gentle, inexpensive and non-toxic home remedy that can be used for minor itching and flaking in dogs, especially those with atopic dermatitis.
To make a bath, combine 1 tablespoon of ground oats with 2 cups of warm water. If you have a bathtub, fill it with the mixture and let your dog soak for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing and towel drying.
