Oats are an excellent source of protein and fiber, providing energy boosts as well as absorb any extra water that accumulates in their digestive systems. This can help dogs with diarrhea regain strength and hydration levels quickly.
Always opt for oatmeal made with water rather than milk (which can cause lactose intolerance) when feeding it to your pet. Add extra tasty touches like natural peanut butter or mashed banana for optimal palatability.
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High in Fibre
Oats contain beta-glucan fibre, an ideal form of soluble fibre for dogs as it supports their digestive health and slows digestion. They also contain antioxidants which promote skin health. Oats make an ideal addition to their diet; just remember they’re still whole grains so should only be consumed moderately!
When adding oatmeal to your dog’s diet, make sure it’s cooked without added sugars or sweeteners. Plain oatmeal makes an ideal base, and adding ingredients like mashed bananas, blueberries or all-natural peanut butter will spice things up even further. If your pup is skeptical of trying new things quickly introduce it gradually over several days; they might surprise you how soon they begin enjoying this nutritious treat!
Low in Calories
Oats contain low levels of carbohydrates (which provide calories), so per pound they provide less caloric intake than most foods. Furthermore, they offer plenty of protein which is an essential part of a dog’s diet; research indicates that oat protein may even help mitigate food allergies or sensitivities in certain cases.
When feeding oatmeal to dogs, be sure that it is prepared with only water instead of milk (which could upset their tummies) and without sugar or salt. Mash banana or peanut butter for additional flavour if desired but always feed only 1 tablespoon per 20 pounds bodyweight to prevent weight issues or stomach irritations. Oatmeal also provides plenty of soluble fibre that may help support regularity for those pets with digestive or bowel issues.
Low in Fat
Oats are an excellent, nutritious food option for your pup, featuring low levels of fat while being packed full of dietary fibre – which aids regularity and prevents constipation in dogs. Furthermore, they’re full of soluble fibre to feed friendly bacteria in his gut.
Cooked oatmeal is an ideal addition to any dog’s diet as a snack or meal topper, provided it is natural and without added sugars and ingredients that could potentially harm them. Start small and gradually increase amounts over time as excess oats may cause diarrhea, vomiting and bloat.
Add peanut butter (of all-natural variety only!) or some fruit like bananas, berries, apples or pears for extra appeal; raisins, chocolate and cinnamon should be avoided since these could potentially harm dogs. Chia seeds or chopped sardines could add extra protein and Omega 3 fatty acids into their diet too!
High in Iron
Oats contain an abundance of iron which is great for improving circulation in dogs. Oxygen can reach cells more effectively and keep the skin looking its best while also helping to prevent heart disease by lowering LDL-cholesterol and blood pressure [*].
Oatmeal can be particularly helpful in relieving constipation in dogs. Studies have demonstrated its capacity to increase beneficial bacteria counts within their digestive tract.
Cooked oatmeal is easier for pets with stomach issues to digest than raw, so ideally use cooked rather than raw oatmeal when feeding it to them. Any extra ingredients such as salt, sugar or raisins could worsen the situation further and should always be left to cool before giving to your pet. New foods can sometimes cause adverse reactions so always monitor how your pet responds before increasing his or her portion size; any signs of bloating or vomiting should prompt a reduction of portion sizes fed.
